Austria imposes full lockdown, Germany may follow, as COVID grips Europe

13 Sept 11:52 Key points summarised by AI

Austria becomes the first Western European nation to implement a full national COVID-19 lockdown, effective Monday, and mandates vaccination for its entire population from February 1st, due to high infection rates and low vaccination uptake.
Germany's Health Minister declares a 'national emergency' amid a fourth wave of infections, warning that an Austrian-style full lockdown cannot be ruled out and urging citizens to reduce social contacts.
The potential for new lockdowns across Europe, particularly a full one in Germany, causes significant jitters in financial markets and raises concerns about a slowdown in the region's economic recovery.
As COVID-19 cases surge, other European countries like the Netherlands, Hungary, Czech Republic, and Slovakia are also reimposing various restrictions, from partial lockdowns to mask mandates and limits on the unvaccinated.

Six injured after car smashes into On Nut shopping mall

Yesterday 22:44 Key points summarised by AI

A 67-year-old woman drove her car through the glass frontage of a Bangkok shopping mall, injuring six people, including a six-year-old girl.
The driver claimed she accidentally pressed the accelerator instead of the brake after being startled, causing the vehicle to surge forward.
She apologized to the victims, promising insurance coverage and additional financial aid, while police continue to gather statements before filing charges.