Austria closed for quarantine
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Austria will become the first country in Europe to introduce compulsory vaccinations from February 2022.
Vaccination against coronavirus is becoming mandatory. Austria was the first to take such a step. Although previously the local government has repeatedly ruled out the possibility of compulsory vaccination against coronavirus, but suddenly changed its position. Why?
Difficult situation
In Austria, the situation with the development of the epidemic is indeed difficult. The fourth wave of the disease has now swept the country, and on Monday, the fourth national lockdown in two years began to operate. Austria has become one of the most closed countries in the EU. This is because it was not possible to defeat the disease, despite a whole series of past covid restrictions. According to the Austrian Ministry of Health, 66% of the population have completed the full course of vaccination. This would be a good result for Eastern Europe, but for Western Europe it is one of the lowest. The Austrian government is now convinced that the vaccination rate is too low for the health care system to run smoothly, and lockdown after lockdown is no longer an option. Yes, vaccination does not guarantee protection against infection, but it significantly reduces the risk of severe illness and mortality.
It is expected that the decision on compulsory vaccination will be approved in parliament.
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EPA
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Will there be punishments?
The challenge with compulsory vaccination is that it can be considered a violation of a person’s physical integrity and right to privacy. However, such intervention may be justified if the benefits to the population outweigh the disadvantages that compulsory vaccination creates for the individual. It looks like the punishment for refusing to vaccinate can await Austrians from February. Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg has already explained that violators will be punished with an administrative penalty. The biggest intrigue is the size of the fine. Most likely, the person will be invited to an appointment for the vaccination within a certain period, and if this does not happen, they will be fined. Among other ideas of punishment discussed is the introduction of the so-called “pandemic charge”.
The draft law on compulsory vaccination of medical workers, which will take effect at the end of December, can serve as a benchmark for fines.
For them, the fine for refusing to be vaccinated will be up to 3600 euros or four weeks in prison. For those who did not undergo revaccination, the fine is less: up to 1450 euros or four weeks in prison.
Problems for tourists
Austria will be the first European country from December to reduce the validity of vaccination certificates for foreigners to 270 days. Until now, Austria, like the rest of the European Union, planned to recognize vaccinations made during the last year, but from December 6, the country will reduce this period to 270 days, according to the updated entry rules.
“And it doesn’t matter what the” expiration date “is written on your certificate – the only thing that matters is what is the date of the last vaccination.
However, this is not a temporary measure, but permanent rules that will also apply to “European” vaccines such as Pfizer. Moreover, those who plan to travel through Austria in transit may also be denied entry due to the “old” certificate.
This means that in February, those who received the last vaccination in May-2021 will no longer be allowed in.
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