The measures proposed by the Commission for Infectious Diseases, as an advisory body to the Minister of Health, are fully supported. The goal is to maintain a relatively stable epidemiological situation and increase interest in vaccination, said Health Minister Venko Filipche in a TV interview.
The Minister stressed that this was not a mandatory vaccination, but the citizens are left with a choice – they are required to show proof of at least single dose of COVID-19 vaccine or a negative PCR test not older than 72 hours, taken at their own cost.
“This is not a forced vaccination as some try to portray it. Citizens have the choice to get vaccinated free of charge or to show proof or a negative PCR test, which they will pay for themselves. Public institutions must be an example of adhering to the recommendations of health authorities, just as health professionals must be fully vaccinated. Employees must present either a medical certificate of recovery from COVID-19 in the past 45 days or a COVID-19 vaccine exemption certificate due to medical conditions. So there is absolutely no coercion, on the contrary there is a responsible action by the Government,” said Minister Filipche.