Health Minister Vili Beros said on Thursday that a new approach was being introduced to the importance of vaccination - compulsory lectures and education of all those employed in the health system, including people who have not been inoculated.

“When it comes to health institutions and the health system, after the mass campaign has been completed, we are turning to a new approach, and that is compulsory lectures and education for all persons in the health system, including those who have not been inoculated,” Beros told reporters.

The lectures will be compulsory and conducted as part of occupational health and safety courses, Beros underscored, adding that he suggests other portfolios and sectors to apply the same approach.

Inoculation is growing among health workers and at the moment 81.2% have received at least one shot and 71.9% have been inoculated with both shots.

“It is absolutely necessary, in addition to the current campaign, to underscore the advantages of inoculation through direct contact and communication. There is countless evidence that de facto there are no fatalities among those who have been vaccinated, especially among those who have received both doses,” said Beros.

He is convinced that the Health Ministry will be the first to require a Covid certificate from its workers and visitors. For those who do not have one or cannot obtain one, antigen tests will be arranged at the entrance to the building.

Citizens who for health reasons cannot be tested will have to adhere to the usual epidemiological framework.

“We are doing this because, as the relevant ministry, we wish and have to show that there aren’t any double standards. We wish to be the first that will enable safe working conditions for all our workers,” underscored Beros.

He also announced that Covid certificates for people who have received a first dose and which are due to expire soon will have their certificates extended to 10 months.