• The Lockdown in Austria scares the stock exchanges with the price of oil also falling sharply

  • Virus out of control, mandatory vaccine in Austria and 20-day lockdown for everyone

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22 November 2021 Austria is back in lockdown today, the fourth since the start of the pandemic decided to try to contain the spread of the Coronavirus after the death toll has tripled in recent weeks. It is the first Western European country to restore the lockdown, which will last until 12 December. But the new measures could be extended if the contagion situation shows no signs of improving and if the intensive care units, now at the limit of capacity, fail to free up beds. 



The Austrian government led by Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg (OeVP) has also decided that it will make vaccinations against Covid-19 mandatory starting February 1st. Only around 66 per cent of the 8.9 million Austrians are fully vaccinated, one of the lowest rates in Western Europe. Authorities have ordered residents to stay home for all but essential reasons, including work, outdoor sports and shopping for food. Measures that also affect the vaccinated.



Speaking to ORF TV last night, Health Minister Wolfgang Mueckstein said the government must "react now". "A blockade, a relatively harsh method, is the only option to reduce the number of infections here," he said.



Most restaurants and bars will only be able to provide takeaway lunches, while cultural events are suspended. As for sporting events, they will only be held behind closed doors. Lockdown also means the obligation to wear the Ffp2 mask in all public areas indoors and an interpersonal distance of two meters. The schools will remain open but an appeal has been made to parents for pupils to be cared for at home. Skiers will be able to use the lifts but only if vaccinated or cured. In the gondola lifts or chairlifts that can be covered, it will be mandatory to wear the Ffp2 mask. 



The blockade established by the Vienna government is a very painful one because it also involves vaccinated people.

The lockdown was deemed necessary, however, because throughout the month of November the daily coronavirus cases have continuously increased.

Austria is the first nation in Europe to have imposed a lockdown also for vaccinated people.