Green Pass, regulations signed: what to know before hitting the road
The time has come for the long-awaited signing regarding the Covid digital certificate regulation by institutions [...]
The time has come for the long-awaited signing regarding the Covid digital certificate regulation By the EU institutions. The last step for the introduction of the green pass has been taken, so as to facilitate travel within the countries of the Union. A way to enable the recovery of the tourism sector, while respecting safety standards.
In this article:
Entry into force is still scheduled for theJuly 1, as previously announced. In that sense no change of course. In general terms, this is a system for quickly identifying the health status of passengers, in relation to Covid-19 alone. What, however, are the specific rules under the program green pass And how will it change the way we travel?
Photo Multimedia Centre European Parliament
Green Pass, the rules on the road
The first key element of the new system is the absolute freedom to move through EU countries, starting July 1, without having to undergo quarantine. It moves toward restoring freedom of movement across the old continent, as long as you have your green pass with you.
This is nothing more than a certificate, digital or paper, released by the respective countries free of charge. In both formats there will be a Qr code, which will allow rapid verification of authenticity throughout the EU. It will be issued to three types of people:
- Who received the second dose of the vaccine
- Who is cured of Covid-19
- who undergoes molecular or rapid test and is negative
It is good to know how a certain amount of freedom of decision is left to the various countries. Italy, for example, has decided to issue the pass even after the first dose. However, each state can freely decide whether to accept or hand such a certificate on entry.
To get access to green certificates, one will need to go to the national digital green certificate (DGC) platform. You will be able to choose to print the file or download it to your smartphone. The channels are varied, from the website to the Immuni app or the IO app. Different is the case, however, with the health card system, which requires the involvement of one's general practitioner.
Separate discussion for minors engaged in EU travel. Under the age of six, there are no obligations whatsoever, not even related to any testing. Older minors, on the other hand, will have to undergo a swab in order to obtain a pass. In this case the regulation is general and does not leave free interpretation to individual governments. One way to make it easier for parents to manage family travel.
Green Pass, the rules for weddings
The green pass system does not only cover travel outside one's own country. Various rules are provided for daily activities and especially for major events. It is possible to restart the wedding industry, after months of waiting, under a precise protocol. All wedding participants (including the bride and groom) must have a Covid pass with them or, alternatively, a certificate stating that they have been vaccinated (including the first dose, inoculated at least 15 days ago) or cured, with antibodies developing. In the absence of all this, a swab is required within 48 hours of the event.
