Coronavirus infections in Austria set a new daily record today, the third day of the vaccination for the unvaccinated, which aims to stem the rise in cases.
About 65% of the population in Austria is fully vaccinated against Covid-19, one of the lowest rates in Western Europe. Austria also has one of the highest infection rates on the continent, with a seven-day incidence rate of 925 per 100,000 people.
Outbreaks appear to be exacerbated during this time of year, with governments looking to re-impose unpopular lockdowns. Unlike the Netherlands, which has ordered a partial lockdown for all citizens, Austria has sought to avoid imposing additional restrictions on those who are fully vaccinated.
Daily infections rose to 14,416 today, according to official figures, exceeding the 14,000 mark for the first time. The peak of the largest wave of infections before today was 9,586 cases about a year ago, when the country entered a complete lockdown.
By banning the unvaccinated from entering places such as restaurants, hotels, theaters and ski lifts at ski resorts 10 days ago, the government ordered a lockdown, during which about two million people who have not been fully vaccinated can leave their homes for very specific reasons. These citizens can go to work, buy the necessary supplies and exercise, without being limited in time or distance. Given these extensive categories, there are doubts as to whether lockdown can be properly implemented and whether it will be effective in stopping the increase in cases.
The situation is worse in two of Austria’s nine provinces, Upper Austria and Salzburg, where hospitals are under increasing pressure. Salzburg has warned that it is preparing for patient screening conditions when the number of people in need of intensive care units exceeds the availability of beds, although the situation has not yet reached this stage.
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