Almost 80 percent vaccination coverage and a comparatively very low seven-day incidence (139): In the pandemic, Spain, along with Portugal, is currently one of the model countries in Europe. For comparison: in Austria the incidence yesterday was 382. In the meantime, the incidence in Austria had even reached values beyond the 1000 mark in November.
“I believe that the high vaccination rate in Spain is related to the first lockdown,” says Lena Sautner. The 25-year-old teacher from Vöcklabruck has been working as a language assistant at a school in Madrid since mid-September. The measures in Spain were then quite strict. “In contrast to Austria at that time in Spain you could only leave the house to go for a walk with a dog, for example.” So that this situation of being locked in no longer repeats itself, the Spaniards have had more vaccinations.
In addition, each resident – unlike ours – was sent a vaccination appointment without being asked. “If you didn’t want to take advantage of this, you had to actively cancel it.”
There is currently a mask requirement in public indoor spaces as well as on buses and trains across the country. In the open air, on the other hand, only if the minimum distance of one and a half meters cannot be maintained. “The people here strictly adhere to it. As soon as several people are out on the streets, a mask is worn immediately.”
The weather in Spain is also having a positive effect: the mild temperatures still allow you to stay outdoors. “When the sun is shining, everyone is still sitting outside in front of the restaurants and cafes.” At all, says the 25-year-old, the Corona issue is de facto not present in the popular holiday destination. “I’ve been able to forget the subject since I’ve been here.” Rather, the new Christmas lights are currently the talk of the town in Madrid. “Everyone’s talking about it.”
How does she see the infection situation in Austria from a distance? “A lot of people asked me about it. I was often asked if I really wanted to go home for Christmas.”
The Vöcklabruckerin has a clear answer to that. “I’m going to fly home safely because I want to get the 3rd vaccination.” Because unlike in Austria, the third stitch in Spain is only just available to older people and health workers.
Source: Nachrichten
