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As Omicron spreads rapidly across Europe, the head of its Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, suggested on Thursday that countries in the region should consider mandating vaccination to prevent Covid and the Omicron form.
According to the BBC, given the importance of vaccines in combatting the “highly contagious” new type, von der Leyen said it was “understandable and appropriate” for EU members to examine mandatory Covid vaccinations.
Since it was initially identified earlier this month, nearly 20 countries have reported cases of Omicron, prompting the EU to tighten travel restrictions. The number of cases in European countries has also increased.
“How can we advocate mandatory vaccination as an option inside the European Union? This is a problem that requires attention.This necessitates a coordinated approach, but I believe it is a debate that must be initiated “she stated at a press conference in Brussels.
Vaccine mandates can only be enforced by individual EU member states, and some have already begun to do so. According to the report, Austria has made Covid vaccinations mandatory beginning in February of next year, while Greece has placed a punishment of 100 euros per month on all unvaccinated over 60s.
Olaf Scholz, Germany’s next chancellor, has stated his support for mandatory vaccinations. Scholz stated in an interview with Bild television that he wants mandatory vaccinations starting in March and that booster shots should be given out more quickly.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) stated that while most cases of the Omicron form are “mild,” it expects that existing immunizations “will still prevent serious disease” among those who catch it.
However, the World Health Organization urged against “punitive” travel restrictions placed on countries in southern Africa.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, expressed worry over “broad, blanket policies” that “would only exacerbate inequality.”
Travel prohibitions placed on South Africa have also made it difficult to ship virus samples, according to the article.
