Greece to make COVID vaccine mandatory for over 60 people over 60

A migrant speaks with a health ministry official before receiving a shot of Johnson Johnson's vaccine against the coronaviruses COVID - 19 in the Mavrovouni camp for refugees and migrants on the island of Lesbos, Greece, June 3, 2021. ATHENS, Nov 30 Reuters -- Greece said on Tuesday it would make COVID 19 vaccine mandatory for people aged 60 and over, a drastic step for the country grappling with a new surge in coronaviruses cases.

A 100 euro $114 fine will be imposed on anyone over the age of 60 who has not been vaccinated. The measure would apply every month from Jan. 16 onwards.

Around 63% of the population of about 11 million is fully vaccinated. In the past few weeks, vaccine appointments have picked up.

At a cabinet meeting, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said that they were focused on protecting their fellow citizens and that their vaccination will be mandatory from now on.

Greeks over the age of 60 who have not been vaccinated must book an appointment for their first dose by Jan. 16, or else they will face a 100 euro administrative fine every month. Greece has recorded a surge in infections this month, with daily cases hitting record highs.

Since the start of the epidemic last year, it has recorded 931,183 infections and 18,067 deaths.

The country banned non-vaccinated people from indoor spaces, including restaurants, cinemas, museums and gyms, even if they had tested negative for the coronaviruses.