Austrian anger has grown since the police initiated routine checks to keep two million people who are not vaccinated from their homes. The lockdown was criticized for “dividing the society into two”.
Alexander Schallenberg, Chancellor of Germany, said that his plan to establish a lockdown on the nation for unvaccinated people is dramatic but necessary in order to reduce rising rates.
This ban, which went into effect at midnight, affects approximately two million citizens in the 8.9million-strong country. It prohibits people who are not vaccinated from going outside their home except to do basic tasks such as shopping, working or grocery shopping, and also prevents them from getting vaccinated.
The lockdown does not apply to children under the age of 12 because they cannot yet officially get vaccinated for Covid-19 – though the capital, Vienna, on Monday opened up vaccinations for under-12s as part of a pilot, and reported high demand.
Police patrols have been stepped up and unvaccinated people can be fined up to 1,450 euros (£1,237) if they violate the lockdown.
On Sunday, thousands of protestors gathered in Vienna’s Ballhausplatz to oppose vaccinations after the Lockdown was announced.
As they marched through the streets protesters carried placards that read “no mandatory vaccination” and others warning about the lockdown.
Oe1 radio’s Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg stated that “We didn’t take it lightly” and that they were not going to talk down about the decision.
“This is an important step. About 2 million people are affected. What we want to do is to decrease contact between the vaccinated, unvaccinated, to a minimum and between the vaccinated.
Schallenberg said that Schallenberg is aiming to encourage the unvaccinated to get their vaccines and not lock them down. “In the longer term, the only way out of this dangerous circle that surrounds us – which is very vicious – we are constantly going from one wave to the next, and we can’t go on forever – is vaccines.
On Sunday, thousands of protestors gathered in Vienna’s Ballhausplatz to oppose vaccinations after the announcement about the lockdown. It will be for ten consecutive days.
At today’s Vienna protest, a demonstrator holds up a placard that reads “against compulsory immunization”.
The “Impfbus”, in Salzburg, Austria on Monday morning, has people waiting in line to receive a Covid-19 vaccination
The lockdown, which is being imposed until November 24, was enforced amid concern over rising infections and increasing pressure on hospitals as a result.
On Sunday, Austria had 9,936 cases of coronavirus – its highest total since the outbreak.
Austria’s low vaccination rate at 65% is a major factor in the latest outbreak. Schallenberg described it as “shamefully low” as this leaves large numbers of people vulnerable to severe illness and infection.
The police are keeping the area locked down and performing additional screenings on the public for their immunization status.
Austrians have a lot of doubts about vaccinations. This view is supported by Freedom Party, which is the third largest party in parliament. Freedom Party plans to protest the government’s coronavirus policies Saturday.
During a anti-vaccination protest Vienna at the weekend, Michael, an unemployed 61-year-old anti-vaxxer from Burgenland, told The Telegraph: ‘I cannot approve of the division of society into two parts. This is definitely not good news for our country. You will suffer the consequences. “I am convinced that it will,” stated Michael, a Burgenland-based anti-vaxxer who is 61 years old and unemployed.
Markus, a 40-year-old anti-vaxxer, said: ‘Before Covid, fundamental rights were unconditional.
“Now, we’re getting closer to a place where the fundamental rights are conditional. This can always be justified because it serves a higher purpose. It is clear that sacrifices were made for higher purposes in the past.
Karl Nehammer, Interior Minister, stated that every individual they encounter will be checked by police.
He said, “The lockdown does not represent a recommendation but an order.”
There are many doubts, including from Schallenberg’s police and conservatives about the effectiveness of this lockdown.
For example, it is difficult to check if someone is going on their way home from work and is vaccinated or if they are shopping for other non-essential products.
Business leaders have asked the government for an immediate extension of economic assistance to sectors that will be most affected by the restriction.
The group also demanded that the government implement incentives to encourage people to receive vaccinations – something bosses claim have been required for some time.
Leader of far-right Freedom Party, the leader of the opposition Far Right Party, vowed that he would use ‘all legal and parliamentary means’ to fight the new restrictions.
Herbert Kickl claimed in a statement that “2,000,000 people are literally imprisoned without any crime.”
A group of demonstrators hold a placard reading ‘no to compulsory vaccination’ during an anti-vaccination protest at the Ballhausplatz in Vienna
On Friday night, hundreds of protestors against lockdown clashed in The Hague (the Netherlands) with police officers.
Hours after protestors were dispersed by water blasting 200 of them with water, officers from the police are seen in The Hague.
Police officers guard The Hague while demonstrators go on the streets
ORF TV’s Health Minister Wolfgang Muekstein stated that he would like to talk to government about imposing additional measures on Wednesday. He also said that night curfews for the unvaccinated are one of the options.
He added, “We all are in the same boat.” A reduction in contact is necessary if we wish to prevent general lockdown.
In a statement of divergent views, Schallenberg stated that he does not expect any restrictions to bars or the like for now.
Oe1 radio: “Of course, I don’t rule it out sharpening” the measures. He also said that he didn’t see any movement towards restricting movements at night for general public.
