Austria enters fourth lockdown, closing museums and cultural venues until December 12

Austria has entered its fourth nationwide lockdown since the pandemic began, forcing the closure of all non-essential businesses including museums, cinemas, and theaters until December 12. The government, led by Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg, imposed the measures due to the country's highest infection rate in Europe. Even vaccinated individuals are subject to the lockdown, and vaccination will become mandatory from February 1, 2022. Currently only 65% of the population is fully vaccinated, one of the lowest rates in Europe. The lockdown affects the cultural sector severely: museums like the Albertina face devastating losses. Director Klaus Albrecht Schröder told Kurier that the closure will cost the museum €1–1.5 million, especially damaging during the Modigliani exhibition (opened September 17, closing January 9), which drew over 3,000 visitors on weekends. To support artists and cultural professionals, the government extended and increased financial aid: non-profit organizations will receive an additional €125 million through Q1 2022, and the artists' fund has risen to €170 million, also extended until March 2022. Restaurants and bars can only offer takeaway, and remote work is mandatory. If the situation improves, restrictions may be lifted for vaccinated people from December 13.