Austria put its economy under partial lockdown on Monday with the toughest in an array of restrictions that are spreading across Europe, sometimes meeting violent protests, as governments seek to fend off a steep rise in Covid-19 cases and hospitalizations despite widespread vaccinations.
For at least 20 days, residents will have to stay home and all nonessential shops will close. The restrictions could be extended if the pressure on hospitals remains acute, the government said. While the rules include numerous exceptions—strolls, exercising and dog walking are allowed, as are traveling to offices, shopping for groceries and Christmas trees, and skiing—police said they would enforce the lockdown, especially in the evening.