Further measures, according to the chancellor, could be taken to require full medical masks to be worn in public places and to allow more people to work from their homes.
On Monday, children waited in line for their corona shot in Vienna (Austria).
Both residents and business leaders have voiced concern at the lockdown. However, some believe it is necessary to impose the restrictions on those who are not vaccinated.
Harold Mahrer is the head of Austrian Economic Chambers. It represents 540,000 companies in Austria. He told Weiner Zeitung, ‘Now, we need to extend economic aid for sectors that are particularly affected. And, we also require a rapid implementation of positive incentives for vaccinations which have been needed for a long while.
Rainer Trefelik, a trade spokesperson for the United States, warned that businesses could suffer severe losses.
The newspaper quoted him as saying that specialist shops will have to exclude around 35% potential customers by this method, meaning high sales losses.
Unvaccinated persons can purchase everything, from laundry machines to toys and textiles in drugstores and supermarkets. They would be refused at specialty retailers. Although customers leave, the cost of running expenses such as rent or staff are not affected. It is an inexcusable situation.
Trefelik pointed out that both retail businesses that are dependent upon events and tourist companies will have a difficult time coping.
Monday’s address by Schallenberg, Chancellor of Germany, was a reassurance. He referred to the assistance programs for compensation payments and VAT reductions in catering. These will be continued until the end.
The chancellor stated that the finance minister had said he would examine it.
Alexander Schallenberg, Austrian Chancellor, said that citizens not vaccinated will be put in lockdown starting tomorrow
Business chiefs and residents have expressed concern over the lockdown, but others believe that it is right for unvaccinated people to be locked down
Ruptly heard from Daniel, a Vienna resident, who said that the situation with coronavirus is stable at the moment. This is the reason why many people aren’t wanting to be vaccinated.
“But the most recent lockdown was extremely bad and quite strong, in my opinion. Many had to be at home, and there were many shops that had to shut down. It was very detrimental for everyone.
A local resident said, “I believe it is correct.” Protection is essential. It will never end.
“Sometimes you need to take action. These people are not allowed to be locked up, even though it’s difficult.
“But I don’t get why you haven’t gotten vaccinated. Unfortunately, you must react this way even though it may not be right. But I am in favour. All of this must come to an end. There can’t be ups and downs in life, as well as this or that regulation. It doesn’t work.
On Sunday night, hundreds gathered in protest outside of the chancellory to hear his announcement. They waved banners reading ‘No to compulsory vaccination’ and “Our body, our right to choose”.
I’m here for a reason. “We must stand up now.. We want work. But we are not willing to vaccinate ourselves. This is just our choice,” Sarah Hein (a 30 year-old nonvaccinated worker in a hospital) told AFP.
On Friday, the government announced that vaccinations will be mandatory for all health professionals.
Unvaccinated persons are prohibited from eating in restaurants or hotels unless they show that they have been treated for the disease.
Another protestor said to AFP that “healthy people” were being imprisoned, but declined to name her.
The situation in neighboring Germany is worse. Case rates on Monday hit the latest in a string of records, with 303 new cases per 100,000 residents over seven days.
Berlin was the latest German state to restrict access to cinemas, restaurants, museums, and concerts for people who are vaccinated. Children under 18 years old are not affected.
The German parliament will vote Thursday on the new law framework to curb coronavirus infected individuals. It was created by parties expected to be forming the next government. According to reports, these plans have been reworked in order to permit stricter contact restrictions.
Germany is struggling to give new life to its vaccination campaigns, as only over two-thirds are fully vaccinated. Germany also needs to increase booster shots.
On Saturday, Angela Merkel, the outgoing Chancellor issued an appeal to all who are still unvaccinated. She said, “Think about it again.” Last week, the country’s disease control centre urged people to cancel large events or steer clear of them altogether.
Germany’s western border was affected by a partial lockdown implemented in the Netherlands Saturday night. This will last for at most three weeks.
Many streets across the country have seen empty houses as bars, restaurants, and other nightlife establishments close down at 8 p.m. on a day that would otherwise be bustling with nightlife.
The northern city Leeuwarden saw hundreds of youth gather in one square to light fireworks and throw flares. However, riot police intervened to force the protestors out.
In an attempt to disperse protestors who were throwing stones and fireworks on Friday night, the Dutch police used water pressure against a 200-strong group in The Hague.
When Mark Rutte, Prime Minister of the Netherlands was giving a briefing to media members, protestors clashed against riot police and mounted officials outside the Justice and Security Ministry.
Later in the evening, police were confronted with flares, projectiles and bicyclists. Officers began to hit fleeing protestors with batons.
Even though death rates are still low in the Netherlands, Friday’s highest-ever daily Covid infection count was recorded by medics. Hospitals were warned that they face a huge challenge due to an unprecedented rise of cases.
Rutte spoke out about the “unpleasant” return to lockdown measures starting Saturday. He said that restrictions the Dutch believed had been lifted were now being reinstated for three weeks.