Unvaccinated people over the age of 60 will be fined from January 16 a “fine of 100 euros per month” as long as they are not vaccinated, the Greek government announced on Thursday, recalling that the vaccine against COVID- 19 is mandatory for this age group.
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This decision was taken because “nine out of ten deaths from the coronavirus concern this age group,” said government spokesman Yannis Economou during a press briefing.
He specified that “seven intubated people out of ten were over 60 years old and eight out of ten were not vaccinated”.
“From January 16, the penalties provided for by law will be applied and a monthly administrative fine of 100 euros will be imposed as long as these people are not vaccinated,” he said.
To encourage vaccination against COVID-19, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced at the end of November that the vaccine would be compulsory for those over 60, but left until January 16 for unvaccinated people to make a first appointment. you.
The Minister of Health Thanos Plevris also announced Thursday on the radio that 50 screening test centers would be installed near the army camps, to relieve the pharmacies which carry out these PCR and transgenic tests.
According to official data as of the end of November, nearly 67% of the general population in Greece has been vaccinated and 79% of adults.
The pandemic has killed more than 21,600 in Greece and the death rate has risen sharply from the beginning of November.
On Wednesday, 77 people died in 24 hours while 670 people were in intensive care.
Faced with the persistence of the Omicron variant, the Greek health authorities have decided to extend by one week, until January 23, the restrictions imposed two weeks ago, such as the closure of bars and restaurants at midnight, the ban on music and gatherings.
The Delta variant now affects less than 20% of cases, according to Plevris.
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