Austria has threatened new lockdown restrictions coming into winter – but only for the unvaccinated.
The warning was issued by Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg, who said that if Covid cases continue to rise in the country and one third of ICU beds are taken up by Covid patients, the new restrictions will be put in place.
Around 65% of the Austrian population has received at least one dose of the jab, and 62% are fully-vaccinated.
“The pandemic is not yet in the rearview mirror,” Schallenberg said.
“We are about to stumble into a pandemic of the unvaccinated.”
Austria, with a population of around 9 million, has roughly 1,000 ICU beds. Currently, 220 patients in ICU have Covid-19.
Schallenberg, who recently took over as chancellor of the country after his predecessor resigned amid a corruption probe, said that there are too many “hesitators and procrastinators” as regards vaccines, adding that he hopes the measures will increase vaccine uptake.
Under the government’s plan, if the number of Covid-positive people in ICU beds reaches 20% of the total capacity (i.e. 400 beds), antigen tests will no longer be accepted as valid proof of being Covid free, meaning only those who have been vaccinated, recovered or who have an up-to-date PCR test will be allowed to live life freely.
If this increases to 25% capacity (500 beds), then only vaccinated people will be permitted to enter hotels, restaurants, sporting events, and other settings, regardless of whether they have a negative antigen or PCR test result.
Ultimately, if over 30% capacity is occupied by Covid patients (600 beds), then the unvaccinated will be fully put under lockdown, with the only exception being those who have caught and recovered from the virus. The unjabbed will be forced to stay home by law and will only be allowed to leave for essential purposes.
Last month the capital city of Vienna introduced restrictions of the unvaccinated, saying that all events, indoor or outdoor, with more than 500 attendees would require proof of recovery from the virus or of vaccination. This also extends to bars and restaurants.