Austria, the Czech Republic and Slovakia do not want to close the schools or the state borders because of the corona pandemic, because the situation is different than a year ago thanks to the vaccine. The heads of government Sebastian Kurz (ÖVP), Andrej Babis and Eduard Heger agreed on this at a joint press conference after a meeting in Lednice (Eisgrub) in South Moravia. All three repeated: The vaccination is the strongest tool against the virus.
“A clear no, this would damage the economy,” stressed Federal Chancellor Kurz in response to a question about the possible closure of borders and schools. Kurz again appealed to those previously not vaccinated to be immunized in order to increase the vaccination rate. “Only those who are vaccinated are protected. It must be clear to everyone that anyone who is not vaccinated will be infected sooner or later,” said the Chancellor.
Babis also sees “absolutely no reason” for schools and borders to be closed. “Out of the question, there will be no lockdown. However, we are continuing to monitor the situation, we have learned a lesson from 2020,” explained Babis, alluding to the fact that the number of infections in the Czech Republic is also beginning to increase slightly. The Czech Republic will also offer and administer the third vaccine doses from September 20.
Heger emphasized that the virus mainly attacks those who have not been vaccinated. “Vaccination is the only weapon and the only effective tool,” he said, and urged his fellow citizens to get vaccinated. Heger admitted that in Slovakia only “a little over 40 percent” of the people are immunized. Closing borders cannot be afforded for economic reasons, which is why one has to keep vaccinating. Third doses are also expected in Slovakia, Heger confirmed.
With regard to Afghanistan and a related wave of migration, Kurz, Babis and Heger agreed that 2015, in which Europe was confronted with high levels of migration, should not repeat itself. On the issue of protecting Europe’s external borders, “we are pulling together,” said Kurz. “Austria is relying on local aid and is supporting the neighboring countries (Afghanistan, note) with EUR 18 million in emergency aid,” the Chancellor said.
Babis spoke of a “confusing situation” in Afghanistan. “We want to help the Afghans at home, otherwise we would have to negotiate with (Turkish President Recep Tayyip) Erdogan again, and that would not be a good alternative,” said Babis. The Czech head of government also criticized Belarus for using migration as a “hybrid weapon” against the EU by sending Afghan migrants to Poland and Lithuania. That is why he promised help from the Czech Republic for both countries and the protection of their EU borders.
Heger praised the joint position of Slovakia, Austria and the Czech Republic on the migration crisis. One has to help on the spot, in the region, so that the events of 2015 do not recur, said the Slovak Prime Minister.