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What appears to be a dystopia to those opposed to the vaccine claims in various parts of the world, from the United States to France, has already become a reality in Saudi Arabia, which has introduced some of the more immunization rules. strict rules of the world since August 1.
At a time when the highly contagious strain of COVID-19 is forcing other countries back into quarantine, officials at the world’s largest oil exporter are relying on a strategy that makes vaccination mandatory to keep the economy open. country.
So Saudi Arabia, with 35 million. population, has become a demonstration of what happens when those who do not want to be vaccinated are cornered.
To date, this strategy works; Since the rules were announced, vaccination rates have risen, new cases are declining, and workplace visits have dropped by just 6 percent, according to Google Mobility, from a pre-pandemic level of 50 percent in the Greater london.
But the experience of Saudi Arabia also shows that such strategies, where the unvaccinated are excluded from offices, schools and many public places, have their limits; Even in an absolute monarchy, where any disagreement with a common opinion is criminalized, the implementation of such a policy is not easy.
“The government is forcing citizens to follow these rules, it is total slavery,” says Rawan, a 23-year-old unemployed law graduate who was vaccinated with one dose of the vaccine and the other does not want to be vaccinated because she is concerned about long-term side effects.
Like other Saudis who oppose the rules, he asked Bloomberg journalists not to reveal his name due to the risks of criticism from the state.
The country’s health ministry and the government’s Center for International Communication did not respond to requests for comment. Officials have consistently emphasized that vaccines are safe and effective, arguing that such requirements help protect the public.
Mandatory vaccination is becoming the subject of heated debate around the world as the scale of COVID-19 cases rises again; Increasingly stringent requirements by employers and governments are fueling legal debates and protests. France has introduced a vaccination passport, which is now required to enter many public places, while New York has announced mandatory vaccinations for teachers and public servants and anyone who wants to eat inside restaurants or visit a gym or whatever. place of entertainment or entertainment. Indonesia threatens to impose fines on those who do not want to be vaccinated.
But only a handful of countries have introduced restrictions as strict as in Saudi Arabia, where refusals to vaccination are extremely painful: shoppers can no longer even enter grocery stores, twelve-year-olds cannot attend the school, any opportunity to travel abroad is prevented, and all sectors run the risk of losing their jobs.
Vaccination rates have recovered rapidly since August 1, when the vaccine passport was supposed to go into effect, it is the rule for all adults to be vaccinated with AstraZeneca, as well as Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines, to all citizens from the age of twelve. .
The number of fully vaccinated people increased to 42 percent. population, compared to just 13 percent. six weeks ago. About 63 percent. people, including 99% Public school students ages 12 to 18 have been vaccinated with at least one dose of the vaccine.
Saudi Arabia still lags behind some countries with similar population levels, for example Canada, where it is 65%. the population is fully vaccinated but is catching up quickly as the focus now is not on getting as many people as possible with the primary doses, but on how to make sure they get the second dose.
“It seems to me that we are outperforming other countries,” said Dunya Fahad, a 27-year-old vaccinated perfumer who sprays perfume customers at her counter.
However, in a certain subset of the population, tightening the vaccine rules only reinforces resistance and incites fear. An app-based system called Tawakkalna also makes life difficult for people who lack digital skills or don’t have regular access to the Internet, like some migrant workers. And even in Saudi Arabia, law enforcement is often episodic, carried out by individual security guards and staff who don’t always keep a close eye on it.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned against mandatory vaccination of the general public, advising decision makers to consider whether it will “jeopardize public trust and increase inequalities for the most vulnerable.”
Despite the remaining doubts, officials expect at least 70 percent to be fully vaccinated by October. populations. The borders have been opened only to vaccinated travelers, and the government is planning a fireworks show in hopes of attracting $ 20 million. people.
Evidence of vaccination or COVID-19 relapse is required not only at events but in all commercial establishments, government buildings, offices, and many other places. Until now, it has been enough to get vaccinated with one dose, but in some places, such as educational institutions, proof is required that a person has been vaccinated with two doses of the vaccine.
A negative coronavirus test won’t help here, unlike in some countries, and the rules will likely only tighten as more people get vaccinated with the second dose of the vaccine.
Nouf Madi, 26, who is currently looking for work after graduating from university with an English diploma, says she feels calm about it.
“Of course, we wear masks outside the home, but thank goodness we live our happy lives and we don’t go back to quarantine,” he says. “It is difficult to imagine that the mistake of a small group can hurt us all.”
However, for some people who are suspicious of vaccinations, these rules only make the decision difficult.
“I was looking for work until recently, but now I quit because vaccination is required everywhere,” said Masahel, a 24-year-old social science graduate. “I will never get vaccinated, whatever happens.”
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