Schools are fundamental for democracy and must therefore be protected, Premier Mario Draghi said in outlining the government's new COVID measures including a school reopening and a Super Green Pass requirement in bars and on public transport.
"We must be cautious but we've had enough closures, they have struck our children too much," the premier told a press conference with health officials.
"It makes no sense to close schools and leave everything else open", said the premier.
Under the new rules, Draghi said, the majority of problems would be for the unvaccinated.
He voiced the hope that even the staunchest anti-vaxxers might now be persuaded to get the COVID jab.
He said vaccine mandates for the over-50s had been introduced "on the basis of the latest data" that show a surge in cases of the more infectious but less severe Omicron variant of the coronavirus.
Draghi said the coming year "must be faced with confidence and unity".
He said there was reason to believe that Italy would "pass the test" as it has done in the past.
The premier said he would not comment on speculation he might swap the premier's job for the president's one when Sergio Mattarella leaves office on February 3.
"I will not answer any questions that concern immediate developments, the Quirinale (presidential palace) or other things", he told the press conference.
Hospitals are under pressure due to the high numbers of unvaccinated coming down with COVID, Draghi said.
He also said that the economy was recovering thanks to vaccines.
Education Minister Patrizio Bianchi said 6% of teachers and 4.5% of students were absent because they are currently COVID positive.
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