The Minister for Health and HIV/Aids, Hon. Jelta Wong, MP, has warned people going around threatening and attempting to intimidate health workers will be arrested and face the full force of the law. The Minister made the comments after reports of mainly unemployed youths harassing health workers and throwing stones at COVID-19 vaccination stations. In the face of the attempted intimidation and related failed attempts at unruly protests, the Minister called on the Opposition to stop sitting on the fence and make a public declaration to condemn anti-vaccination troublemakers. “Respect must be shown for our health staff and they should not be harassed in their places of work where they are administering vaccines,” Minister Wong stated after receiving reports of agitation. “I am issuing a very stern and direct notice to these thugs that police have zero tolerance for anyone who threatens or intimidates health workers. “Offenders will be arrested and prosecuted under existing laws, and under the National Pandemic Act, that will see them face time in prison. “Throughout the country police have increased patrols around vaccination sites and have a quick response if there are any reports of harassment. “Let me make it clear to anyone thinking of intimidating our health workers, that you will be picked up and locked up. “It is only a very sick and selfish individual who would harass heath workers who are working day-in and day-out to save lives during the COVID-19 Pandemic.” Minister Wong said some of the harassment of health workers stemmed from recent attempts to protest by people who are often not aware of the issues such as the safety and effectiveness of vaccines. “We have seen that a number of these people running around spreading lies and complaining about vaccines who have no idea what they are complaining about. “Firstly, vaccination is not compulsory, it is the free choice of every adult to decide if they wish to get vaccinated for the safety of our country. “To anyone trying to stir up trouble about vaccines, I urge them to go and get accurate information from health authorities and make an informed decision.  There is a lot of fake news circulating, and our people need to be on the lookout for people who will try to mislead them. “More than five million people around the world have died from COVID-19, and the best way any of us can avoid becoming a COVID death is to vaccinate.” Minister Wong called for a bipartisan approach on vaccinations which means the Opposition has to make their position clear instead of trying to hide from the issues. “I call on the Opposition to get behind our government’s strong stand when it comes to protecting workers from COVID-19. “There is no room for sitting on the fence like the Opposition has been doing since we began providing vaccines in our country. “So instead of trying to avoid the main issues, the Opposition must declare where they stand in relation to many issues relating to vaccinations, including the recent trouble being stirred up that is based on misinformation. “There should be no politics when it comes to keeping our people safe, and now the Opposition has the chance to try and be honest with our people instead of hiding from the issues that matter.”