The number of workers taking sick days has surged in Italy since the introduction last week of mandatory coronavirus certificates for all employees, AFP reported on Thursday, citing official data.

So-called “green passes” have been compulsory for access to the workplace since October 15, as the Rome government opted for one of the world's strictest anti-Covid regimes.

Figures provided to AFP by the national welfare agency INPS show that on October 15, more than 94,100 people called in sick, 28 per cent more than in the previous week.

The following Monday, around 192,000 people were off work, compared to some 165,000 seven days earlier.

Calling in sick is one way for workers who do not want to comply with the new requirements to avoid the punishment of being suspended on no pay.

Green passes are available to everyone who is vaccinated or recently recovered from Covid-19, but can also be obtained by getting a negative test, at the person's own expense.