Europe has once again become the epicenter of the world, with the number of deaths in this continent accounting for half of the total number of deaths due to Covid-19 globally. In response to this situation, on November 19, the Austrian government ordered a nationwide lockdown to combat the epidemic.
According to Austrian authorities, the lockdown will be in place until December 13 and only vaccinated people will be allowed to return to normal activities, which means those who have not been vaccinated will have to continue following the previous regulations.
This has caused discontent among a segment of Europeans - those living in countries with high Covid-19 infection rates, who believe that Austria's actions are affecting people's freedom and democracy, and raising questions about whether other European countries will implement policies like Austria.
Austrians line up to get tested for Covid-19 in Vienna, Austria. - Photo: AP Photo/Ronald Zak
According to Reuters news agency, Austrian Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg said that the country's vaccination rate was the reason for the decision to close again, when only about two-thirds of Austria's population was fully vaccinated, making the country one of the countries with the lowest number of vaccinated people in Europe.
“We have not succeeded in convincing people to get vaccinated. It is painful, but such measures must be taken,” he said. Austria said that, in addition to the lockdown, it would require all residents in the country to be vaccinated against Covid-19 by February 1, 2022.
