The
Fines for those who do not comply
reach up to €3,600. The Austrian government's proposal to vaccinate all citizens over the age of 18, with the exception of pregnant women, those who should not be vaccinated for medical reasons and those who have recovered from Covid-19 in the last six months, was approved by 137 votes in favour, 33 against and 13 abstentions.
On 3 February, the Austrian Federal Council is expected to approve it. In addition to the coalition parties, many Social Democrat (SPO) and Liberal NEOS MPs voted in favour of the general obligation to vaccinate.
In a first phase, the authorities will inform citizens by letter and sample checks on the implementation of the measure will begin in mid-March. Anyone who cannot prove that they have been vaccinated will have to prove it later in writing or pay a €600 fine.
If the measure does not have the desired effect, the competent authorities will make vaccination appointments for citizens and those who do not show up will be fined up to €3,600. The same person may be fined up to four times a year and the content of the general obligation may be revised in the future if epidemiological circumstances so require.
At present, 71.6% of the population in Austria is fully vaccinated.[/B]
During today's meeting, Health Minister Wolfgang Mukstein stressed that vaccines are safe and we need a high vaccination rate in order to limit the spread of the virus. Referring to the fake news about vaccines, he called on citizens to question the myths surrounding vaccination.
Terrified, surprised, shocked and overwhelmed, on the other hand, the leader of the far-right FPO, Herbert Kickle, said the leader of the FPO, Herbert Kickle, spoke of health communism, provoking reactions from Green MPs.
MPs from the co-governing Green Party voted in favour of compulsory voting, except for Eva Ernst-Tizzić, who abstained because she said she did not want to vote for the proposal. Mandatory vaccination, which none of us wanted, has unfortunately become necessary, SPO leader Pamela Reddy-Wagner said.
Earlier today the Austrian government had announced an incentive package for vaccination, with the organisation of a lottery and each winning ticket, which corresponds to one vaccination, winning a 500 euro gift voucher.
Source: CNA
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs Cyprus Times
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or Cyprus Times
Source
