Thousands of people protest against vaccination mandate in Prague
TThousands of demonstrators gathered in Prague on Sunday to protest against the Czech government’s vaccination mandate for certain groups.
Protesters walked in the capital shouting: “Freedom! and claim that the mandate violates their constitutional rights.
The outgoing government tightened pandemic protocols last week, forcing citizens 60 and older, medical workers, law enforcement, firefighters and medical students to get vaccinated against COVID- 19.
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One person was arrested and the protesters did not appear to be social distancing or wearing masks.
The measure, which is expected to take effect in March, could be short-lived. A new center-right coalition will be sworn in soon, which does not support the tenure of citizens aged 60 and over. However, he indicated that he could allow the mandate to come into force for certain professions.
The Czechs also surrendered by the thousands to expression strict restrictions on coronaviruses in November on the anniversary of the anti-Communist Velvet Revolution.
FILE – Demonstrators gather to protest the government’s restrictive measures aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19 during celebrations for the 32nd anniversary of the pro-democracy velvet revolution that ended the Communist regime in 1989 in Prague, in the Czech Republic, Wednesday November 17, 2021. It was supposed to be Christmas in Europe where family and friends could once again enjoy the holiday festivities and each other. Instead, the continent is the global epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic as cases reach record levels in many countries. (AP Photo / Petr David Josek, File)
Petr David Josek / AP
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As new cases peaked in the country at the end of November, the numbers have steadily increased decreases over the past few weeks.
A survey published in early December showed that nearly 20% of the population opposed vaccination, while 50% opposed vaccination mandates. About 60% of the citizens of the Czech Republic have been vaccinated. Neighboring Austria unequivocally mandated the vaccine for everyone last month.
