What began in Austria has spread to Germany, then the Czech Republic and now Slovakia. Lockdowns for the unvaccinated are sweeping across central Europe, with Austria now declaring that vaccinations will be made compulsory in the country.
Why did these extreme lockdowns become so popular in central Europe? Part of the reason is that the region is at the epicentre of the global pandemic. But in trying to protect their healthcare systems, these countries are essentially creating two-tier societies – which are likely to become the perfect breeding ground for bitterness and resentment.
When Austria imposed Europe’s first lockdown for the unvaccinated at the start of this week, few in the Czech Republic foresaw similar measures arriving so soon in their own country. But in a process eerily reminiscent of the first weeks of the pandemic in Europe, governments throughout the region have been unable to resist imitating their neighbours.
The stark segregation set to be imposed in the region now makes Britain seem a paragon of liberalism
The German regions of Bavaria and Saxony imposed restrictions on the unvaccinated a day after Austria, with the domino effect continuing into the Czech Republic on Wednesday and Slovakia on Thursday.
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