Wina, The Indonesia Post – Austria is suspending its mandate for a COVID-19 vaccine, two of its ministers said on Wednesday, six days before fines for violating the rules went into effect.
The rule, the most far-reaching in the European Union because it applies to all adults with a few exceptions, has been in effect since February 5, but enforcement will only begin on March 15.
“We will … suspend the vaccine mandate in accordance with the principle of proportionality,” constitutional affairs minister Karoline Edtstadler told a news conference.
“Why? Because there are many compelling arguments today that the violation of these basic rights is unjustified.”
The decision to enforce the mandate was announced in November, before the highly contagious variant of the Omicron emerged widely in Austria. Because Omicron tends to cause fewer severe cases than previous variants, the pressure on intensive care units has been reduced.
Politically the vaccine mandate has become a source of trouble for the conservative-led government and a favorite target of the far-right Freedom Party and opponents of vaccination. The Freedom Party is the third largest party in parliament.
The vaccine mandate did little to increase Austria’s vaccination rate, one of the lowest in western Europe. Distrust of the rule has grown since restrictions – banning unvaccinated people in places such as bars and restaurants – were removed in most parts of Austria.
Daily COVID-19 infections hit a new record Wednesday with 47,795 cases, according to official data published after the news conference, reflecting recently relaxed national restrictions.
Edtstadler said the government was following recommendations from a panel of experts who should regularly review public health and constitutional legal aspects of the mandate. The panel of experts presented its first report on Tuesday.
He and Health Minister Johannes Rauch said the mandate could still be reintroduced if necessary and the next review ended in the next three months. (ojn/bbs)
Source: Reuters
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