"It is not out of cheerfulness that we have partially deprived part of the population of their liberty," Conservative Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg told AFP.

But this measure "is already bearing fruit", he said, citing "the massive increase in registrations in vaccination centers".

According to official statistics, nearly half a million people received a dose last week in the central European country, including 128,813 for the first time.

To stop the "vicious circle" of the spread of the virus and boost the "disgracefully low" vaccination rate of its population (65% to date), Austria is using all means.

People line up to be vaccinated against Covid-19, in Vienna on November 15, 2021 BARBARA GINDL APA / AFP

Since Monday, people over 12 years old not immune after catching Covid or unvaccinated over 12 years old, or two million inhabitants, have not been allowed to leave their homes except to do their shopping. , sports or for medical care.

Under penalty of incurring a 500 euros fine in the event of an inspection.

Return of restrictions in Europe

The "situation is serious", launched the head of government on Sunday, before the surge in new cases, the highest since the start of the pandemic - 12,000 per day on average in this country of 8.9 million inhabitants.

A wind of concern is blowing over Europe where contamination is climbing and restrictions are returning, as in the Netherlands where partial containment has been reintroduced.

Faced with the rebound, France reinstated the wearing of compulsory masks in primary school on Monday, while the United Kingdom extended the third dose to over 40s.

And in Latvia, the unvaccinated can now be made redundant.

"Discrimination"

"Welcome to apartheid", denounced Monday a collective called Initiative Corona Info accusing the government of appointing "scapegoats".

Austria is installing "a two-class system", indignant Nikolaus Unterguggenberger, a 57-year-old professor whose family is not vaccinated.

He says his children had to stop their music lessons because of the new rules.

"I was afraid it would come to this, but that it was adopted so easily surprises me," he told AFP.

Deeming the measure illegal, he intends to continue going out and meeting friends.

A demonstration supported by the far-right party FPÖ - whose anti-vaccine leader has just announced being positive for Covid 19 - is scheduled for next Saturday.

"It's pure and simple discrimination," was offended Sunday at a rally Sabine, a 49-year-old energy advisor, who did not wish to give her last name.

"Of course, my life, my freedom are hampered".

Allegations defended by the Chancellor, who swears not to violate the Constitution.

Christmas "safe"

In Vienna, the youngest are also involved.

At the Christmas market in Vienna, November 12, 2021 GEORG HOCHMUTH APA / AFP

Even if the European regulator has not yet given its approval for the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech serum in 5-11 year olds, the Austrian capital has chosen to take the lead.

"We feel reassured," reacts Gerald Schwarzl, 41, who came on Monday with his two children for the inauguration of this unprecedented program within the EU.

Pia, eight years old, black dress and pink FFP2 mask, blond hair, says she was "a little" afraid but is very proud to leave with her "Ninja pass", named after the sesame given to children in Austria.

In the city center, traders and passers-by interviewed by AFP generally welcomed these new measures.

"We do what must be done and we want everyone to feel safe", explains Daniel Stocker, manager of the Christmas market located on the town hall square and which had to be canceled last year for cause. pandemic.

© 2021 AFP