Thus, the entire trade, body-hugging service providers, the gastronomy and the hotel industry are reopening. In the other federal states, it had already been withdrawn, at least in part, as of last Monday. However, this is accompanied by concerns about the spread of the new Omikron variant.
At the beginning of November, when the need for a new – the fourth – lockdown became apparent due to the dramatic situation in the hospitals, Upper Austria initially rejected this. Then he did come – at first only for the unvaccinated. A little later also nationwide. Most recently, all countries agreed to block people who have been vaccinated up to and including December 12th. When unlocking – but only for vaccinated and convalescent people under the 2G rule – a nationwide patchwork carpet was created – in some cases the catering and hotel business remained closed. With reference to the infection numbers, Upper Austria stuck to its original schedule of being shut down up to and including December 16 and even reserved an extension depending on developments. Now everything will be unlocked again on Friday, except for the nighttime gastronomy.
Gloomy look into the future
But the future is uncertain. Because the Omikron variant worries experts and politicians alike. A preview of the Covid forecasting consortium comes to the conclusion that “a widespread spread must be expected”. The number of cases and the high number of patients in hospitals are currently falling. However, the experts make it clear that the current development is likely to be the “calm before the storm”. If Omikron develops like this, “I expect another lockdown in January. I then see few other options”, the Upper Austrian LH deputy Christine Haberlander (ÖVP) is quoted as the health councilor in the “OÖN” (Thursday edition). A lockdown works, you can see that in the massive reduction in new infections. “But I would be calmer if Christmas and New Year’s Eve weren’t for a time of celebration when many people would come together.”
Stelzer: “Please go to the vaccination”
For the upcoming end of the lockdown, she and Governor Thomas Stelzer (ÖVP) appealed urgently: “Please continue to comply with the protective measures and please go to the vaccination! It is up to everyone whether this opening also means hope or whether one Another emergency brake will be necessary to protect the hospitals from being overloaded “.
Kaineder referred to omicron warnings
The Green State Spokesman, Provincial Councilor Stefan Kaineder spoke of a “lockdown end in Upper Austria with an Omikron flavor”. In any case, the know-how of experts must be the guideline for further action.
Source: Nachrichten
