Furthermore, there is no all-clear for the corona numbers in Austria. Yesterday, Thursday, the authorities reported 11,975 new corona infections. This was a negative record. In addition, Berlin again declared Austria a risk area. The emergency brake was now pulled in Upper Austria. As governor Thomas Stelzer announced on Thursday, a lockdown for unvaccinated people will come into force on Monday. “The situation is dramatic, so we are triggering the fifth stage of the federal government’s plan,” said the governor. Further details on the implementation will be announced after a video conference with Health Minister Wolfgang Mückstein on Friday. In addition, the FFP2 mask requirement is being expanded in Upper Austria. In addition, all events will be canceled in the coming weeks.
Salzburg is also tightening the measures. However, the state is relying on 2G and an expansion of the mask requirement instead of a lockdown for unvaccinated people. There are restrictions in gastronomy (it is only allowed to party while seated) as well as an expansion of 2G to other areas as well as extensive controls. In addition, alcohol consumption is prohibited in public places.
The situation in the intensive care units is getting worse. According to media reports, there could therefore be a lockdown for unvaccinated people across Austria from next week. On Thursday, Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg predicted that “Christmas will be uncomfortable for those who have not been vaccinated.” A lockdown for unvaccinated people throughout Austria is “probably inevitable.” Schallenberg stressed, however, that there will be no lockdown for vaccinated people. This would punish two thirds of the population “who did everything right,” said the Chancellor. It would also disrupt the incentive to vaccinate. According to Schallenberg, the vaccination rate in Austria is shamefully low. The vaccination is the only breakwater. A compulsory vaccination in certain professional groups is also being discussed.
In three federal states, namely in Tyrol, Lower Austria and Upper Austria, stricter rules will come into force in schools from next week. Level 3 will apply from the coming week. This means that students and teachers in the upper grades have to wear masks. In addition, school events with external partners and associations may not be carried out.
