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Italy orders virus tests on Croatia, Greece, Malta, Spain arrivals
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People make selfies with the Trevi Fountain after Italy opened its borders to European countries allowing free movement after the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) lockdown, in Rome, Italy, June 12, 2020. (REUTERS/Yara Nardi)
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taly has imposed mandatory coronavirus testing for all travelers 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 late Wednesday after issuing the new rules, which will last until September 7.
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.
A weekly report issued on Thursday by the health ministry and the top health agency, the Instituto Superiore di Sanita, said Italy was in a transitional phase "with a progressive worsening trend."
Read also: Italy extends coronavirus state of emergency
Recent infections from early August showed "important warning signs for a possible increase in transmission" of the virus, it said.
Under the new rules, travelers 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.
Over 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. Over 13,000 people are currently known to be infected.
