Austria is discussing a premium of 500 euros, in the form of a spending bonus, for those who receive the anti Covid booster dose. It is a proposal of the Social Democrats and the government of Oevp and Verdi says it is ready to talk about it. Chancellor Karl Nehammer speaks of a “positive sign”. According to the Ministry of Health, “it is important to convey the message to the undecided that the vaccine protects not only them but also those close to them”. “Any contribution to increase the vaccination rate is useful,” adds the ministry. In Austria, 70.6% of the population is currently vaccinated. The bonus could take effect on February 1st with the entry into force of the vaccination obligation.
Germany classifies Italy as a high-risk area. ECDC map, the whole beautiful country in red
In the meantime, the German government has included Italy, Canada, Malta and San Marino in the list of high-risk Covid areas starting from Saturday, following the instructions of the Robert Koch Institut. Dpa reports it. Anyone who enters Germany from a high-risk area and is not fully vaccinated must undergo a mandatory ten-day quarantine from which they can exit from the fifth day with a negative test.
French companies that do not comply with the obligation to have their employees work remotely as far as possible, on the other hand, will be forced to pay a fine of one thousand euros for each employee and up to a maximum of 50 thousand euros. This was stated by the Minister of Labor, Elisebeth Borne, in a speech to the TV broadcaster LCI, underlining that the administrative sanction is intended as a quick response to stem the surge in Covid-19 infections due to the Omicron variant. Sweeping checks will be carried out to ensure that the new measures passed by the government are actually respected, in particular the obligation to telework between 3 and 4 days a week “when possible”. The executive has also reactivated a series of shock absorbers and aids to support companies: the state will bear 100% of the contributions and expenses in the event of a reduction in activity.
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