SULAIMANI (ESTA) — A senior Kurdish health official said on Thursday unvaccinated employees need to undergo weekly testing for coronavirus, or they won’t get paid.
Kurdistan Region’s deputy health minister Dr. Rahel Faraidun said the ministry had to take “severe measures” as infections with coronavirus are rising in the Region.
“If people don’t follow the protective guidelines, preventing the wave of coronavirus that is spreading fast won’t be easy, because of limited abilities,” he told reporters.
“If employees don’t want to get vaccinated, they must undergo testing in the beginning of every week before they go to work,” he said.
“If they don’t have four tests at the end of the month, their salaries will be suspended until they follow the guidelines.”
The official said the ministry would start the new measure next week.
The Kurdistan Region is facing a surge in coronavirus cases. Officials have warned that infections with the virus are increasing in the Region.
On Monday, the Supreme Committee to Combat Coronavirus issued several decisions during a meeting it held to discuss the health situation in Kurdistan.
The committee said all public servants should be vaccinated by the end of this year and that teachers and students who are eligible should get vaccines until December.
Wearing face masks became mandatory for teachers and students in classes, according to the decisions.
The committee also urged employees working at the restaurants, hotels and other public places to receive vaccines “as soon as possible”.
“Whoever is reckless to receive vaccines and wear masks will be punished,” the committee said.
