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Austria first in EU to approve vaccine mandate
Austria becomes the first EU country to impose a vaccine mandate on all adults.
Parliament passed a vaccine mandate bill, which allows civil penalties for those who don’t comply.
It will start with an ‘introductory phase’ until mid-March to encourage vaccinations before fines kick in.
Fines will then be dished out of up to€3,600.
There exemptions for pregnancy and specific medical reasons.
“Vaccination is an opportunity for our society to achieve lasting and continuous freedom, because the virus cannot restrict us any further,” said Chancellor Karl Nehammer.
About 70% of the population is already fully vaccinated.
It joins a select few countries with vaccine mandates including Ecuador, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.
The Austrian government is employing a carrot and stick approach.
While non-compliancy will see heavy fines, those now choosing to get jabbed will get a lottery ticket for each dose.
One-in-ten of the lottery tickets will win a €500 gift voucher
Learn more about : Austrian National Tourist Office ( N. America ) Austrian National Tourist Office ( Asia Pecific ) Austrian National Tourist Office ( United Kingdom )
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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