Italy imposes mandatory Covid-19 testing on all arrivals from four countries
Italy has imposed mandatory coronavirus testing for all travellers arriving from Croatia, Greece, Malta and Spain, and banned all visitors from Colombia, in a bid to rein in new infections.
"We must continue to be cautious in order to protect the results obtained thanks to sacrifices made by all in recent months," Health Minister Roberto Speranza said on Wednesday after issuing the new rules, which will last until September 7th.
The move comes after several regions, including Puglia, imposed their own rules and restrictions on arrivals from certain countries.
Health minister Roberto Speranza announced the new rules on Wednesday. Photo: AFP
Health authorities worry in particular that Italians returning from vacations abroad may be bringing home the virus and passing it on when people are crowding outdoors, on beaches, at festivals or parties during the summer.
Travellers arriving at an airport, port or border crossing can choose from a number of options, including rapid tests on the spot, or the presentation of a certificate obtained within the last 72 hours which shows they are Covid-19 free.
They can also choose to carry out a test within two days of entering Italy, but will have to stay in isolation until the results arrive.
Anyone found to be positive, including asymptomatic cases, must report to the local health authorities.
More than 251,000 people have been infected by coronavirus and more than 35,000 have died in Italy, once of the worst affected countries in Europe.
There are currently 13,000 active cases recorded.
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"We must continue to be cautious in order to protect the results obtained thanks to sacrifices made by all in recent months," Health Minister Roberto Speranza said on Wednesday after issuing the new rules, which will last until September 7th.
The move comes after several regions, including Puglia, imposed their own rules and restrictions on arrivals from certain countries.
Health minister Roberto Speranza announced the new rules on Wednesday. Photo: AFP
Health authorities worry in particular that Italians returning from vacations abroad may be bringing home the virus and passing it on when people are crowding outdoors, on beaches, at festivals or parties during the summer.
Travellers arriving at an airport, port or border crossing can choose from a number of options, including rapid tests on the spot, or the presentation of a certificate obtained within the last 72 hours which shows they are Covid-19 free.
They can also choose to carry out a test within two days of entering Italy, but will have to stay in isolation until the results arrive.
Anyone found to be positive, including asymptomatic cases, must report to the local health authorities.
More than 251,000 people have been infected by coronavirus and more than 35,000 have died in Italy, once of the worst affected countries in Europe.
There are currently 13,000 active cases recorded.
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