Having a cold during a trip to Italy might be a damper on your travels, but it could also mean a fine if you get caught feeling ill in the town of Acquapendente.
First, the small Italian town of Castellamare di Stabia held a vote to ban mini skirts and sunbathing, now another Italian mayor has announced an even more impossible reform- banning sniffles and coughs. Alberto Bambini, mayor of the town of Acquapendente in Lazio, has declared that he will fine any citizens who fall sick. Bambini has announced that he is banning the common cold and any other non-emergency ailments.
While the miniskirt ban in Castellamare di Stabia is intended to curb anti-social behavior by fining offenders for wearing inappropriate clothing, the ban on sickness is meant to raise awareness of the poor state of the state health system in Acquapendente.
Beginning in January, the town’s hospital will only offer emergency health care. Due to a lack of funds, citizens who fall ill with non-life threatening conditions, will be forced to travel 30 km to the nearest working hospital.
The mayor has admitted that he was motivated to ban the common cold in order to draw attention to the hospital closure. As a part of his health care campaign, Bambini proposed fining under the weather citizens based on the severity of their sickness. He has also advised residents to stay home and not partake in any activities that could put their health in danger.
