Austria closed again for fourth time!!

Austria has failed to learn from a series of three lockdowns. Initially, the government thought to impose lockdown restrictions on those who haven't been vaccinated. After getting the situation to worse, Austria is going for a full lockdown as the last option to fight with coronavirus. Austria is the first nation in Western Europe to take this drastic measure during the latest wave of the virus. The government also set a target of completion of vaccination by the end of February 2022. Austria is also the first Western European nation to make coronavirus vaccines mandatory. Till now just two-thirds of people were fully vaccinated which is one of the lowest rates in the continent.

Austria’s daily tally of Covid-19 cases hit a new record the day before, rising above 15,000 for the first time in the Covid-19 pandemic. People and businessmen who are hoping for good business before Christmas and New Year are worried about the government’s decision of lockdown. This is the fourth lockdown imposed in Austria since 18 months after coronavirus. Germany might follow Austria that makes Covid-19 grips Europe. Other European nations also are tightening restrictions as cases surge across the continent. Poland and Belarus border issue is another reason for the surge in coronavirus cases in Europe. People stranded at the border without following social distance norms and even masks. Hungary, the neighbor nation of Austria, has announced mandatory mask-wearing restrictions even indoors.

It is a matter of concern that with the onset of winter the number of coronavirus infections across Europe continues to rise. Countries like Spain and Portugal have the highest vaccine coverage. On the other side, people protest against the government's decision. They rallied in many cities in Austria, after authorities announced a full lockdown in the country. There will be a transition period for unvaccinated people to get the jab. People are put under lockdown because of their medical status. Police patrolling the streets checking peoples papers to see if they are allowed outside. After the lockdown was imposed in Austria, people were not allowed to leave their homes except to go to work, shop for necessities and exercise.