Story at a glance
- Austria’s population of 8.9 million has returned to a strict lockdown following a surge in new COVID-19 cases and deaths.
- The lockdown will affect those not fully vaccinated against the coronavirus.
- On Nov. 12, a record 11,975 new COVID-19 infections were recorded in Austria over a 24-hour period.
Austria’s population of 8.9 million has returned to a strict lockdown amid rising COVID-19 cases and low vaccination rates.
The lockdown will prevent those who are not fully vaccinated from leaving their homes other than for essential needs, such as going to work, grocery shopping and visiting the doctor’s office.
“Unvaccinated people will only be allowed to leave their flats to go to work, for food shopping or when they need to stretch their legs,” Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg said, according to The Guardian.
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On Nov. 12, a record 11,975 new COVID-19 infections were recorded in Austria over a 24-hour period, according to the BBC. About 66 percent of Austria’s population is fully vaccinated against the coronavirus. However, less than 60 percent of the population of Upper Austria, where the lockdown will be taking effect, is fully vaccinated.
While the heightened restrictions are in effect, the country will largely be relying on an honor system to enforce it.
“We don’t live in a police state and are not able — and nor do we want — to control every street corner,” Schallenberg said.
Europe as a whole is facing a surge in new coronavirus cases and deaths, with coronavirus deaths having risen by 10 percent throughout the continent over the past week, according to the World Health Organization.
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