COVID-19: Italy likely to offer 3rd dose to wider population soon

(ANSA) - ROME, OCT 20 - Health Undersecretary Andrea Costa said Wednesday that Italy is likely to soon start offering third doses of COVID-19 vaccines to a broader section of the population.
    At the moment, Italy is giving third doses to the clinically vulnerable, to the elderly and to health workers.
    "It is reasonable to think that between the end of this year and the start of next year we will proceed with a extension of the spectrum of people who should receive the third dose," Costa told Sky TG24.
    "That is the time frame we are considering".
    The undersecretary added that all of the nation's economic sectors and activities should be able to operate at 100% of capacity by the end of 2021.
    The government only gave the all-clear for Italy's indoor night clubs to reopen this month and only up to 50% of capacity.
    At the moment stadiums are able to allow in spectators up to 75% of capacity, while indoor sports venues are able to go up to 60% "I think it's reasonable to look to the end of the year as the time limit to reach 100% capacity where this percentage is not yet allowed," said Costa.
    "We have basically opened everything in our country, we only have capacity limits in some sectors.
    "There is a positive element, with an increase in the number of first-dose vaccinations.
    "I think it is possible to have 90% of the eligible population vaccinated within weeks, and definitely by the end of the year.
    "This is a percentage that makes managing things easier and for the country to return to full normality". (ANSA).