Greece offers cash, thanks youth for getting vaccinated

Mon, Jun 28, 2021
By editor
2 MIN READ

Foreign

YOUNG people in Greece, who got a coronavirus vaccination will soon, not get only protection against COVID-19, but also payment cards.

A 150-euro ($179) payment card is given, as the country seeks to draw in as many for vaccination as possible.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis made the announcement on Monday, when the exercise is opened to approximately 940,000 people aged 18 to 25 in the country.

Up to 141 million euros is being set aside for the drive.

The government hopes to have 60 per cent of Greece’s 11-million strong population vaccinated by the end of July.

Dubbed the freedom card, the payment is being couched as a thank you for the young people who have been patient, staying away from crowds during the pandemic in an attempt to stop the virus’ transmission.

The money can be used for hotel bookings, ferry tickets, flight tickets, museum visits and concerts.

Mitsotakis noted that even as people head out to enjoy the money, they should be aware of the risks posed by the virus.

“It might be that younger people think they won’t get the coronavirus or, if they do, they think they won’t get very sick,’’ he said.

“But they are then carriers of the virus and help with its spread.’’ (dpa/NAN)

– June 29, 2021 @ 13:29 GMT|

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