After the EU summit in Brussels, Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz (ÖVP) again called on Austrians to vaccinate against corona. “Give yourself a jolt – get vaccinated,” said the Chancellor on Friday after the deliberations had ended. For fear of the spread of the delta variant of the corona virus, the EU states only want to open their borders to travelers from third countries carefully and in a coordinated manner.
Kurz said that over 4.5 million people in Austria had already been vaccinated. The time when there is more supply than demand is drawing closer. The Chancellor addressed his appeal to everyone to be vaccinated. Those who are vaccinated also make a contribution to society.
“The number of infections will rise again,” said Kurz with regard to the delta variant. Anyone who is not vaccinated is at risk of infection or even of becoming seriously ill. At the same time, Kurz assured that no one would be forced to vaccinate in Austria.
Merkel warns
In view of the rapid spread of the delta variant of the corona virus, the German Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) warned of a fourth wave of pandemics and new restrictions could not be ruled out. “We have to try everything to prevent a fourth wave,” she said on Friday after the EU summit in Brussels. This is of great importance, especially with a view to the possible economic consequences.
Testing, keeping your distance and wearing a mask are only small restrictions compared to “what would happen if things got out of hand and we had to reintroduce stronger measures,” emphasized Merkel. The infection process is currently well under control. “Everything has to be done to ensure that it stays that way.”
Merkel had insisted at the summit that the EU states uniformly apply the entry rules for areas with dangerous virus variants. Now she said that more coordination had been agreed. “I hope that it will be implemented consistently.”
Germany has classified 14 countries worldwide as virus variant areas and imposed drastic entry restrictions for these countries. However, the regulations in the EU are inconsistent.
