Austria Reopening Thousands of Shops in First Loosening of Lockdown

Gardener Herbert Jedletzberger wears a protective mask as he waits for customers at the central flower market (Grossgruenmarkt) during the partial reopening of stores after the Austrian government loosens its lockdown restrictions during the CCP virus outbreak in Vienna on April 14, 2020. Lisi Niesner/Reuters

Thousands of shops across Austria will reopen on April 14 as it becomes one of the first countries in Europe to loosen its CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus lockdown, but the government is still telling the nation it is “not out of the woods” yet.

Austria acted early in its outbreak to close schools, bars, theaters, restaurants, non-essential shops, and other gathering places roughly four weeks ago. It has told the public to stay home and work from there if possible.