Protests outside Parliament in Rome and other parts of the Italian capital exploded Tuesday as restaurant owners insisted on having their businesses re-opened permanently so they can recover pandemic losses.

Seven Detained in Violent Scuffle

Local media reported that seven protesters were taken into custody, while one police officer was injured during the scuffle that involved a few hundred protesters outside the Chamber of Deputies.

Some protesters threw out smoke flares, while others hurled objects. Many of the protesters were seen lowering their face masks as they shouted "Freedom!" and "Work!"

In the southern city of Caserta, hundreds of protesters blocked traffic on the A1 Highway. Demonstrators included restaurant owners and gym owners whose businesses have been closed for several months.

The demonstrators have called for permanent reopening of their businesses following the government's recent move of eliminating the yellow zone designation that allows restaurants and bars to provide dine-in service.

Under the new Italian government order, bars, cafes, and restaurants cannot operate on dining and drinking at least for the entire month of April. Delivery and takeout services are permitted.

Italy's Easter Lockdown and Frustrated Citizens

Days before the violent demonstrations, Italy entered a three-day lockdown to prevent mass gatherings that could further drive new COVID-19 cases across the country.

Traveling domestically was limited throughout the short lockdown and non-essential stores were shut down.

While the latest lockdown was meant to prevent new infections, Italians have been expressing dismay over the country's vaccination program that appears to have missed out on its promise of prioritizing the elderly.

Despite the ongoing vaccination campaign that has inoculated police officers, teachers, and other professional workers, many of the country's eldest residents have yet to get their shots.

Italian coronavirus czar Gen. Francesco Figliuolo acknowledged that "there are things that aren't going well" in terms of vaccinating Italians. He said the government will "fix them."

Healthcare Workers Hesitant of Getting Vaccinated

Meanwhile, Italy's COVID-19 vaccination program has also been met with a deeply concerning problem as some healthcare workers across the country have refused to get inoculated.

In the west, a string of outbreaks in hospitals has raised concerns about how the no-to-vaccines stance of healthcare workers may be endangering the public's health and welfare.

The latest data indicated that up to 15% of medical professionals in some of Italy's major hospitals have refused vaccination.

There has been an ongoing debate on whether requiring COVID-19 vaccination among health workers was a violation of privacy laws. Prime Minister Mario Draghi said he will not tolerate acts that breach the public's safety.