Geneva/Vienna, Dec. 19, (dpa/GNA) – Austria will start a new lockdown phase next week, but citizens can earn the right to move more freely if they get tested for the novel coronavirus, the government announced on Friday.
The renewed partial curfew and shuttering of non-essential shops starts on December 26, only three weeks after the end of the previous lockdown.
Infection numbers have fallen, but the daily Covid-19-related death count remains high, at around 100, and infection numbers in other European countries have been rising steeply, Chancellor Sebastian Kurz told a press conference in Vienna.
“There is no way to get through this pandemic without restrictions,” he said.
When the new lockdown phase ends in mid-January, people who take part in mass screenings will be allowed to meet people from other households and to go shopping.
Others will have to obey lockdown rules for an additional week until January 24, Kurz said.
Those who do not get tested will be allowed to go to work or to shop for essential items, but they will have to wear higher-grade protective masks while tested people can wear simple face covers.
In addition, health workers, teachers, waiters and others who get into close contact with people will get tested once a week, according to the government plan.
The broad screening strategy, together with Covid-19 vaccinations, is designed to allow a gradual easing of restrictions.
Austria currently has a count of around 440 novel coronavirus infections per 100,000 for the past 14 days.
In neighbouring Switzerland, the 14-day rate stands at 660, one of the highest levels in Western Europe.
The government in Bern announced on Friday that restaurants, cultural venues and sports facilities must close for one month starting on Tuesday.
“We cannot allow ourselves to let the situation spin out of control,” Health Minister Alain Berset told a press conference
However, the Swiss government stopped short of tougher lockdown measures.
It did not close the country’s many ski resorts, but reiterated that regional authorities must take such steps if hospitals fill up with Covid-19 patients. Shops also remain open.
GNA