Sharjah24 – AFP: Austria will begin a lockdown for people not vaccinated against Covid-19, a first in the EU as the Alpine member fights a record surge in cases, Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg said on Sunday.
About 65 percent of Austria's almost nine million people are vaccinated, below the EU average of 67 percent, while daily increases in infections have hit records this week.
Other European governments are also eyeing unpopular Covid curbs, with the Netherlands opting for Western Europe's first partial lockdown of the winter.
Austria's lockdown means people over 12 who are not vaccinated or cannot show that they have recently recovered from Covid will not be allowed to leave the house except for reasons such as buying essential supplies, exercise or seeking medical care.
"The situation is serious... We don't take this step with a light heart but unfortunately it is necessary," Schallenberg told reporters in a televised press conference.
The lockdowns are to be enforced with random spot checks for the next 10 days with police patrols being stepped up. It will then be reviewed, according to the government.
Those who break the rules risk a 500-euro ($570) fine; those who refuse to show proof that they are vaccinated or have recently recovered can be fined three times as much.
The main committee of parliament approved the lockdown late on Sunday.
In his news conference, Schallenberg called again on those who have not yet been vaccinated to get jabbed.
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