Italy – UCC. Restaurants, museums, swimming pools, amusement parks – obligation to show the COVID-19 certificate – since when?

The EU COVID Certificate (UCC) will have to be presented by everyone over the age of 12. The certificate is issued on the basis of a vaccination certificate, recovery from COVID-19 or a negative coronavirus test result in the last 48 hours.

At the same time, there will be exceptions. As we read on the website of the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the requirement to present a certificate will not apply to people who are not covered by the national vaccination program against COVID-19 in accordance with Italian regulations, children under 12 years of age, and people who have a medical certificate confirming the existence of contraindications for vaccination.

WATCH TVN24 ON THE INTERNET ON TVN24 GO >>>

Mario Draghi’s government prepared legislation on the matter in late July, as the country faced the threat of a fourth wave of the pandemic caused by the Delta variant. 62 percent of the population in the Apennine Peninsula are fully vaccinated.

According to the decree in the white zone, in which all Italy is currently present, the pass is granted after the first dose of the vaccine and is valid for 9 months. You can present the pass in a digital version or a certificate on paper.

Only their owners can enter bars, restaurants, confectioneries, ice cream parlors and other dining options in closed rooms from Friday. Without UCC, you will be able to drink coffee at the bar. In closed premises, no more than 6 people can sit at the table. In the region, which will later be marked with a yellow zone of raised restrictions, premises in closed rooms will be served at tables until 6 p.m.

Moreover, the list of such places available upon presentation of this document includes swimming pools, gyms, fitness centers, and sports halls. The certificate will also have to be presented at the entrance to museums, monuments, theaters, cinemas, cultural centers, exhibitions, conventions and congresses, thermal baths, amusement parks, fairs, games rooms, casinos and bookmakers. The pass order for wedding participants had already been introduced.

As we read on the website of the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the obligation to verify the certificates rests with the event organizers or facility personnel. “Violation of the regulations on certificates results in a fine of EUR 400-1000 for both the person running the business / organizing the event and the person who illegally used the service / participated in the event” – it was indicated.

In the case of catering establishments and other establishments that are subject to the obligation to inspect them, there are administrative penalties for violating the regulations – a closure order from one to ten days.

The Italian government also wants to introduce the obligation to have a COVID-19 pass for teachers and all staff of schools at all levels and universities. A decision on this issue is expected in the near future. The extraordinary pandemic commissioner, General Francesco Figliuolo, asked the regional authorities to provide information on how many teachers were not vaccinated.

From September, the passes are to be extended to planes, trains and ships.

According to polls, two-thirds of Italians support the provisions in the current form on the mandatory pass. However, this requirement is also the cause of protests. They lasted for several days on the streets of Italian cities. Among others, the representatives of the catering industry, who are afraid of a decrease in the number of customers, manifested.

The politicians of the coalition League, who consider them to be too strict and harmful during the tourist season, are demanding the easing of the regulations.