Austria puts unvaccinated into lockdown

I totally take your points Alegrias. You and I often do agree, and with regard to disagreement, it is allowed and acceptable. No problem at all Alegrias.

I also think its indicative of the complete lack of understanding among so many posters, of how vaccination programs work as a public health measure.

Maybe they could have a bell round their neck and gasp out unclean when walking past people

Katie59

In Austria masks are mandatory in all indoor places so that the risk of transmission is lower, some require vaccination
certificates.
It’s the duty of any government to provide civil protection and we have all sorts of laws to limit our ability to harm others. If there is a penalty for using a racist remark which may be unpleasant but not life threatening, surely there should be a penalty when an infection is known to be life threatening.

It’s not a question of civil liberty, you don’t have the right to harm others.

"Not having a vaccine"

is not the same as "harming others."

This thread is scary.

I think it's fair that unvaccinated people should be restricted - why let them put other people at risk? But how would it be policed?

It's exceptionally rare to know where you got the virus from if out and about.

One can assume but not be certain.

If that's the way to maybe encourage the unvaccinated to get jabbed to get out and about, I'm all for it.

maddyone

If everyone was doing lateral flow tests as requested, we would be unlikely to have Covid and be unaware. However, it could happen because nothing is foolproof.

Sparklefizz what a terrible story. The hairdresser must be livid that an anti-vaxxer should cause so many people to be ill. How selfish these anti-vaxxers are. I wonder if she knew but ignored it because she didn’t feel ill. Or was she antisocial enough to go to the hairdresser both unvaccinated and untested?

maddyone you and I often agree so I feel that you will understand what I'm about to say.

This post is entirely speculation and is just blaming and ascribing bad intent to somebody you have never met.

First of all, how the hairdresser, who presumably meets dozens of people every day, knows that she got Covid from this particular one, we don't know. And its completely unfair to start saying that this person took action that she knew would intentionally hurt somebody else. You and I know nothing about it. And, I dare say, neither does Sparklefizz

Sparklefizz

I forgot to say that she caught Covid from the anti-vaxxer.

I’m not challenging you but it’s not possible to know where or exactly when or from whom you catch Covid from. We can make assumptions based on where we have been and who with but I don’t think we can be sure.

Either way, your hairdresser must be very upset and worried.

varian

Not only are masks compulsory on public transport and indoor public spaces in Austria, they have to be medical grade masks, not just any old face covering or disposable masks.

Austria is at the heart of Europe, with seven or eight land borders, which makes it more vulnerable.

All these compulsory masks and they still can't control the infection rate

sazz1

Just thinking about this how are they going to police it? Will they stop people on the street and ask for proof of vaccine? To do that they will need the largest police force in the world.

Unfortunately a police state doesn’t need that many police.
After, say, half a dozen have been arrested everyone falls into line. Fear ?

Bluecat, it is a big step from making it mandatory for people to take common sense precautions such as wearing masks, keeping safe distance, scrupulous hygiene etc., to uniformed officials stopping you in the street asking to see your papers. I am very sorry for the situation with your DD and hope she is recovering well, but not all NHS problems can be laid at the door of covid19, although it undoubtedly has made a bad situation far worse. I have had both vaccines but know this does not mean I am incapable of catching or of passing on the infection, I think perhaps this needs to be emphasised.

Not only are masks compulsory on public transport and indoor public spaces in Austria, they have to be medical grade masks, not just any old face covering or disposable masks.

Austria is at the heart of Europe, with seven or eight land borders, which makes it more vulnerable.

It's ridiculous that we don't have even the simplest restrictions here, which could save lives. Masks, for a start. It's hardly a massive sacrifice to wear one and it can reduce the risk of transmission, particularly if combined with scrupulous hygiene. Social distancing would obviously make a big difference, though the hospitality industry would presumably lobby hard against that being re-introduced. That's why we should have vaccination passports.

Scientists are warning of the danger of relying totally on vaccination to prevent a winter wave of infection, which could cost many lives and put massive pressure on the NHS. It appears that the government isn't listening and again won't act until its hand is forced, ie if the death toll rises in winter.

I can see why Singapore is going to charge the unvaccinated for medical care. There are many people here who have been unable to get the medical treatment they need, eg cancer operations, because the NHS is overburdened by Covid. My daughter was one of them and we ended up going private in desperation. People who could have the vaccine but choose to refuse, and then get very ill and need intensive hospital care, are putting pressure on the NHS that could have been avoided if they had just had the damn vaccine.

As for the rather tasteless remark about making the unvaccinated wear a yellow star - a more appropriate symbol would be a big "S" for selfish.

sazz1

Just thinking about this how are they going to police it? Will they stop people on the street and ask for proof of vaccine? To do that they will need the largest police force in the world.

That is just what they are doing in Austria. Police doing spot checks, if no vaccine certificate fines up to €1450 .
www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-59283128

If everyone was doing lateral flow tests as requested, we would be unlikely to have Covid and be unaware. However, it could happen because nothing is foolproof.

Sparklefizz what a terrible story. The hairdresser must be livid that an anti-vaxxer should cause so many people to be ill. How selfish these anti-vaxxers are. I wonder if she knew but ignored it because she didn’t feel ill. Or was she antisocial enough to go to the hairdresser both unvaccinated and untested?

In Austria masks are mandatory in all indoor places so that the risk of transmission is lower, some require vaccination
certificates.
It’s the duty of any government to provide civil protection and we have all sorts of laws to limit our ability to harm others. If there is a penalty for using a racist remark which may be unpleasant but not life threatening, surely there should be a penalty when an infection is known to be life threatening.

It’s not a question of civil liberty, you don’t have the right to harm others.

I would be out on the streets with you Alegrias. I csnt even tell you how frightening I find this.

Dayvidg I don’t know whether that’s true or not, but if it is true, then it depends on whether you want to protect yourself or others first.

Just a thought - if someone who is unvaccinated catches Covid they will experience more symptoms, thus being aware of the infection earlier. Conversely, someone who is vaccinated and catches the virus, is likely to be asymtomatic and consequently less likely to take precautions against spreading the virus to others. Where is the greatest risk?

I am so glad I don’t live in Austria, or in any country that seeks to impose such sanctions. What will happen next, the issue of badges to single out the unvaccinated? I seem to remember that stars were used by another regime who thought to impose totalitarian rule that eventually led to all opposition being stifled. Perhaps Austria remembers it?

sazz1

Just thinking about this how are they going to police it? Will they stop people on the street and ask for proof of vaccine? To do that they will need the largest police force in the world.

Apparently they are going to have spot checks sazz1. What a nightmare.

Sparklefizz

I forgot to say that she caught Covid from the anti-vaxxer.

how does she know this for certain? My hairdresser does not ask to see vaccine certificates before entering her salon, but she insists, as is her right, that her clients were a mask, and so does she.

4allweknow

Wouldn't be accepted in UK. There would be an outcry by businesses and pub and club goers.

and people concerned about human rights. Me included. I have had both of my vaccinations, but feel very uncomfortable about this move by Austria

Sounds rather shocking.

Singapore has now decided that those who aren't vaccinated and end up needing care in hospital will have to pay for it themselves

www.theguardian.com/world/2021/nov/09/singapore-to-start-charging-covid-patients-who-are-unvaccinated-by-choice