Protests greet debut of Italy’s workplace COVID pass rule

By NICOLE WINFIELD
Associated Press

ROME (AP) — Protests have erupted in Italy as a new anti-coronavirus regulation took effect requiring all workers to show a health pass to enter their place of employment. Police were out in force, schools were closing early and embassies issued warnings amid concerns that anti-vaccination demonstrations could turn violent Friday. The so-called “Green Pass” shows proof of vaccination, a recent negative test or having recovered from COVID-19 in the previous six months. Italy already required them to access all sorts of indoor environments, including restaurants, museums and long-distance trains. Opponents say the workplace requirement infringes on their rights. People who can’t or won’t get vaccinated must get tested every 48 hours to be able to go to work.