Moldovan health minister says vaccinated people not to pay tests of those unwilling to be vaccinated

Chisinau, 26 August /MOLDPRES/ - There has been more and more criticism on the last days against the authorities’ decision, which sees that the non-vaccinated education system employees should pay the test for detection of Coronavirus at their own expense once in 14 days; yet, why the vaccinated people should pay these tests, as this procedure is made from the public budget backed by the tax payers. Health Minister Ala Nemerenco made statements to this effect at a news briefing on the activities scheduled for the next holidays, as well as the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year.    

“The government’s policy is to reduce the infection rate, without hitting the economic development and the education process, even if it is often about unpopular measures. We observe everybody’s free choice; yet, we must assume risks and expenses in this respect. The vaccination is a scientific act, the only solution to cease the spread of the virus or it is regrettable that namely teachers do not understand this,’’ the health minister noted.  

At the same time, Ala Nemerenco explained why the 1 September day will be held without meetings dedicated to the First Bell. ‘’We have children who are not vaccinated, we have teachers and parents, many of whom are also non-vaccinated; therefore, we cannot take risk to create unsafe agglomerations.  Our priority goal was for the pupils to go to school and, to ensure their safety, we assumed more obligations and responsibilities,’’ the official said.

For his part, Culture Minister Sergiu Prodan informed that all participants in the events due on the Great National Assembly Square on 27 August, occasioned by the 30th anniversary of Moldova’s Independence, were immunized. ‘’Both the servicemen due to defile on the Square and the artists due to give cultural and artistic programmes are 100 per cent vaccinated. We made sure that the guests are immunized too. The concerts will be shortened, with the holiday agenda ending by 17:00,’’ Sergiu Prodan said.    

Both ministers warned the residents about the danger of the pandemic, which could not be overcome, if ‘’the people are not united and responsible.’’