These Countries Are Slapping the Unvaccinated With Fines and Bans
(Watch.org, Dec 1, 2021)
In the battle against the coronavirus, the unvaccinated are being increasingly targeted. Germany and Israel are moving closer to making Covid-19 vaccine shots compulsory, Greece is introducing fines and Spain is banning some unvaccinated travelers. Despite protests, making life harder for those who don’t want a shot is a tactic increasingly favored by governments, spooked by the spread of the omicron variant.
Here are some of the measures against the unvaccinated deployed by governments around the world.
Greek Fines
The government is making vaccines mandatory for all Greeks above 60 years of age. From next month, refuseniks will pay a 100-euro ($113) fine every month they don’t get a shot, with the funds going to hospital services. In Greece, only 60,000 among the 580,000 unvaccinated people over 60 years old received the vaccine in November.
Austria’s Lockdown
The country with one of the lowest inoculation rates in western Europe will remain in lockdown until mid-December. Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg has vowed to then lift restrictions for the vaccinated or people recently recovered from the virus. A lockdown for
the unvaccinated will probably persist, though they can still go to work with a negative test. Officials are also working on plans to impose mandatory vaccinations from February, with fines reaching as high as 7,200 euros ($8,151).
Finland’s Bars
Bars and restaurants in Finland refusing to use Covid certificates will no longer serve booze after 5 p.m. in the latest attempt by the government. Health authorities in the northern town of Kajaani offered a thousand plastic buckets to entice people to get a shot, playing off a joke that Finns will line up for anything for a free bucket.
Spain’s Travel Ban
Spain has effectively banned travelers from the U.K. who aren’t fully vaccinated. From Dec. 1, it will only accept proof of vaccination for adult entry. U.K. government advice also says that a certificate of recovery from Covid isn’t accepted either by Spanish authorities.
Hungary’s Crackdown
The government in Budapest allows employers make vaccinations compulsory for staff in an effort to push people to get the shot. Anyone who doesn’t can be placed on unpaid leave.
Slovakia’s Cash
Slovakia’s Finance Minister Igor Matovic wants to give out vouchers worth 500 euros to everyone over the age of 60 who gets vaccinated, including those who have already received the shot. The vouchers, which could be used in restaurants and hotels, are opposed by some forces in government, but Matovic is hoping to push it through with the backing of some opposition lawmakers in parliament.