Italy is set to mandate vaccination against COVID-19 for all people 50 years of age and over, in a bid to reduce the pressure on its healthcare services and decrease deaths, revealed a draft decree on Wednesday.

The draft seen by Reuters states that the move will be effective immediately and will continue till June 15. If confirmed, it would make Italy one of the few countries in Europe to take similar steps.

The draft also states that from the beginning of February till the end of March, only those who have a proof of vaccination or recent infection will be allowed to visit public offices, non-essential shops, banks, post-offices and hairdressers.

Vaccination had already been made mandatory for teachers and healthcare workers in the country, and since October, 2021, all employees are required to be vaccinated or show a negative test report before entering the workplace… (NDTV – Reuters, January 6, 2022)