Government Proposes New Pandemic Plan to Regional Authorities

Rome: The government announced on Thursday that it has dispatched a new National Pandemic Plan to the State-Regions Conference for examination and input from Italy’s regional governments.

According to Ansa News Agency, the plan outlines measures for managing a new pandemic of “an exceptional nature,” including the possible imposition of temporary restrictions on personal freedom. However, it emphasizes that such restrictions must be enacted through laws approved by parliament, rather than decrees from the premier’s office, a method frequently used during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The plan acknowledges the role of vaccines in pandemic response but suggests that they should not be the “sole means” of combating such diseases. “The new national pandemic plan was sent to the regions yesterday,” stated Health Minister Orazio Schillaci, adding that the regions are currently reviewing the plan and a response is expected soon.

Economic resources for the plan are included in the budget law, a provision that was not available previously. The plan aims to protect freedoms and citizens, according to the government. Premier Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy (FDI) party, which is part of the right-wing government, had opposed many of the restrictions and vaccination mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic when it was in opposition.