European nations may follow Austria's tough Covid-19 policy

Vaccine mandate, serious curbs on those who refuse jabs among options as fourth wave hits

- Jonathan Eyal Global Affairs Correspondent In London

Germany has said it may take the cue from neighbouring Austria, which goes into full lockdown tomorrow, as coronavirus cases hit new highs throughout Europe.

And other European governments are following or mulling over the policies pioneered by Austria, including the imposition of serious restrictions on the movement of those refusing to be vaccinated, and plans for mandatory vaccination.

The much-feared fourth wave of infections is now very much a European reality, with registered infection rates soaring by over 55 per cent over the past week across the continent.

The biggest jumps are now recorded in Austria and the Netherlands, but there is also a steep rise in Germany’s pandemic figures. In comparison, infection rates in Britain, which last month were among the worst in Europe, are now only half of that in Austria.

The Austrian government responded by initially declaring a lockdown only for the unvaccinated. Those who cannot produce proof of a full vaccination course were barred from restaurants, bars, clubs and a variety of other public places.

Yet it soon became clear that the measures were not enough, so Austrian Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg announced that a lockdown for everyone would start tomorrow.

“In view of the serious situation, there was no other option but to impose these restrictions on the vaccinated again,” he said.