Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg announced that as of Monday morning, Austria will place millions of people not fully vaccinated against coronavirus in lockdown.
Austria has one of the lowest vaccination rates (65%) in western Europe and has again become the center of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In retaliation to the Chancellor’s lockdown mandate, which is seen as another effort to take away a person’s right to make their own medical decisions, thousands of protesters rallied against the announcement. Citizens from all walks of life united to show their opposition to the Austrian government’s strict policies, leading to numerous arrests being made by Austrian authorities.
Chancellor Schallenberg prefaced the announcement of the new quarantine mandate, saying, “We are not taking this step lightly, but unfortunately it is necessary.”
These restrictions are the first in the world to affect only those who are unvaccinated. The Austrian government also announced that police will be on patrol to ensure that the unvaccinated population is remaining indoors. Reports indicate the fine for violating this new lockdown could amount to up to 1,450 euros, or $1,660.
