Omicron fear: Covid-19 vaccination to be mandatory in Rajasthan

Jaipur: The Rajasthan government is planning to make Covid-19 vaccination mandatory in the state. The government will soon issue guidelines in this regard. The guidelines would include the type of action that would be taken against those who don’t get vaccinated. The measures are being taken in view of the rising cases of Omicron variant of coronavirus in the state.

In the review meeting convened to discuss the measures to contain the Omicron spread, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot instructed the officials that every person must be vaccinated and it should be made mandatory. Other measures like night curfew and mandatory masks are also not being ruled out.  

Gehlot said that masks were made mandatory in the state. The same would be done for the vaccination. The people would be offered a deadline for the vaccination. If they still don’t get the jab, they will be penalized, Gehlot said. They would also not get benefits of the government schemes.

Gehlot has instructed the officials to take action against those who don’t wear masks in public places and don’t follow other Covid-19 guidelines.

Gehlot said that the people should keep in mind the havoc caused by the second wave. It’s the duty of the government and the people to make sure that such a situation doesn’t get repeated. On the suggestion of the Allahabad High Court to postpone the UP elections, he said that it should be taken seriously and it’s a big deal.

Health Minister Parsadi Lal Meena and Health Secretary Vaibhav Galaria said that restrictions should be imposed. It would help contain the spread of the virus to some extent during the new year celebrations.

Gehlot said just as Tamil Nadu and Punjab have made vaccination mandatory, Rajasthan would also have to follow suit. No person can refuse to be vaccinated. It’s not a choice, said Gehlot.