The health ministry has told Italy's
regions in a circular letter to set aside resources to make sure
that refugees from Ukraine arriving after the Russian invasion
can be tested and vaccinated for COVID-19.
On Thursday the GIMBE medical foundation said it estimated that
64% of Ukrainians are unvaccinated for the coronavirus.
The flow of refugees arriving in Italy from Ukraine is
accelerating.
It was estimated that 3,840 people had come here between the
start of the invasion and midnight on Tuesday.
On Thursday that number had climbed to 6,680.
Italy is ready to do its bit to take in refugees fleeing the war
in Ukraine, Interior Minister Luciana Lamorgese said on
Thursday.
"Italy is used to handling situations, including emergencies,
via its network of prefect's offices, the world of voluntary
associations, the local councils," Lamorgese said on her way
into a European Interior Affairs Council.
"We will address all the needs that arise.
"It is necessary to show Europe's solidarity. The number of
refugees arriving in Europe is very high".
Ukrainian citizens would have temporary protection while
non-Ukrainians would have national protection in line with EU
norms, she said.
"All refugees will be welcomed," she said.
Lamorgese added that the EU estimates that seven-eight million
refugees will flee Ukraine
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