Health

European countries opt for compulsory vaccination over Omicron fears

International Desk, Jan 17 (EFE).- Several European countries have made vaccination mandatory to attend social and entertainment activities in a bid to tackle the Omicron variant that has skyrocketed infections across the region.

France has opted for the vaccination passport, which will be required for many social life activities once a new law definitively adopted by Parliament comes into force.

The vaccination passport will be mandatory to access bars, restaurants, cinemas, stadiums as well as to use long-distance public transport.

In Italy, vaccination has been mandatory for people over the age of 50 since 7 January, but since 10 January the measure extended to the entire population.

A vaccination certificate or proof or recent recovery from the disease is required to access all public venues, including public transport.

In December, Germany approved a bill to make vaccination mandatory starting March for nursing home staff and health workers.

Although Germany’s chancellor Olaf Scholz insists on expanding the mandate to the entire population, the government has yet to present a bill.

Some 300,000 Greek people over 60 will be fined 50 euros if they are not vaccinated or have an appointment to get inoculated.

The fine will increase to 100 euro for every month starting February.

Meanwhile, Austria was the first European country to make the jab compulsory for people over 18, a measure that will come into force on 1 February. Offenders will face a maximum fine of 3,600 euros per year.

The mandate has triggered several massive protests since it was announced on 19 November.

Finally, the Czech Republic decreed mandatory vaccination for certain public employees, including health workers, soldiers, social workers and police officers, as well as those over 60 years of age by 28 February. EFE

int-jgb/ta

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