Facing surge, Austria will mandate COVID-19 shots, lock down

By EMILY SCHULTHEIS and KIRSTEN GRIESHABER
Associated Press

VIENNA (AP) — Austria has announced a national lockdown and a plan to mandate vaccinations as coronavirus infections hit a record high. The rising cases are forcing the government to walk back promises that strict shutdowns were a thing of the past. While the scope of the proposed mandate was unclear, a blanket requirement would be a first for a Western country. Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg said those who didn’t comply would likely be fined but gave no other details. The moves come as vaccinations in Austria have plateaued at one of the lowest rates in Western Europe. Hospitals in heavily hit states have warned that their intensive care units are reaching capacity.