On February 2, 2022, the Council of Ministers approved a decree-law introducing new measures concerning COVID-19 green certificates, the entry of foreigners into Italy, and the educational and training system.
In particular, should the Green Pass have been issued following the third dose, its validity shall be extended indefinitely and without the need for further vaccinations. Those who have contracted COVID-19 and recovered after completion of the primary vaccination cycle are placed on an equal footing with those who have undergone the third dose.
Furthermore, for those in possession of the Enhanced Green Pass, the restrictions provided for in red zones are eliminated.
With regard to entry and circulation of foreigners in Italy, the decree-law provides that those coming from a foreign State and in possession of a certificate of recovery or vaccination with a vaccine authorized or recognized as equivalent in Italy, but more than six months have elapsed since completion of the vaccination cycle or recovery, may access services and activities for which the Enhanced Green Pass is required following the performance of a rapid antigen test (valid for 48 hours) or molecular test (valid for 72 hours).
The same rules also apply to those who have been vaccinated with vaccines not authorized or not recognized as equivalent in Italy.
Finally, the system of remote learning and quarantines in schools has been modified, with some differences between kindergarten, primary schools, and secondary schools.
Specifically, for kindergarten schools, children may attend in person up to the fourth case of infection in their group or class. Subsequently, starting from the fifth case, children must remain at home in quarantine. However, the quarantine period is reduced from 10 to 5 days. A rapid antigen test is sufficient to return to school.
In primary schools, for vaccinated students, remote learning is no longer provided: in fact, after the first case in the class, students who have completed the primary vaccination cycle, have recovered at least 120 days ago or after completing the primary cycle, or who have received the booster dose, must wear an FFP2 mask for 10 days. However, upon the first appearance of symptoms, they must mandatorily perform a rapid antigen test or self-administered or molecular test, repeating it, if still symptomatic, on the fifth day following the date of last contact. Conversely, unvaccinated students, starting from the fifth case, must continue lessons through remote learning. To return to in-person attendance, they must present the result of a molecular or antigen test.
Some modifications have also been provided for secondary schools. In the event that only one case is detected, lessons shall continue for all students in person. However, in the event that two or more cases occur, different rules must be applied for vaccinated and unvaccinated students. Specifically, students who have completed the primary vaccination cycle, have recovered at least 120 days ago or after completing the primary cycle, or who have received the booster dose, may remain in class with the obligation to use an FFP2 mask. The same rule also applies to those who have obtained an exemption from vaccination. Conversely, for unvaccinated students, there is an obligation of remote learning for a period of 5 days.
