Austria begins 20-day national lockdown to fight surging COVID-19 infections
India TV NewsHighlights The measures are expected to last for a maximum of 20 days but will be reevaluated after 10 days Austria hopes to lift the measures on Dec. 13 but may keep a further lockdown on the unvaccinated Christmas markets across central Vienna were packed Sunday with people eager to buy gifts Austria went into a nationwide lockdown early Monday to combat soaring coronavirus infections, a step being closely watched by other European governments struggling with national outbreaks that are straining health care systems. Christmas markets across central Vienna were packed Sunday with people eager to buy gifts and enjoy one last round of warm drinks and food. “It would be weird if in 20 days they said, ‘Okay, for vaccinated people, you’re free to go,’ if the hospitals are still overwhelmed,” said Anna Ljesevic. In an interview Sunday in the Kurier newspaper, Schallenberg said it’s “sad” that the Austrian government had to resort to a mandate in order to ensure that enough people get vaccinated.