Visitors enjoy a roller coaster ride at Cinecita World amusement park on the outskirts of Rome, the day it reopens on Thursday 17 June 2021. The theme parks have been closed since 25 October 2020, when the second Italian national block began. . (Photo AP/Alessandra Tarantino)

Rome (AFP) – From Monday, Italy is asking people arriving from Great Britain to undergo a five-day quarantine in addition to swabbing for COVID-19.

Italy’s Health Minister Roberto Speranza said on Friday that he had taken the order as concerns grew over the rising number of cases of the Delta-type coronavirus in Britain. The type accounts for over 90% of new infections in the UK so far, with relatively few infections detected in Italy.

The new requirement could have consequences for Euro 2020, where England are likely to play in Rome if they qualify from the group stage.

Under the decree, Italy will allow entry from the United States, Canada and Japan if they meet the basic requirements for the EU’s Green Certificate. These requirements include complete vaccination, documented recovery from COVID-19, or a negative swab within 48 hours of arrival in Italy.

US travelers who have traveled to Italy on COVID-tested flights and who need a negative screening test within 48 hours of boarding may already enter Italy as tourists. Alitalia and at least two US airlines operate these flights, which also require tampons for passengers landing in Italy.

Tourism, especially by American visitors, is an important part of the Italian economy and the region eagerly awaits the return of Americans.