Ruqayyah Snyder
Austria's fourth national lockdown, which began in late November 2021, was due to end on Sunday, December 12, 2021, although lockdown restrictions would remain in place for the unvaccinated. The lockdown was implemented to curb surging coronavirus infection levels in the country. The country's new chancellor, Karl Nehammer, described the end of the lockdown as an opening with a seatbelt, indicating that some measures, such as mask mandates and an 11 p.m. curfew for restaurants, would continue even for vaccinated individuals and those who had recovered from COVID-19.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of lockdown ending | 12th December 2021 |
| Duration of lockdown | 20 days |
| Date lockdown started | 22nd November 2021 |
| Who will the lockdown restrictions remain for? | Unvaccinated people |
| Type of lockdown | Fourth national lockdown |
| Reason for lockdown | To cut down surging coronavirus infection levels in the country |
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What You'll Learn
The lockdown for the unvaccinated continues
Austria's fourth national lockdown ended on Sunday, December 12, 2021. However, the country's new chancellor, Karl Nehammer, announced that lockdown restrictions would remain in place for the unvaccinated. Nehammer acknowledged that those affected by the extended lockdown may feel aggrieved, but emphasised that getting vaccinated could end their troubles. Austria has a relatively low vaccination rate for Western Europe, with just 67.7% of the population fully vaccinated at the time. Tens of thousands of people protested the lockdown and the upcoming vaccine mandate across the Alpine nation in the weeks leading up to the announcement.
The lockdown for the unvaccinated continued even as restrictions were lifted for vaccinated individuals and those who had recovered from COVID-19. Chancellor Nehammer described the easing of restrictions as an "opening with a seatbelt", indicating that some preventative measures would remain in place. These included the obligation to wear masks on public transportation, inside stores, and in public spaces. In addition, restaurants were required to adhere to an 11 p.m. curfew, and there were limits on the number of people allowed to attend cultural events.
The Austrian government's decision to maintain lockdown restrictions for the unvaccinated was an attempt to encourage vaccination while gradually reopening the country. By keeping certain measures in place for everyone, they pursued a cautious approach to balance public health and economic considerations. This approach aimed to prevent another surge in infections and protect the country's healthcare system. The chancellor also stated that stricter measures could be implemented independently by regions experiencing high infection rates or hospitalisations.
While the lockdown for the unvaccinated continued, it was not indefinite. The Austrian government announced that the lockdown for unvaccinated individuals would be lifted on January 31, 2022. This decision was made as the rate of infected people requiring hospitalisation remained low during the latest wave of the pandemic. However, the easing of restrictions for the unvaccinated coincided with the introduction of mandatory vaccinations, with fines for non-compliance beginning in mid-March.
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Austria's fourth national lockdown
The lockdown officially ended on December 12, 2021, but restrictions remained in place for unvaccinated individuals. Chancellor Karl Nehammer referred to this as an "opening with a seatbelt," implying that some preventative measures would continue to be enforced. These included a mask mandate on public transportation, inside stores, and in public spaces, an 11 p.m. curfew for restaurants, and limitations on the number of people attending cultural events.
The decision to maintain restrictions for the unvaccinated was met with mixed reactions. While Chancellor Nehammer acknowledged the grievances of those affected, he emphasized that vaccination offered a path to ending the lockdown. Austria's vaccination rate at the time was relatively low for Western Europe, with only 67.7% of the population fully vaccinated.
The end of the fourth lockdown in Austria signaled a cautious return to normalcy, with the government opting for a gradual approach to reopening. The country's ski areas, including the renowned Ischgl ski resort, were particularly eager to welcome international visitors, hoping for a boost in tourism ahead of the main ski season.
However, it is important to note that the situation remained dynamic, and the Austrian government had demonstrated its willingness to adapt measures based on the evolving pandemic. Chancellor Nehammer had stated that stricter measures could be implemented independently by regions heavily impacted by COVID-19.
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Austria's new chancellor
Nehammer's predecessor, Schallenberg, took on the role of interim chancellor after the resignation of Sebastian Kurz, who stepped down amid a corruption scandal. Schallenberg, a career diplomat, served as foreign minister from 2019 until his appointment as interim chancellor.
Upon taking office, Chancellor Nehammer emphasized the importance of vaccination in ending the lockdown for unvaccinated Austrians. He acknowledged the grievances of those affected by the restrictions but encouraged them to get vaccinated to regain their freedom. Nehammer's statements highlighted the relatively low vaccination rate in Austria compared to the rest of Western Europe.
