Austria has imposed a national lockdown that only applies to unvaccinated people who have not recently had COVID-19. Around two million people are affected and anyone who breaks the rules risks a fine of up to 1,450 euros.
Around 65 percent of Austria's population is fully vaccinated: "Shamefully few" according to Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg.
Under the new rules, which came into effect at midnight, all unvaccinated people aged 12 and over are prohibited from leaving their homes unless they have a valid reason, which includes going to work or study, shopping for food, taking a walk or going to a vaccination centre.
”Not easy”
The new curfew rules will initially apply for a week and a half, until November 24.
Austria has been hit hard by rising infection rates and the pressure on healthcare is high. On Sunday, 849.2 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants were registered in the previous seven days.
“We certainly have not taken this step lightly,” Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg told radio station Oe1.
He describes the new coercive measures as a ”dramatic step” aimed at reducing contact between people who are unvaccinated to a minimum.
– My goal is to get the unvaccinated to get vaccinated and not to lock up the vaccinated, he continued, describing vaccination as the only way out of the "vicious circle" the country finds itself in.
Berlin introduces restrictions
In neighboring Germany, Berlin became the latest of many states on Monday to restrict access to restaurants, cinemas, museums and concerts for unvaccinated people over the age of 18.
On Thursday, the German parliament will vote on a new legal framework that will govern how future corona restrictions might look – drawn up by the three parties expected to form the country's next government. According to the AP news agency, the legal framework raises the possibility of introducing tougher measures.
– We will need mandatory vaccination, in nursing homes, daycare centers and so on, said Greens group leader Katrin Goering-Eckardt, reports AP.
Source:svt
