The Austrian government has eased restrictions on residents who have not yet been vaccinated for the H1N1 influenza A virus, effective Dec. 25. A statement said the new law “allows young people who do not have a fever, without other conditions such as a medical condition or a negative rash test, the freedom to go out, as long as they are not exposed to any new cases.”
According to the Austria Press Agency, officials plan to eventually roll out all 10 of the restrictions initially issued. For now, the restrictions still apply to travelers who have recently visited regions with a high number of influenza cases, as well as to children under the age of six who have not yet been immunized.
Given the swine flu virus has claimed only nine lives in Austria, and that flu is one of the most mild forms of the disease, many scientists and public health officials had advised people to avoid mandatory quarantine for at least a few more days.
This is a developing story.
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