The new chancellor's handling of the pandemic and his stance on vaccinations drew mixed reactions. While tens of thousands protested the lockdown and the upcoming vaccine mandate, Nehammer's administration remained committed to increasing vaccination rates. The government announced plans for compulsory vaccinations, with details to be unveiled in the coming weeks.
Amid the pandemic challenges, Chancellor Nehammer also faced political hurdles. His party, the People's Party (ÖVP), found itself in negotiations to form a coalition government. The anti-immigrant Freedom Party, led by Herbert Kickl, posed a significant challenge, with recent polling suggesting growing support for their far-right agenda. The political landscape in Austria was marked by uncertainty as the country navigated both health and political crises.
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Coronavirus infection levels
Austria's fourth national lockdown, which aimed to curb surging coronavirus infection levels, began on 22 November 2021 and ended on 12 December 2021. However, lockdown restrictions remained in place for unvaccinated residents.
The lockdown was initially imposed for 20 days, ending just before the main ski season was due to begin. The country's new chancellor, Karl Nehammer, announced that some measures would remain in place even after the lockdown ended. These included a mask mandate for public transportation, inside stores and public spaces, an 11 pm curfew for restaurants, and limits on the number of people attending cultural events.
The decision to maintain restrictions for the unvaccinated was met with mixed reactions. While some understood the need for continued precautions, others felt aggrieved by the prolonged lockdown for this group. Chancellor Nehammer acknowledged the latter sentiment, stating that it was challenging to convince those who remained unvaccinated. He emphasised that getting vaccinated was the key to ending the lockdown for everyone, and Austria had a relatively low vaccination rate for Western Europe, with only about 67% of the population fully vaccinated at the time.
The lockdown appeared to be effective in reducing coronavirus infection levels. During the lockdown, the infection rate decreased from over 1,100 cases per 100,000 residents to 535.6 cases per 100,000 residents. This positive development contributed to the decision to end the lockdown as planned.
On 26 January 2022, Chancellor Nehammer announced that the lockdown for unvaccinated individuals would be lifted as of 31 January. This decision was made due to the low rate of infected people requiring hospitalisation during the latest wave of the pandemic.
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Austria's ski areas
During the 2021 COVID-19 pandemic, Austria implemented several lockdowns to curb surging infection levels. The fourth national lockdown, which began on November 22, 2021, lasted for 20 days and ended on December 12, 2021. Despite the lockdown, ski areas remained operational for locals, while restaurants and hotels were mandated to close.
One of the most prominent ski areas in Austria is the Arlberg, famed as the birthplace of skiing. The Arlberg boasts 305 kilometres of downhill skiing, with runs catering to all skill levels. The area is easily accessible with one lift pass, and its state-of-the-art lift system allows for seamless navigation. St. Anton, one of the resorts within the Arlberg, is renowned for its après-ski scene, attracting skiers from all over.
The second-largest ski resort in Austria is SkiWelt, located in the Tyrol region. SkiWelt offers 284 kilometres of pistes, with dedicated areas for beginners and children, as well as snow parks for freestylers. SkiWelt is ideal for families and intermediates, with a variety of wide, gentle pistes and a plethora of rustic ski huts, restaurants, and bars on the mountain.
Saalbach-Hinterglemm, another one of Austria's largest ski resorts, offers 270 kilometres of pistes with diverse options for intermediates and advanced skiers. The SkiCircus challenge, a circuit spanning 72 kilometres, links the five villages of the ski area, providing an extensive skiing experience.
Ischgl, the fourth-largest ski resort in Austria, boasts a long ski season and high-altitude slopes reaching up to 2,900 metres. With 240 kilometres of pistes catering to all skill levels, Ischgl offers a well-rounded experience for mixed groups. It is also a popular destination for snowboarders, featuring the largest Fun Park in Europe with 35 different obstacles, including a half-pipe.
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Frequently asked questions
Austria's fourth national lockdown ended on Sunday, December 12, 2021.
No, lockdown restrictions remained in place for the unvaccinated.
Unvaccinated residents still faced restrictions such as an obligation to wear masks on public transportation and inside stores and public spaces. There was also an 11 pm curfew for restaurants and limits on the number of people attending cultural events.
Austria ended its lockdown for the unvaccinated on January 31, 2022.
