Restrictions for vaccinated people have been lifted across large parts of Austria, the day after a large demonstration in the capital Vienna.
For the unvaccinated, life will continue to be difficult.
The over 40,000 protesters were partly against the fact that pandemic restrictions remain for the unvaccinated, who with some exceptions are forced to stay at home, and partly against an upcoming vaccination mandate in the country.
But for the more than two-thirds of Austria's population who are fully vaccinated, life is now returning to a more normal course. Theaters, museums and other cultural and entertainment events will open their doors on Sunday, followed by shops the following day.
In some Some regions are opening restaurants and hotels, while others are waiting until later in December. For all, restaurants must close at 11 p.m., and face masks are required on public transport, inside shops and in public spaces.
Last week, Chancellor Karl Nehammer called the strategy "opening with seat belts," with the nine regions being able to ease or tighten restrictions as needed.
Despite the decline in new COVID-19 cases in the country, hospitalizations have not followed suit. Austria has therefore announced that in February it will introduce mandatory vaccinations for all citizens over the age of 14, with fines of up to €3,600 for those who violate the order.
Source: TT
