Austria, Portugal enforce corona restrictions

FE Team | Published: November 01, 2020 23:54:40

Austria's such measures will last until the end of November — Reuters

LONDON, Nov 01 (BBC): Austria and Portugal have announced new restrictions in an attempt to curb the spread of coronavirus.
In Austria, the restrictions include a curfew from 20:00 to 06:00. Cafes and restaurants will be takeaway only.
Portugal's measures cover 70% of the country. People will be required to stay at home except for work, school or essential errands.
A number of European countries have enforced new measures as the continent grapples with a second wave.
France introduced measures on Friday and on Saturday, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a four-week lockdown for England.
On Friday, Austria recorded a record 5,627 infections, just short of the 6,000 level that the government claims will stretch hospitals beyond capacity. Figures were slightly lower on Saturday with 5,349 infections.
The restrictions, announced on Saturday, will come into effect on Tuesday and last until the end of November.
Gyms will shut along with museums however shops will remain open.
Kindergartens and primary schools will remain open, but high schools and universities will switch to online learning.
"We did not take this decision lightly but it is necessary," Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said during a news conference.
Portugal also announced new measures on Saturday, which will apply to 121 communes out of 308 in the country. The measures encompass both Lisbon and Porto.
People in those areas are being told to stay at home and work remotely where possible. Shops must close by 22:00.
Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa said: "If nothing is done, the rise in infections will inevitably lead us to a situation of failure of our health system."
The measures will be reviewed in two weeks' time.
On Saturday, Portugal recorded 4,007 cases and 39 deaths. Almost 2,000 people are receiving treatment, of whom 286 are in intensive care.