Prognosis

Polarized Austria Ends Lockdown as Vaccine Mandate Looms Large

  • Unvaccinated still restricted; mandatory shots due by February
  • Austria lags western peers on vaccines but is big on boosters

People gather at Heldenpltaz to protest against Covid-19 measures and mandatory COVID-19 vaccine in Vienna, on Dec. 11.

Photographer:  Askin Kiyagan/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

Lock
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Austria ended a nationwide coronavirus lockdown for most people on Sunday, while keeping restrictions for the unvaccinated as it presses ahead with the boldest incentive in Europe to boost inoculations.

Starting Sunday, vaccine-rejectors can only leave their homes to go to work, where they’ll need to provide a negative coronavirus test every two days, and for essential shopping and daily exercise. Entry to other venues will be barred.