The Italian state railways are planning to introduce mandatory corona tests on their “Frecciarossa” express trains. Initially, the process between the metropolises of Milan and Rome will be tested from April 2021.

The test run should only be the beginning, because railway boss Gianfranco Battisti wants to introduce compulsory testing across the Frecciarossa network with a view to national and international tourism, which is expected in summer 2021. Railway routes relevant to tourism have top priority. Local media expect private operators to follow suit.

The exact implementation of the mandatory test is still open. At the moment it looks like that test stations will be set up at larger train stations and that the conductor will have to show the negative result at the ticket inspection. It should also be possible for tests to be carried out elsewhere. If the negative proof is not older than a certain time, which has yet to be determined, it should be recognized. The aim of the measure is that the FS wants to guarantee "corona-free trains".

Government must create the legal basis

Since the access restriction represents a massive encroachment on free access and the obligation to travel, it is now the Italian government's turn. This must first create the legal basis. The FS cannot yet introduce compulsory testing on the basis of house rules. The State Railways are currently assuming that Rome will give the green light for the experiment, which will initially start on one route in April 2021.

In Israel, the Israir airline recently operated the Tel Aviv-Eilat domestic route own flights for vaccinated people. Initially it is a daily circulation, but it is expected that this will be expanded very soon. At the gate, the so-called Green Pass, the recovered and vaccinated or other proof must be presented. Otherwise the flight will be refused.