Austria has implemented a new COVID-19 lockdown, but only for individuals who have not been vaccinated and do not have natural immunity from a recent infection.
Unvaccinated Austrians who haven’t recently recovered from COVID-19 aged 12 and over are prohibited from leaving their house except for basic activities like attending school, work, going to the grocery store or going to get vaccinated, according to the Associated Press. The lockdown will remain in place until Nov. 24 for the time being.
Austria has implemented a lockdown for unvaccinated people who have not recently had COVID-19. The move prohibits unvaccinated people 12 years old and older from leaving their homes except for basic activities like work, school or grocery shopping. https://t.co/JgWndEOmcY
— The Associated Press (@AP) November 15, 2021
Daily COVID-19 infections in Austria have reached a new peak, although deaths remain far lower than the country’s high watermark from last winter. Roughly 65% of Austria’s population is fully vaccinated. The new lockdown rules do not apply to children under age 12 because they are not yet eligible to be vaccinated in the country.
Austria’s right-wing Freedom Party has vowed to fight the lockdown measures by any legal means necessary. “Two million people are being practically imprisoned without having done anything wrong,” party leader Herbert Kickl said. (RELATED: Bill De Blasio Implies NYC Will Eventually Require Vaccine Passports For 5-11 Year-Olds)
Austrian officials said police patrols would be increased to enforce the new measures, and violators can be fined up to 1,450 euros ($1,660).