HELSINKI — Thousands of people have gathered in European capitals to protest vaccine passports and other requirements their governments have imposed in hopes of ending the coronavirus pandemic.
Demonstrations took place in Athens, Helsinki, London, Paris and Stockholm on Saturday.
In Paris, demonstrators protested the introduction of a new COVID-19 pass starting Monday.
The pass requirement will ban unvaccinated individuals from domestic flights, sports events, bars, cinemas and other leisure venues.
In Sweden, where vaccine certificates are required to attend indoor events with more than 50 people, some 3,000 demonstrators marched though central Stockholm.
Swedish media reported that representatives from the neo-Nazi Nordic Resistance Movement attended the action with a banner.
Water cannon, tear gas at COVID-19 protests in Brussels
Police in Brussels have fired water cannons and tear gas Sunday to disperse people protesting COVID-19 vaccinations and restrictions.
That protest followed demonstrations Saturday that also drew thousands of people who are against vaccine passports and other requirements.
In Brussels, demonstrators chanted “Liberty!” as they marched.
White-helmeted police riot officers later sought to disperse protesters who ignored loudspeakers telling them to leave.
Police trucks fired water cannons and thick clouds of tear gas filled the air in the Belgian capital.
Virginians age 5+ are eligible for COVID-19 vaccine. Go to Vaccine Finderto search for specific vaccines available near you or call 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-275-8343).
Depend on CBS 6 News and WTVR.com for the most complete coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Have You Been Fully Vaccinated?
People are considered fully vaccinated:
- 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or
- 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine
How to Protect Yourself and Others When You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated
COVID-19 vaccines are effective at protecting you from getting sick. Based on what we know about COVID-19 vaccines, people who have been fully vaccinated can start to do some things that they had stopped doing because of the pandemic.
We’re still learning how vaccines will affect the spread of COVID-19. After you’ve been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you should keep taking precautions—like wearing a mask, staying 6 feet apart from others, and avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces—in public places until we know more.
These recommendations can help you make decisions about daily activities after you are fully vaccinated. They are not intended for healthcare settings.
Click here for more information from the Virginia Department of Health.