Corona in Austria: Apparently a hard closure was planned – all schools closed! – Policy abroad

The “blocking light” in Austria appears to have failed: in view of the high number of infections, the country is preparing for a harder pace, reports the portal oe24.at.

Consequently, the government wants to announce new measures on Saturday to prevent a collapse of the healthcare system. Very difficult: According to the report, schools will probably have to close (almost) completely.

Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz (34, ÖVP) insists on this. Probably only kindergartens and possibly elementary schools should remain open.

Furthermore, the government appears to be preparing to close the shopping malls. Service providers, like cosmetic studios and massage parlors, should also be prepared for closures. Contact restrictions are likely to tighten as well.

Citing informed government circles oe24.atthat the hard blockade should take effect on Tuesday at midnight.

According to current figures, there are currently around 97,000 active corona cases in Austria (8.9 million inhabitants). The seven-day incidence is 532. Since October 31, the number of Covid intensive care patients has doubled to 536.

For comparison: in Germany, the seven-day incidence is currently 139.