France Mandates Green Pass for Museums; Italy Debates Similar Measures
From July 21, 2021, France requires a Green Pass (proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test) for entry to museums, theaters, cinemas, and sports venues with more than 50 people. The measure, announced by President Emmanuel Macron, aims to curb rising infections—new cases doubled in a week. Protests erupted, with 18,000 in Paris alone, against what critics call a 'health dictatorship.' The Louvre now enforces the pass for visitors 18+ (from August 30, for ages 12+). Italy debates a similar decree expected imminently, with proposed gradual restrictions from August through September, including for indoor dining and transport. Political divisions persist, with Lega and Fratelli d'Italia opposing mandatory passes, while PD favors the French model.
Key facts
- France requires Green Pass for museums, theaters, cinemas, and sports venues from July 21, 2021.
- Green Pass applies to venues with over 50 people (down from previous 1,000 threshold).
- President Emmanuel Macron announced the measure amid rising COVID-19 cases.
- Protests against the Green Pass occurred, with 18,000 demonstrators in Paris.
- Louvre requires Green Pass for visitors 18+ from July 21, extending to ages 12+ from August 30.
- Italy is expected to issue a decree on Green Pass obligations, with phased restrictions from August to September.
- Italian political parties are divided: Lega and Fratelli d'Italia oppose mandatory passes, PD supports them.
- Unvaccinated individuals can present a negative test within 48 hours as alternative.
Entities
Institutions
- Louvre
- Artribune
- Lega
- Fratelli d'Italia
- PD
- M5S
Locations
- France
- Paris
- Italy
- Rome