Pressured to rein in the spread of Covid and the new omicron variant, European governments have begun resorting to hefty fines to try to double the resistance of those who refuse to abide by the restrictions.
In England, which made it mandatory to wear masks in public transport and closed places — such as stores, banks, post offices, shopping malls, hairdressers, pharmacies and offices —, the fine for disrespect starts at 200 pounds (BRL 1,500) and can reach to 6,400 pounds (BRL 47,800).
The obligation went into effect at 4 am this Tuesday (30), for everyone from 12 years of age, unless there are medical or professional reasons that prevent the use of the mask. Protection is not compulsory in bars, restaurants and hotels.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who has advocated as few restrictions as possible, said the measures are needed to “buy time” for scientists to discover whether the new variant is more dangerous than its predecessors.
“If we find that this variant is no more dangerous than the delta variant, then we won’t keep the measures in place for a day longer than necessary,” said Sajid Javid, UK Health Secretary (minister equivalent) .
In Austria, which intends to take the mandatory vaccination from February, the fine for those who do not take the immunizing agent can reach 7,200 euros (R$ 46,000).
Even before the sequencing of omicron, the country had decreed confinement on November 22, to contain the growth in Covid’s contagion, the increase in hospital admissions and the overcrowding of ICUs.
The country has struggled to increase the percentage of vaccinated residents, which is now standing at around 65%, which is considered insufficient to stop the transmission of the pathogen. Protesters against the immunization have made frequent protests.
According to the Austrian press, the bill that makes vaccination mandatory for everyone, except for medical reasons, will be presented next week.
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