Learning English

Austria: Lockdown for unvaccinated

About two million people who have not been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 have been placed in lockdown in Austria as the country faces a surge in cases. Unvaccinated people will only be allowed to leave home for limited reasons, like working or buying food. About 65% of Austria's population is fully vaccinated - one of the lowest rates in Western Europe.

Rob and Neil discuss the news story and teach you some related vocabulary so you can talk about it too.

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The story 

A lockdown has come into force in Austria for anyone over the age of 12, who hasn't been fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

Around two million people who haven't received their jabs are no longer allowed to leave home for non-essential purposes, but they can
still exercise, buy food and go to work. The country is facing a record surge in cases.

Key words and phrases

surge
increase suddenly

• The crowd surged forward when the doors opened.
• The surge in cases was caused by a highly contagious variant of the virus.

plunges
moves quickly into something

• It was so hot we had to plunge into the pool to cool off.
• I quit my job at the bank and took the plunge and joined the circus.

on the cards
likely to happen

• Wage rises are on the cards in the UK. There are now signs that things are getting better for ordinary British workers.
• According to the weather forecast, a cold winter is on the cards.

To do

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