BERLIN (AP) – As of Monday, all people who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 in Austria must stay at home except for essential tasks.
The Austrian chancellor called the measure “dramatic”, in order to stop a rebound in the spread of the coronavirus.
After midnight, anyone over 12 years of age who has not been vaccinated or who has not suffered from the disease will not be able to leave their homes except to go out to work, shop or go to get the vaccine.
The lockdown will last until November 24, at least. It does not cover children under 12 years of age because that population is not yet authorized to receive the vaccine in Austria.
There will be police in the streets asking people for proof of vaccination, and those on the street without authorization could be fined up to 1,450 euros ($ 1,660).
“We have not taken this step lightly and I do not think it should be underestimated,” Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg told Oe1 broadcaster.
“This is a dramatic measure, affecting some 2 million people in this country. … What we are trying to do is minimize contact between the unvaccinated and the vaccinated, and between the unvaccinated, “he added.
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