ROME (AP) – The Italian government promised Wednesday that it will crack down on protesters who try to block train tracks, as a rule that requires vaccination or a negative test for COVID-19 comes into force in order to travel in the middle of long-distance internal transport.
The government, which tries to contain the transmission of the disease as Italians return from summer holidays, announced several weeks ago that passengers must carry a “Green Pass” to board flights, trains and buses that travel between the regions.
The pass certifies that the person received at least one dose of vaccine more than 15 days ago, tested negative in the last 48 hours, or recovered from COVID-19 in the last six months.
The requirement applies to marine transport, although ferries that go to small islands with no other connection to the mainland and those that travel between Sicily and Calabria, on the leading edge of the Italian boot, are exempt.
Local buses, trams and subways are also exempt. Premier Mario Draghi announced the rule as daily contagion numbers were increasing and the delta variant was beginning to dominate in Italy.
Opponents of the requirement summoned their supporters to about 50 railway stations, including in Rome and Milan, on Wednesday afternoon and to occupy the tracks if trains attempt to circulate.
Interior Minister Luciana Lamorgese said there will be no tolerance for those who break the law or commit acts of violence.
“Illegal acts will not be allowed in the protest initiatives at the train stations organized for Wednesday,” Lamorgese said.
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