COVID in Europe: Greece begins fining those over 60 who are unvaccinated
From today, older people in Greece that are not vaccinated face monthly fines.
Those over the age of 60 and without the jab will have to pay a €50 penalty in January, rising to €100 in February.
The decision comes as the country's public health system struggles to cope with an increase in cases and the government starts to run out of patience with those who are still unvaccinated against COVID-19.
However, the lack of available vaccine appointments has left some feeling frustrated.
"I booked an appointment on January 11 in order to get vaccinated but authorities only offered me an appointment for January 31. Why didn't they give me an appointment earlier? It's not my fault, but now they say that I should pay a fine. Why?," a Greek resident asked.
Medical professionals who are not vaccinated have also been suspended and face the prospect of being sacked if they fail to comply with rules which say they require vaccination.
On Sunday, Greece reported 10,783 new daily infections. Around 67% of the population is already fully vaccinated, 18,3 million vaccine doses have been distributed, and almost 22,000 people have died of COVID-19 since the beginning of the outbreak.
After two weeks of debate, the French parliament adopted a controversial bill introducing the vaccine pass on Sunday, despite much resistance from both the right and the left.
Out of a total of 280 deputies, 215 voted in favour of the measure, which the government wants to come into force as soon as possible in the midst of a resurgent wave of COVID-19.
The bill will see people who aren't vaccinated being excluded from restaurants, movie theatres, sports arenas, and other venues.
The new "vaccine pass" bill is central to government efforts to protect hospitals from being
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