Austria starts lockdown for unvaccinated; police to randomly check residents on street for 10 days
- Those who cannot show vaccination proof and are caught going into cinemas, gyms or shops face fines; businesses could also be fined
- More police patrols and spot checks before a government review; as cases rise, protesters say it is their right to choose not to be jabbed
Starting on November 15, people who cannot show proof of vaccination and are caught going into cinemas, gyms or shops face fines starting at US$573 (500 euros). Business owners could be fined US$4,100 (3,600 euros), according to the Interior Ministry.
The country needs to raise its “shamefully low vaccination rate” of less than two-thirds of the population, Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg said at a press conference in Vienna. “We are not taking this step lightly. But unfortunately it’s necessary.”
The lockdowns are to be enforced with random spot checks for the next 10 days with police patrols being stepped up. It will then be reviewed, according to the government. The main committee of parliament approved the lockdown on Sunday.
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About 65 per cent of Austria’s almost nine million people are vaccinated, below the EU average of 67 per cent, while daily increases in infections have hit records this week.
Schallenberg called again on those who have not yet been vaccinated to get jabbed. Hundreds gathered outside the chancellery building for his announcement in a noisy protest, waving banners that read “No to mandatory vaccination” and “Our body, our freedom to decide”.
