The state will "financially compensate" people who get vaccinated against COVID-19, Finance Minister Igor Matovič (OĽaNO) announced on Wednesday. The legislation to that effect is going to be submitted to Parliament via an amending proposal in an effort to remedy Slovakia's low rate of vaccination, which is lagging behind most European countries. According to Matovič the logic behind the financial compensation is that by getting vaccinated people are doing "something they don't wish to do", yet the public interest of Slovakia is in stake. Matovič thus wants to motivate people with a lottery organised on a weekly basis. "A maximum of two million euros weekly should be earmarked for prizes in the lottery," he said, adding that all those vaccinated and aged above 18 could join the lottery - even those who had received their jabs earlier in the past. Another financial reward could be claimed by those who convince others to get vaccinated as of July.
The Slovan Bratislava football club is also joining the vaccination campaign, as it reported on Wednesday that it is ready to make each one of its next five matches, including two Champions League qualifiers, free for 10,000 visitors on condition that they present their COVID-19 vaccination certificate. In its official statement, the club claimed that its aim is to speed up the vaccination rate and help Bratislava achieve herd immunity.
