2.24 p.m.: Slovakia wants to pay fully vaccinated up to 300 euros
The Slovak Parliament has approved a plan to pay up to EUR 300 to people aged 60 and over who have been vaccinated against the coronavirus. The incentive devised by Finance Minister Igor Matovic is intended to encourage vaccinations in the country with one of the lowest vaccination rates in the EU and to help the health system, which is grappling with a record increase in new infections.
In the bill, the MPs agreed that those who had received at least one dose of vaccine by January 15 would receive 200 euros in cash. Everyone who has received a booster vaccination by then will receive 300 euros. So far, only 46.5 percent of the 5.5 million inhabitants are fully vaccinated.
Slovakia is one of the most corona-affected countries in the world. The country has been cordoned off since November 25th, and citizens are only allowed to leave their homes for specific reasons. Those who have not been vaccinated or recovered must be tested before they can go to work. Only shops selling essentials are open. On Friday, the lockdown should be lifted for vaccinated and recently recovered people.