Coronavirus: Austria bans all gatherings of more than five people
People allowed out of homes only for work, food shopping and helping others
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Austrian government is limiting people’s movement nationwide.
Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said on Sunday that there should be only three reasons for people to leave home: essential work, essential purchases such as food, and helping other people.
People will be able to go out “only alone or with the people with whom [they] live in their apartment”.
Mr Kurz’s comments came shortly after the governor of Tyrol province had announced a lockdown for his Alpine region.
Tyrol, an Alpine region popular with skiers, borders northern Italy and is one of the worst-hit areas of Austria, which already has largely shut down public life.
Austria, a country of 8m people, has confirmed 800 coronavirus infections and one death.
More and more countries are taking border measures and restricting movement to try to prevent the spread of the virus.
Norway, which has already closed schools, is set to close its airports and harbours. Slovenia’s government has announced the closure of all public transport.
Italy’s transport minister has signed a decree banning passengers from taking ferries to Sardinia, a large Mediterranean island.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments