The decision is made: the CDM has approved the extension of the state of emergency until 31 March 2022. An almost inevitable choice of Palazzo Chigi, which is being weighed down by the continuation of the diffusion of Omicron variant in Europe, especially from the UK. The law, however, provides that the state of emergency cannot exceed 12 months and that it can be extended for no more than another 12. For this reason, the request to extend it until after the winter requires first the passage in Parliament and a law ah hoc.
The news concerns the new funds allocated, for two steps: the first to keep the price of under 18 tampons controlled (15 euros) throughout 2022; the second concerns the allocation of 6 million euros to create a military site for the storage and conservation of vaccines, with a view to moving towards a more autonomous but in any case calibrated and based management also with regard to long-term recalls by the guided structure by General Figliuolo.
While, despite the rumors circulated during the day, the CDM has not approved any obligation to wear a mask outdoors, during the holiday season, leaving this choice to the municipalities.
Instead they come new rules on travel from abroad and which will be contained in an ordinance that Minister Speranza will sign in the evening. For all returns from abroad (both EU and non-EU) the unvaccinated will have to undergo a 5-day quarantine period. While the vaccinated will only be able to return to the country with a negative result of a rapid or molecular swab.
The decision on the state of emergency comes after a careful evaluation of the alternatives, including the return to an ordinary structure. Both options, however, need a legislative intervention because a whole series of rules are linked to the Covid state of emergency that have been regulating the lives of Italian citizens for two years, such as the obligation to wear masks, the green pass, the inclusion of colors for the Regions, the protocols for safety on the work and for smart working, up to the role and functions of the bodies created to deal with the pandemic, i.e. the extraordinary commissioner and the scientific technical committee. Therefore, if the state of emergency ends, all related regulations also lapse.
Ma what is the state of emergency? It is ordered upon the occurrence of exceptional events, such as earthquakes, floods or, for example, as occurred with the Covid-19 pandemic, by the council of ministers on a proposal from the premier in agreement with the governors and presidents of the autonomous provinces concerned. Special interventions can thus be implemented with ordinances in derogation from the provisions of the law, in order to streamline all bureaucratic procedures in order to be able to act quickly and with extraordinary powers to protect citizens.
The extension of the state of health emergency at least until the first quarter of 2022 has found many members of the majority in agreement. There is no doubt for the leader of the dem Enrico Letta: "I think the time is ripe" to announce the extension and avoid "finding ourselves today like Holland". Also Giuseppe Conte he had expressed himself in favor of the extension, considering it "necessary", not only in light of the "epidemiological curve" but also due to the "very contagious" Omicron variant. Instead, more cautious Matteo Salvini, of the League "I do not make a priori judgments, we await the data".
Also beneficial Andrea Mandelli of Forza Italia: “The numbers speak for themselves: the pandemic is still ongoing and the vaccination campaign is not over. For the next few weeks, attention, caution and respect for the rules are still needed ".
The only discordant voice is that of the leader of the Brothers of Italy, Giorgia Meloni. “I do not agree with the extension of the state of emergency: if it lasts more than two years it can no longer be considered an emergency. I believe – continued Meloni – that the government today must be able to fight the epidemic by restoring rights”.
