In addition to the planned Corona vaccination requirement in Austria, financial incentives are to encourage people to immunize. Ahead of the parliamentary vote on general mandatory vaccination from the age of 18, the conservative-green coalition government, together with the opposition Social Democrats, announced a vaccination lottery. In addition, communities that achieve high vaccination rates are to be rewarded with subsidies. A total of around one billion euros is to be made available for these measures.

In the lottery, 500 euros can be won for each partial vaccination, which can be redeemed as vouchers in restaurants or shops. Participation is open not only to those who have decided late in the game but also to those who are already protected. About every tenth stitch is to be rewarded in this way. For communities with a vaccination rate of 80 percent, a total of 75 million euros will be distributed, with 85 percent 150 million euros and with 90 percent 300 million euros.

"I am really happy to be able to decide not only the issue of duty but also the issue of incentive today in parliament," said Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP). A broad majority was emerging for both measures before the session began this Thursday. Only the opposition right-wing Freedom Party opposes mandatory vaccination. The move would represent the most far-reaching regulation in the EU to date. Italy and Greece have mandatory vaccination for the elderly. In Austria, the obligation would apply to all adult citizens. Pregnant women and anyone who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons are exempt.

At the same time, Austria is easing entry requirements starting next Monday. 14 Omicron precursor states would be removed from the list of virus variant areas, various Austrian newspapers report. These are ten states of southern Africa as well as Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway and Great Britain. This means that in the future, boostered people from all over the world will be able to enter Austria without any requirements.

Image by Gerd Altmann