Cops in Austria are investigating a man who reportedly sold buyers COVID-positive saliva so they could get vaccine passports showing recovery from the coronavirus.
Officials in the town of Herzogenburg in the Austrian state of Lower Austria have said they suspect a man who had tested positive for COVID-19 of selling his saliva.
They did not reveal his identity, but said they were investigating an alleged scheme whereby he sold his infected saliva to vaccine-hesitant buyers.
With the saliva, the buyers could obtain a COVID recovery certificate, thereby allowing them to participate in normal life without having to get the jab.
The police said said investigations were still ongoing.
Austria was the first European country to introduce a COVID vaccination mandate for everyone aged 18 and older at the beginning of February.
The government warned that as of 16th March, those who refused to get the jab would face fines ranging from EUR 600 (GBP 504) to EUR 3,600 (GBP 3,020) if caught during routine checks by police at restaurants and shopping centres.
People testing positive for COVID-19 in Austria must self-isolate for at least five days. If they do not show any symptoms by then, they may carry out a PCR test to determine their status anew.
If the test indicates that they are still infected, the quarantine extends to another five days, while a negative result ends it. In addition, those recovered from COVID can obtain a certificate confirming their status. This document extends the deadline to get vaccinated by 180 days.
Hundreds of thousands have taken to the streets on a regular basis in several Austrian cities during recent months to voice their outrage at the measure.
The Interior Ministry has sharply condemned the increase of threats and physical attacks on doctors and nurses at several hospitals all over the country.
Meanwhile, an increasing number of politicians from all parties are voicing concerns about the mandate, as some experts suggest it is no longer necessary due to the high number of recovered and vaccinated people.
