Italy waives the 2 G rule

Rome: While the Green Pass is no longer available in most public spaces, the mask requirement in many places has been extended until June 15th. Image: dpa

From May 1, many public areas in Italy will be accessible again without proof of vaccination or recovery. However, the mask requirement remains in effect, as do some entry and exit regulations.

In Italy, the mandatory presentation of the vaccination card under the 2-G rule in most public spaces falls on Sunday. From May 1, the so-called Green Pass will be abolished, which was previously displayed inside restaurants and bars, as well as when visiting cinemas, concert halls and sports facilities, as well as nightclubs and shops other than supermarkets. The Green Pass will only be needed until the end of the year to enter hospitals or health centers. However, the mask requirement in the aforementioned facilities and on trains, subways and buses, as well as for attending events in closed rooms, will be extended until June 15.

Matthias Rub

Political correspondent for Italy, Vatican, Albania and Malta based in Rome.

Even in educational institutions, the mask requirement remains in place, despite protests from educators. Wearing a mask is recommended in workplaces, unless there is a company agreement on mandatory mask use. Health Minister Roberto Speranza continued to warn citizens to be careful: “The pandemic is not over yet.”

Adding to the usual confusion with often conflicting regulations in Italy is the fact that a vaccination certificate or negative rapid test must be presented by 31 May when entering or traveling abroad, although this requirement has not been enforced for a long time. time. The obligation to fill in the European form to determine the whereabouts of travelers (Passenger Locator Form) when entering Italy, which has also almost never been verified in the past, will be definitively abolished on May 1.