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IN PICTURES: Thousands protest against coronavirus measures in Vienna

Around 10,000 people rallied in the Austrian capital on Saturday against the government's coronavirus restrictions.

Published: 18 January 2021 14:15 CET
Updated: 31 January 2021 16:51 CET
IN PICTURES: Thousands protest against coronavirus measures in Vienna
Demonstrators holds a banner reading 'Homeland Security instead of Face Mask' during a protest in Vienna. Photo: ALEX HALADA / AFP

Around 10,000 people took to the streets in Vienna on Saturday, January 16th, to protest against the Austrian government's coronavirus restrictions. 

READ MORE: Thousands of anti-lockdown protesters rally in Vienna 

With the Alpine country currently in its third lockdown since March in a bid to bring the pandemic under control, and with non-essential shops, concert halls and theatres, sports centres and schools all closed, the protesters' anger was directed at Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, as well as at the media.

“The numbers of deaths we're being given, that's rubbish. I don't want to end up like China where you don't have any right to do anything,” one woman who gave her first name as Gabi told AFP.

Protesters demonstrate against coronavirus measures in Vienna. Photo: ALEX HALADA / AFP

 

Protesters demonstrate against coronavirus measures in Vienna. Photo: ALEX HALADA / AFP

 

 

Protesters demonstrate against coronavirus measures in Vienna. Photo: ALEX HALADA / AFP

Police drag a protester away from a coronavirus skeptic demonstration in Vienna. GEORG HOCHMUTH / APA / AFP

 

 

Protesters demonstrate against coronavirus measures in Vienna. Photo: ALEX HALADA / AFP

Protesters hold a sign saying 'Kurz must go'. Photo: ALEX HALADA / AFP

Demonstrators pass the Heldentor (Herogatte) at the Hofburg. Photo: ALEX HALADA / AFP

Protesters demonstrate against coronavirus measures in Vienna. Photo: ALEX HALADA / AFP

Protesters demonstrate against coronavirus measures in Vienna. Photo: ALEX HALADA / AFP

 

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HEALTH

Tens of thousands of workers in Austria hit by Covid and flu as cases rise

Does it seem like everyone around you in Austria is sick? As it turns out, statistics support your suspicions.

Published: 28 November 2023 09:46 CET
Tens of thousands of workers in Austria hit by Covid and flu as cases rise

Last week, over 110,000 people in Austria were absent from work due to COVID-19, influenza, or flu-like diseases.

Statistics from ÖGK policyholders, Austria’s largest public health insurer, indicated that more than 400 individuals were specifically impacted by influenza (“real flu”), while over 84,000 stayed home due to flu-like symptoms. ÖGK’s chief physician, Andreas Krauter, highlighted a noticeable uptick in sick days via a statement on Monday.

The news comes Austria struggles with 10,000 more COVID-19 infections. than at the same time last year. Several variants of the Omicron strain of the virus are currently under observation by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and with temperatures plummeting, it is thought that a colder winter could further boost cases. 

Austria was a centre of several COVID-19 outbreaks in the early months of the pandemic, and stringent measures were introduced across the country in order to tackle its spread. 

READ MORE: How can I get a Covid or flu vaccine in Austria this autumn?

In his statement, Krauter emphasised the efficacy of masks in offering reliable protection against infection and curtailing further transmission. He particularly stressed the importance of considering this protective measure for individuals with underlying health risks. “For them and everyone else, we recommend vaccination against Covid-19 and influenza. Washing your hands is also important”, he said in a press release.

In total, ÖGK recorded 297,000 individuals afflicted by various illnesses or injuries and registered for sick leave during the last week.

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