A national Lockdown comes into force in Austria on Monday. The government says the restrictions are essential to contain a devastating surge in COVID-19 infections. Thousands of activists, including a large contingent of far right supporters, have gathered in Vienna in protest at the crackdown. Just under two-thirds of the population are fully vaccinated - one of the lowest rates in western Europe. Austria will become the first European nation to make vaccinations compulsory from February. Another lockdown and a vaccine mandate - they might be a tough sell, but these are the tools Austrian Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg says will end restrictions once and for all. Faced with low vaccination rates and a fourth wave of the virus, Austria has taken drastic action. This lockdown will initially last for ten days, but it may be extended. Getting the jab will become compulsory from February next year. COVID-19 infections at their highest level since the pandemic began and hospitals are once again buckling under the pressure. Not everyone is in agreement with the measures being rolled out across the country. And some people are unwilling to comply with a vaccine mandate. With the festive season right around the corner, many Austrians are in no mood to go back to restrictions. But the hope for a normal Christmas is looking more and more like a distant dream.