Austria considers national lockdown for unvaccinated as Covid-19 cases keep rising
- Only around 65 per cent of the population is fully jabbed; chancellor urges people to get their shots
- Partial lockdown begins on Monday; possible nationwide one will be discussed over the weekend
Austrian Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg says he wants to introduce a nationwide lockdown for those not vaccinated against or recovered from the coronavirus, as cases hit record highs.
Salzburg and Upper Austria states, which have seen some of the worst case rates, are already introducing a lockdown for the unvaccinated from Monday.
This means they will not be able to leave the house except for reasons such as buying essential supplies, exercise or seeking medical care.
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The global spread of the highly contagious Delta variant of Covid-19
“The aim is clear: we want on Sunday to give the green light for a nationwide lockdown for the unvaccinated,” Schallenberg said on Friday. He said lockdowns across the country would be enforced with “random” spot checks.
The measure will have to be signed off by parliament and a meeting of the heads of regional governments over the weekend before it can be rolled out across the country.
