COVID-19: Thousands in Austria protest mandatory vaccines, restrictions

An estimated 2,500 people demonstrated against Austria's COVID-19 measures on Saturday at a rally in Vienna's Heldenplatz square, including the government's latest announcement of mandatory vaccination.

The protesters waved Austrian flags and displayed placards with slogans against mandatory vaccination, which one protester said was "poison for all of mankind."

Austria has imposed a nationwide vaccine mandate starting in February, with the health ministry saying people who have not been fully vaccinated by March 15 will be committing an administrative offence.

Saturday's demonstration coincided with Chancellor Karl Nehammer's announcement that COVID-19 related restrictions would be eased next week, allowing shops and restaurants to remain open longer and easing some restrictions on the unvaccinated.

However, those who are not vaccinated against or recovered from the virus remain barred from taking part in a range of leisure activities, including eating in restaurants or shopping for non-essential items.

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