The Christmas shopping takes place in the narrow pedestrian streets of Salzburg, also in the shop Hemps Vienna. People drop by to secure cannabis oil, or other cannabis products. On the shelves are glasses with various forms of cannabis. On the counter there is an offer for «joint to go», one for one and a half euros, around 15 kroner.
Also for this store, the closure comes at the worst possible time. Christmas shopping is the most important period of the year.
– This is the perfect timing, says store manager Michael ironically.
All the shops in Austria have prepared for the intense Christmas shopping.
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HEAVY: For Michael in the Hemps store, the shutdown comes at a bad time. The Christmas season is also high season for cannabis products. Photo: Santiago Vergara / TV 2
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CANNABIS: In all shapes and forms. Photo: Santiago Vergara / TV 2
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LEGAL: Since 2016, medical use of cannabis and marijuana has been legal in Austria. Photo: Santiago Vergara / TV 2
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HAMSTERS: Many people stopped by the store to find out what cannabis products they needed for the next few weeks. Photo: Santiago Vergara / TV 2
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CHRISTMAS SHOPPING: Busy in the streets of Salzburg. Photo: Santiago Vergara / TV 2
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– The stores have ordered a lot of goods that they now have. We hope that the reopening will take place on 13 December and that we can continue working then.
Store manager Michael eagerly opens the jars of cannabis. The characteristic smell seeps out into the shop. Many people drop by to secure cannabis to fall asleep, relieve pain or anxiety. Since 2016, medical use of cannabis and marijuana is legal in Austria.
– What have you bought?
– Oh, nothing special. Just the usual, laughs student Sarah König (19). Among other things, she has secured roll paper for “joints” in large format.
She will continue to have digital teaching in the coming weeks, so life will not be very different for her. Sarah supports the decision to shut down the country.
– I think it is important, but I think the decision comes late. The numbers have been known for a long time.
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AGREE: Student Sarah König thinks it is a wise decision to shut down Austria. Photo: Santiago Vergara / TV 2
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CHRISTMAS MARKET: Outdoor Christmas markets must also close in Austria from Monday. Photo: Santiago Vergara / TV 2
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LIGHT IN THE DARK: For many, a visit to the Christmas market is a tradition. But this pre-Christmas time will be different. Photo: Santiago Vergara / TV 2
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Forced to be vaccinated
Sarah is aiming for the explosion in infection rates. In recent days, the numbers have been around 15,000 new infected every day. The death toll is high for a country with just under nine million inhabitants, between 40 and 50 dead every day in recent days. The figures were the reason why the government chose to shut down Austria for the fourth time. For the unvaccinated, the suspension will last one month.
From February, mandatory vaccination to prevent new waves of infection awaits, a controversial decision.
– I do not know if it is the right way to go and force people to do something. But we will see how it goes, says Sarah.
It is uncertain how compulsory vaccination will be carried out, but it will be a criminal offense to evade the coronary vaccine. Fines and, in the worst case, imprisonment are likely to be introduced for violations of the rules. In recent days, the number of people who have been vaccinated for the first time has increased by almost 140,000 people.
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LOSERS: For ceramicist Gerhard Oberholtzner, the shutdown means disaster for the economy. He sells half of what he makes a year on the market. Photo: Santiago Vergara / TV 2
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KORONAPASS: Strict access control on the market until it closes. Photo: Santiago Vergara / TV 2
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CORON PASSPORT: Austria has two different corona passports. The 2G passport is only given to the fully vaccinated. Photo: Santiago Vergara / TV 2
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CERAMICS: Gerhard’s ceramic figures are popular Christmas gifts. Photo: Santiago Vergara / TV 2
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LOCAL: Unlike many Christmas markets, the market in Salzburg is full of local producers of food and other things. Photo: Santiago Vergara / TV 2
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CHRISTMAS GIFTS: Many secured this year’s Christmas gifts before the market closes. Photo: Santiago Vergara / TV 2
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– Economic disaster
At the city’s Christmas market, there is strict access control. After showing your corona passport, you will receive a blue bracelet that gives you access to the Christmas market. The smell of mulled wine hangs over the market. Unlike many other places in Europe, this is a market with many local producers of both food, gifts and Christmas decorations. With the historic buildings that surround the Christmas market and all the Christmas lights, the market gives a very special Christmas atmosphere.
Outdoor Christmas markets must also close. This means lost income for the ceramicist Gerhard OberOberholtzner, and the consequences are great.
– Then all you have to do is close the shed and go home. Unfortunately, he says.
– What does that mean for you?
– It’s an economic disaster. Boden can support me for half a year. I make the pottery myself and sell it for six months before Christmas.
Over two million people have not been vaccinated. Political opposition to vaccines, combined with misinformation, are two reasons for this. Gerhard tells about fake news that circulates online, and which some take seriously. Some self-medicate for Covid-19.
– People take soil remedy for horses and die from it. Absolutely unbelievable.
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CHRISTMAS JOY: Jessica is looking forward to Christmas, after all. But she is prepared for fewer people to gather for Christmas celebrations this year as well. Photo: Santiago Vergara / TV 2
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SALZBURG: From Monday, these streets will be almost empty. People will stay at home, probably until December 13. Photo: Santiago Vergara / TV 2
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LAST NIGHT: From midnight night to Monday, Austria goes into lockdown again. Photo: Santiago Vergara / TV 2
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Schools must be open, but there is no obligation to attend, and home school is recommended. Unvaccinated people must stay at home for a month. It’s heading for a special Christmas. Jessica (15) is still looking forward to it.
– Yes, I’m really looking forward to Christmas. We can not be with as many as usual, but it will be nice anyway.
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