Covid-19: decree on rules for entry into the Vatican published

By Vatican News staff reporter

The General Decree signed by Cardinal Parolin, regarding the implementation of the previous Ordinance of the President of the Pontifical Commission of the Vatican City State of September 18, comes into force on October 1, 2021. The decree outlines the rules to be observe for entry into the Vatican in order to prevent possible infections from Covid-19.

All employees of the Roman Curia and related institutions are required to possess the documentation indicated by the Ordinance, i.e. the vaccination certificate, the so-called green pass, or a certification of negativity to the Sars-Cov-2 virus, issued in Italy following a rapid molecular or antigenic test, with the frequency indicated by the Directorate of Health and Hygiene of the Governorate of the Vatican City State. The costs relating to the test are not borne by the Entity.

The measure extends to external collaborators and to those who for any other reason carry out activities at the same bodies, to the staff of external companies and to all visitors and users.

'Besides the checks carried out by the Gendarmeria Corps of Vatican City State, each Entity is required to verify compliance with the requirements, establishing the operating procedures for organizing these checks and identifying the persons in charge of ascertaining and reporting violations.

Employees not in possession of the necessary certifications cannot access the workplace and must be considered unduly absent. For the entire duration of absence, the employee will not be paid, but this will not affect social security, welfare deductions and family allowance.

Finally, the possible exemption from these documentary obligations is expected to be assessed by the Vatican Secretariat of State on the basis of the opinion of the Directorate of Health and Hygiene. Any further restrictions may be considered necessary by the competent Vatican health authorities for people from countries with a high risk of contagion.