BERLIN (AP) — The Austrian government has changed the rules for COVID-19 vaccinations, saying the mandate will now cover everyone over the age of 18, not 14.
The authorities also stated that they will implement the plan in phases in order to give the population enough time to comply with the mandate.
Almost two months ago the government announced that it would impose a global mandate to get the virus vaccine, being the first European country to do so. In early December, he presented a draft of the plan, stating that the measure would be introduced in February and imposing fines of up to 3,600 euros ($4,100) for those who do not comply.
The government initially expected parliament to approve parts of the plan on Thursday, but later said that after consultations with two opposition parties, it became clear that changes needed to be made. Chancellor Karl Nehammer stated that there were complaints that adolescents could be punished, and therefore the age was changed to comply with the norm.
The proposal “was crafted in such a way as to respond to the changing nature of the virus,” Nehammer told reporters in Vienna.
The idea is that the plan becomes law in early February. In a first phase, the authorities will send letters to each living advising them about the new regulations.
Pregnant women and those who for health reasons cannot be vaccinated will be exempt, as will those who have recovered from the virus in the last six months.
Beginning in March, the police will begin randomly checking the vaccination status of citizens; Those who do not have proof will receive a written request to provide it and if they do not, they will face fines of up to 600 euros ($685).
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