The Italian government is exploring additional steps to prevent an increase in COVID-19 infections during the Christmas season, according to local newspapers on Sunday, amid concerns about the spread of the extremely dangerous Omicron coronavirus strain.

Following a meeting with ministers on December 23, Prime Minister Mario Draghi may impose a need for those who have been vaccinated to demonstrate a negative test in order to enter crowded locations like as discos and stadiums, according to the newspaper Corriere della Sera.

Negative testing, as well as donning masks outside, might be needed to enter cinemas and theaters.

People who have been vaccinated or who have recently recovered from the disease enjoy free access to indoor seats at pubs and restaurants, museums, movies, clubs, and athletic events under existing guidelines.

“Some measures, such as making masks mandatory even outside… might be implemented shortly,” said Franco Locatelli, one of the government’s primary scientific advisors, to the newspaper.

Italy, where vaccination is currently required for healthcare professionals, school personnel, police officers, and military personnel, may expand the need to all workers beginning in January, according to Corriere della Sera.

The National Health Institute (ISS) said on Saturday that the Omicron variety is rapidly spreading in Italy, with new instances discovered in the country’s north and south. So far, 84 infections have been discovered. more info

Italy, the first Western nation to be hit by the COVID-19 pandemic earlier this year, has witnessed a surge in new infections and fatalities in recent weeks, although daily caseloads remain far lower than in other European countries such as the United Kingdom and Germany.

Earlier this week, Rome declared a COVID-19 state of emergency until March 31, requiring all visitors from EU nations to undergo a test before leaving.