A Vatican staff member in protective gear sanitizes the interior of St. Peter's Basilica, as part of efforts to combat a spread of the coronavirus, at the Vatican. (File photo: Reuters)
Vatican staff who refuse to be vaccinated against Covid-19 could be sacked under a decree made public on Thursday by the city state, which employs around 5,000 people.
An employee must have a documented medical reason for refusing a jab or face “consequences of various degrees which may go as far as the termination of employment”, according to the text.
For more coronavirus news, visit our dedicated page
The document, which cites a 2011 Vatican law, also concerns job applicants, saying the Holy See may not hire them if they refuse to be vaccinated.
For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app
“Refusing vaccination could also be a risk for others (and) seriously increase risks to public health,” it says.
The same document also details fines of between 25 and 50 euros ($30-60) for failing to wear a mask or to observe social distancing, and up to 1,500 euros for breaking quarantine rules.
The Vatican began vaccinating its employees for free last month. Pope Francis, 84, and his 93-year-old predecessor pope Benedict XVI have both received the jab.
Read more: Coronavirus: Pope unsure if March trip to Iraq can take place because of COVID-19
Also Read
-
Coronavirus: The Vatican vaccinates homeless against COVID-19
-
Coronavirus: COVID-19 case confirmed in pope’s Vatican residence
-
Coronavirus: Pope Francis ‘constantly monitored’ for COVID-19, Vatican says
-
Pope hails Italy coronavirus doctors, nurses as heroes at Vatican
-
Coronavirus: Pope unsure if March trip to Iraq can take place because of COVID-19
-
Coronavirus: Pope criticizes people going on holiday to flee COVID-19 lockdowns