Strict lockdown for part of Austria for everyone | Abroad

The two states have the highest infection rates in the country and hospitals are full of corona patients. “We see no alternative,” says Salzburg Governor Wilfried Haslauer.

The lockdown applies in Upper Austria at least until December 17. Only supermarkets, drugstores and pharmacies remain open. The rest of the retail and hospitality sectors – restaurants, hotels, cafes – must remain closed from Monday, as will the schools. Takeaway meals are possible.

The measures may be relaxed for vaccinated persons after December 17.

Salzburg

The lockdown is also expected to last for weeks in Salzburg. “The number of infections is alarmingly high in both regions,” says Thiebout van den Bergh of the Austrian Tourist Office. According to him, the province of Salzburg is ‘after Tyrol the most important destination for the Dutch’.

“The Dutch market is in any case the second most important worldwide for Austria. In the last normal winter before the corona pandemic, there were 6.2 million overnight stays by compatriots.” Tourists will have to do without catering for the time being.

On the street

Under the new lockdown, all Austrians are only allowed to leave their home for urgent errands, for exercise, to go to work or for medical reasons.

The rules are already exceptionally strict for unvaccinated people throughout Austria. They are fined on the street. There are also controls in traffic and public transport. Fine: 1450 euros.

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