Austria Places Unvaccinated In Lockdown
By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
(Worthy News) – About two million people who have not been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are placed in lockdown in Austria, despite concerns it will lead to segregation in the heart of Europe.
From Monday, unvaccinated people were only allowed to leave home for limited reasons, like working or buying food.
The measures introduced in Austria on Monday, which come amid growing pressure on the nation’s hospitals, will initially last for ten days. Children under the age of 12 and people who recently recovered from the virus will be exempt, Worthy News learned.
Austrian Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg defended the lockdown saying his alpine nation faces a surge in cases. “We are not taking this step lightly, but unfortunately, it is necessary,” Schallenberg stressed.
“Two-thirds of people should not suffer because others are hesitant,” he said.
About 65 percent of Austria’s population is fully vaccinated – one of the lowest rates in Western Europe.
LOW VACCINATION RATE
Austrian authorities suggested that the low vaccination rate added to a seven-day infection rate of more than 800 cases per 100,000 people, one of the highest in the region.
Overall, Europe has again become the area most seriously affected by the pandemic, and several countries are introducing restrictions and warning of rising cases, officials say.
However, Britain, with one of Europe’s highest COVID infection rates, has yet to reintroduce restrictions.
Several health leaders are calling for rules like mandatory face coverings in crowded and enclosed spaces to be brought back to avoid a winter crisis.
Some skeptics, including critical doctors, say there is little evidence that masks help to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
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