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Italy has added new COVID-19 measures that could affect your winter trip

Jan. 13, 2022
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2 min read
italyskisupergreenpass
Italy has added new COVID-19 measures that could affect your winter trip
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Italy further tightened its COVID-19 restrictions for this winter, which could complicate ski season travel.

With snow seekers more eager than ever to return to the slopes after two winters with pandemic-related disruptions, Italian authorities extended the “super green pass” requirement across more venues and regions for anyone over the age of 12.

The pass — which can only be obtained with certified vaccination or proof of recovery, and not merely a negative test — is now a cast-iron requirement for anyone wishing to access a range of venues. Affected areas include bars, ski lifts, resorts, restaurants, spas, thermal baths and festivals. The restrictions, which went into effect on Jan. 10, will be in place until at least March 31, BTN Europe reported.

In a further kick in the salopettes for skiers and snowboarders, it comes just days after Austria also tightened its rules, demanding that FFP2 masks (a European standard) are to be worn in all outdoor settings — including on the slopes where 2-meter (about 6 feet) social distancing cannot be observed.

Italy recently hit a new record of COVID-19 cases.

The new rules are a particular blow for families with teenage children hoping to get away and shred some powder.

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In the U.S., Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine can now be administered to children as young as 5 years of age. But as of this week, only about 17% of children between the ages of 5 and 11 were fully vaccinated, the AP reported.

Related: European countries with COVID-19 restrictions in place right now

Here are all the venues now requiring a “super green pass”:

  • All restaurants and bars, for both indoor and outdoor dining, including in hotels.
  • All public transport, including local buses.
  • School buses serving children aged 12 and up.
  • Hotels.
  • Ski lifts.
  • All indoor and outdoor swimming pools, wellness centers, gyms and team sports facilities, including changing rooms.
  • All indoor and outdoor spas and thermal baths except for “essential rehabilitation or therapeutic treatments."
  • Museums, exhibitions and cultural venues, including libraries.
  • Celebrations relating to religious or civil ceremonies.
  • Fairs, festivals, conventions and conferences.
  • Theme parks.
  • Indoor and outdoor cultural, social and recreational centers (excluding educational centers for children).
  • Games rooms, betting rooms, bingo halls and casinos.
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

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  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
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  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
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  • Annual Fee is $325.
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