How quickly things change. Just a month ago many EU countries were being praised for keeping some Covid restrictions in place, in many cases operating vaccine passport systems. By contrast, Britain was being attacked for removing most Covid restrictions in July. The UK suffering elevated infection rates ever since, leading to predictions that we could be back in lockdown by Christmas. Now, many EU governments are panicking as infection rates soar — and protesters have taken to the streets to oppose new lockdowns and, in the case of Austria, compulsory vaccinations from next February. What is the situation in the worst-affected countries?
Austria
Current number of people recorded as infected: 144,442 — up from 45,308 at the beginning of the month
Vaccination rate: 64.4 per cent
Covid death rate per million: 1,327
Austria has just reported the highest number of infections at any point during the pandemic. Last Monday, a lockdown for the unvaccinated was brought in, followed by a full lockdown for everyone taking effect from today.
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in