Prato’s Chinese Community Looks for a Lift-Off on Italy’s Green Pass Rules
In the bustling textile hub of Prato, a 25,000‑strong Chinese community is feeling the crunch of Italy’s Covid‑19 Green Pass. The government’s January 15 mandate to show proof of vaccination, infection, or a negative test at work has created a storm of frustration — especially for those who got vaccinated with China’s Sinovac, which the Italian authorities don’t recognise.
What’s Happening in Prato?
“It’s not about a lack of vaccination but the bureaucratic maze preventing us from getting a certificate,” says Luca Zhou Long, the head of the local Chinese community. He wrote a letter to Tuscany’s President, Eugenio Giani, asking for a more flexible interpretation of the rules. The message, publicised on October 19, boils down to one simple thing: Please help us get on the production track!
Why Sinovac Matters
- 25,000+ Chinese expats, many of whom work in the textile sector, received the Sinovac vaccine back in China.
- The Italian Green Pass currently recognises only Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, and AstraZeneca.
- Prime Minister Mario Draghi has openly questioned the efficacy of Sinovac, calling it “not adequate” in a June statement.
So while everyone else can flash a Green Pass to their boss, the Chinese community faces a test‑tube dilemma: their shots are valid in China but not on Italian paper.
What the Authorities Have Said (So Far)
Neither the national government nor Tuscany’s local officials have replied to Long’s plea yet. Meanwhile, the community’s hope is rekindled by a similar case in San Marino.
San Marino’s Lesson (and Luck)
San Marino, the tiny landlocked country nestled close to Italy, endorses Russia’s Sputnik vaccine. Rome recently ruled that residents from San Marino who took the Sputnik shot and then worked in Italy would be exempt from carrying a Green Pass until December 31. The move has sparked cheers in the Chinese community of Prato, who see a possible path to an inclusive solution.
Bottom Line
In short: the Chinese expats of Prato are in a catch‑22. They’ve proven immune, but their proof can’t pass the Italian gatekeeper. The call for flexibility is urgent – and the story reminds us that the pandemic’s administrative hurdles are real enough to affect everyday work life.
Let’s keep an eye on the government’s response. Meanwhile, the community’s collective voice continues to echo: “Time to level the playing field!”
