Holiday retreat owner bans all COVID vaccinated guests over unfounded fears of jab
The owner of a holiday retreat in Wales has banned anyone who has had the coronavirus vaccine from visiting.
Sharon Girardi, who runs the Blaeneinion eco-retreat in Machynlleth, Powys, has posted a message on the company website that explains why only unvaccinated guests will be welcome.
She described the vaccine as “experimental” and said that a “duty of care” to her family and guests is behind the ban.
The government's yellow card reporting system gives details of all potential side effects of the coronavirus vaccine but clinical trials have shown it to be safe and effective while providing significant levels of immunity.
The vaccines have been approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which means any claims that COVID-19 vaccines are “experimental” and have not completed initial research trials are false.
The vast majority of Brits have been given the vaccine, with nearly 48.5 million receiving at least one dose – while over 92.5 million jabs have been given in total in the UK, according to government figures.
But in a public notice on her website, Girardi says: “With great sadness we have made the decision that we will be unable to welcome folk on site that are 'vaccinated' with the experimental CV19 jab…
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"There are many people with the same views that I are cautious about the experimental nature of the injections. They are grateful to have somewhere to go."
She added: "I would like to point people to the MHRA website to see the side effects of the vaccine."
On Tuesday, England’s chief medical officer Chris Whitty hit out at anti-vaxxers, saying they “peddle untruths” and “should be ashamed”.
While recommending the the jab for children, Prof Whitty said: “There are a number of myths that fly around… some of which are just clearly ridiculous and some of which are clearly designed just to scare.”
On the website, Girardi continues: “I have a duty of care to my family, to our staff and to anyone staying on site."
Girardi states that the retreat is now fully booked until the end of September, and she has received “an unexpected and overwhelming outpouring of love and support from so many like-minded souls” since the announcement was posted.
Blaeneinion is described as an “idyllic and secluded conservation project set in 75 acres of land at the head of the Artists Valley”.
The resort aims to “create an inspiring conservation, recreation and educational resource that can be enjoyed by future generations”.
Yahoo News UK has contacted Blaeneinion for a further comment.
Watch: Chris Whitty slams anti-vaccine conspiracy theorists