Mandatory Covid measures have Italy up in arms
After 20 days of advance notice, workers in Italy have until Friday to prove that they have either been vaccinated, recovered from coronavirus or that they have tested negative. Observers expect fierce resistance to the new regulations: staff at various ports in the country are threatening blockades if the measure is not withdrawn, and lorry drivers have also threatened walkouts. The national press calls on society to stand firm.
Shortages are inevitable
If a large number of workers are not able to work because of the new rules there could be severe consequences, warns La Stampa:
“The number of those who don't want to be vaccinated is proving to be higher than expected: between 10 and 15 percent of workers on average, rising to more than 20 percent in some areas. At these percentages, it could be difficult to ensure normal production processes or food supplies. Also because part of the problem involves transportation, which is largely entrusted to foreign lorry drivers who are either not vaccinated or vaccinated with unapproved serums. The same is true for harvest workers. A slowdown or even a halt in deliveries would have immediate consequences for the country's economy and for daily life.”
Now we must persevere
A society that has passed all previous tests must also be able to face this one too, Corriere della Sera stresses:
“The idea is to boost the number of vaccinated and not to persecute the non-vaccinated. And that is not an impossible task. We must explain to those who until now have refused to understand what the vaccine's real advantage is, namely that it can relaunch the economy and guarantee employment ... This is a step that must be taken while fully respecting the rules and the decisions of the government, so as to broaden the consensus and the moderate majority. After being united in tragedy, it would be paradoxical if we were divided at the moment of victory.”