Austrian President Van der Bellen appeals: Reduce contacts by 30 percent

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The negative records continue to roll over: again, a new high in new infections with the coronavirus was recorded in Austria. On Saturday, statistics showed 13,152 new cases, more than 2000 people are currently hospitalized due to Covid-19. In Vienna, Upper Austria and Salzburg the Corona measures are therefore clearly intensified, health minister Wolfgang Mückstein (Greens) plans a vaccination obligation for health occupations on and chancellor Alexander Schallenberg (ÖVP) wants to give on Sunday, after consultation with all regional governors, “green light” for an Austria-wide Lockdown for unvaccinated.

Already in advance, Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen speaks out on Saturday. A “worrying pandemic situation” can currently be observed, the head of state regretted.

His appeal to the decision-makers: “Listen to the advice of our experts!” He also told them, “Take their suggestions seriously!” And, “Please act quickly now” as well as “communicate clearly and comprehensibly.”

Reduce contacts by 30 percent
“The pandemic situation in Austria is serious. Very serious,” Van der Bellen said in the message to the federal and state governments. The situation in hospitals and intensive care units was worrying, “in some cases already unbearable.” Health care personnel are at their limits. There is a threat of overwork and the forecasts for the next few weeks do not bode well, the president warned. “The head of state also addressed the mood among the population. In view of the extremely rising numbers, this ranged “from depression and concern about economic progress to mutual incomprehension and aggression.” However, he said, leading experts agree on the necessary goal. Measures would have to be taken that would have a very short-term effect, Van der Bellen cited. Contacts would have to be reduced by 30 percent.

Van der Bellen also reported that he had already spoken with Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg (ÖVP) as well as several provincial governors on Friday and had clearly expressed his concern in view of the threatening situation. Austria now needs both clarity and a common approach, “not a dispute and not new rifts,” he appealed strongly. “Swift, consistent, constitutional action and clear decisions – even if they are uncomfortable” are now necessary, he said.