Austria imposed a coronavirus lockdown that only applies to the unvaccinated yesterday on Monday, but there was scepticism over whether police would be able to enforce the rules. 

Austria is the first country in Europe to put those who refused to be vaccinated under lockdown, as it struggles to contain soaring infection rates.

Under the new restrictions, the unvaccinated are only permitted to leave their homes for essential reasons, while the fully jabbed are free to move around as normal.

The rules are enforced by police spot checks, but a large number of exemptions mean it is easy for the unvaccinated to dodge detection.

Interior Minister Karl Nehammer said at the weekend that police would check the vaccination status of all members of the public they interact with.

Unvaccinated people are allowed to leave their homes for essential shopping, to go to work, attend religious services, meet up with partners or simply to take exercise.

“My aim is very clear: to get the unvaccinated to get vaccinated, not to lock up the unvaccinated,” said Alexander Schallenberg, the Austrian chancellor.