In January, the Italian government decided to make vaccination mandatory for all residents over the age of 50, with the mandate coming into effect in February. At least 600,000 Italians have been referred to the Italian tax agency and are expected to receive a 100 euro (£84/$110) fine.

Undersecretary for Health Andrea Costa has meanwhile stated that, starting on April 1st, some coronavirus restrictions will start to ease, including the health pass system linked to vaccinations known as the Green Pass, newspaper Il Giornale reports.

"From April 1st, a new phase opens: the green pass will no longer be necessary for outdoor spaces, bars and restaurants," Costa said, adding that the European Union member-state would "gradually come to remove all restrictions by the summer."