Vaccination will always be optional, not obligatory, as the latter could lead to discrimination, according to Mars di Bartolomeo. The president of the Chamber’s health commission discussed plans for the Covid certificate, of “3G certificate”, as he chose to call it, as it is designed to confirm that the holder has either been vaccinated, tested, or recovered from Covid-19.
The certificate, which will give people more freedom to resume activities, does not mean vaccines will be obligatory, said Di Bartolomeo. He pointed out there were three possibilities listed above which will be covered by the certificate. A person can prove they have had the vaccine, tested negative for the virus, or recently recovered from it. People who are healthy and have not had Covid can still catch it and should therefore choose one of the first two options, he said.
Above all, Di Bartolomeo welcomed a European coordinated effort. He emphasised that the pandemic had led to these unprecedented circumstances, where a show of solidarity was required.
As a number of people, particularly young people, had not yet received the opportunity to be vaccinated, they would have the option to take free certified tests, offered by local municipalities. Di Bartolomeo pointed out there were three weeks to go before Covid laws change; therefore solutions are required for people who have not yet had access to the jab.
Further easing of restrictions in sight
The relatively optimistic case numbers over the last couple of weeks mean Di Bartolomeo is looking ahead at things opening up more after 12 June. However, he warned against complacency, particularly following what he called the “nasty surprise” last autumn, when cases soared after measures were eased.
Despite this hesitancy, Di Bartolomeo said recent figures showed a positive development, meaning measures could be lifted soon to make people’s lives easier.
He declined to comment on whether compulsory rapid tests would be removed from the list of measures applied to the Horesca sector. The Chamber and the government would open dialogue with the affected sectors to discuss what would be amended after 12 June. One possibility is the lifting of curfew, but this would likely be a last minute decision, to see if the case figures allowed it. Most importantly, said Di Bartolomeo, the measures would need to be well-thought out, simple and comprehensible.
Pharmaceuticals industry
Di Bartolomeo also addressed critics of the vaccine campaign, particularly those claiming it was to fund the pharmaceuticals industry. He urged people to weigh up the risk of the vaccine against the risk of the virus itself, and said it was a question of personal responsibility towards oneself and others.
The former health minister said that controlling the pharmaceutical industry would only be possible with a concerted approach between all European countries. He declined to comment on the fact his own party, the LSAP, had spoken out against the lifting of vaccine patents. However, he said he disagreed with people lining their pockets and profiting as a result of the crisis.
