The lockdown in Austria has been extended from December 26 to January 18, and Prime Minister Sebastian Kurz has announced a return to the "severe lockdown."
The government on Friday overturned its first decision and announced a new post-Christmas lockdown, citing new levels of infection in Vienna. All shopping malls will remain closed until January 18, restaurants and hotels will remain closed until January 24 - this lockdown will apply to anyone who does not participate in the second phase of the massive corona tests in mid-January. Made the announcement after consulting with state governors.
People are scheduled to take part in large-scale tests from January 15 to 17. The facilities, which will reopen on January 18, include shopping, from culture to gastroenteritis, etc., and the day-long external restrictions that re-apply. Effective December 26. Only January 18 will be relaxed for those who can show a negative test.
Prime Minister Sebastian Kurz said in a press conference that the only way to revive the tourism and culture and economy in the face of epidemics is to prevent further growth at the same time, urging that Christmas be "planned". But after that, the measures will be tightened. The government had earlier discussed with the state governors to move forward. After only three weeks and despite the high number of infections, in recent days more than 2600 hundred a day. New infection cases are being reported and about 120 deaths have been reported. In view of this situation, the government Friday canceled the first plan after the Christmas holidays and canceled further preliminary measures and "severe lockdown" after Christmas. I announced my return. Distance education will be implemented in schools from January 7 to January 17.
