The Austrian government could decide on Sunday to impose a lockdown on people who have not been vaccinated against Covid-19, as daily infections have risen to record levels, reported the canciller Alexander Schallenberg.
While it did not say when the measure would take effect, the two provinces hardest hit by this wave of infections – Upper Austria and Salzburg – said they will introduce it themselves on Monday.
Near to 65% of the Austrian population is fully vaccinated against Covid-19, one of the lowest rates in Western Europe. Many Austrians are skeptical of coronavirus vaccines, a view encouraged by the far-right Freedom Party, the third-largest in parliament.
“The objective is very clear: that this Sunday we give the green light to a nationwide lockdown for the unvaccinated,” Schallenberg told a news conference on Friday, adding that intensive care units are increasingly stressed.
The development is such that I do not think it is sensible to wait (…) We will take this step now and my wish is that we do it on Sunday at the national level for the nine provinces, “he added.
Schallenberg said those who are not fully vaccinated will face the same restrictions on their daily movements that the entire country suffered during the three lockdowns last year. The intention is to prevent such restrictions from being repeated throughout the population.
Reference-www.eleconomista.com.mx