Thousands Protest Against Lockdown Measures in Vienna

People gather to protest during a demonstration against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) measures and their economic consequences in Vienna, Austria, on Jan. 31, 2021. Lisi Niesner/Reuters

VIENNA—Thousands of protesters against COVID-19 lockdown measures faced off with police in riot gear in Vienna on Sunday.

Vienna police banned numerous protests planned for this weekend, including one by the right-wing Freedom Party on Sunday, on the grounds that protesters have generally failed to observe rules on social distancing and often not worn face masks.