Some countries have imposed restrictions against the unvaccinated aiming to prevent the transmission of the COVID-19 virus. However, these limitations have triggered enormous reactions. Anti-vaxxers, individuals hesitant about the vaccine and protesters view the restrictions to be discriminatory against the unvaccinated. Meanwhile, amid the protests and debates, some activists and celebrities have expressed their support for those fighting the limitations while others have expressed their loyalty for the vaccination program.
The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson, has announced that vaccine passports will be obligatory for entry into packed venues such as nightclubs by the end of September.
He said: “I should serve notice now that by the end of September, when all over-18s will have had their chance to be double-jabbed, we are planning to make full vaccination the condition of entry to nightclubs and other venues where large crowds gather.”
As the UK Government prepares to introduce vaccine certificates, over 293,000 Britons have signed a petition calling for the Government to reconsider these plans, labeling the proposed policies discriminatory against people who have refused to have the coronavirus vaccine. On 19 July, following the statement made by Boris Johnson, anti-vaccination protesters gathered in Parliament Square to express their disagreement with the Government’s decision.
Mark Harper, Chair of the COVID Recovery Group, said the government may struggle to find support for the proposal among other Conservatives in parliament.
He commented: “I have to say I don’t welcome the minister’s statement, particularly vaccine passports for crowded venues, which is effectively moving to compulsory vaccination. I do however look forward to the debate and the vote in parliament when he will bring forward the evidence because I don’t think that is supported by the pilots that have taken place.”
Certain other countries are also not being slow in introducing restrictive measures against the unvaccinated.
While countries proceed with their plans towards vaccination passports, some celebrities have expressed their support for those who are vaccine-hesitant. Eric Clapton has refused to play at venues that require proof of vaccination for entrance.
Clapton has expressed his disagreement with the “no vaccine, no service” approach, saying he refuses to perform for a discriminated audience: “Unless there is provision made for all people to attend, I reserve the right to cancel the show.”
At the same time, other public figures have offered words of support for vaccination campaigners. For instance, Jennifer Aniston has said she has cut contact with those individuals who refuse to have the vaccination.
“I’ve just lost a few people in my weekly routine who have refused or did not disclose [whether or not they had been vaccinated], and it was unfortunate,” said Aniston.
COVID-19 involved unprecedented challenges for both societies and governments. Experts’ opinions on the restrictions also differ and some noteworthy comments on this topic are available in the article “Vaccine passports: an infringement of human rights? Experts’ Opinions”.
