VIENNA -- If coronavirus cases continue to rise in Austria, unvaccinated persons could be subject to new restrictions, said Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg.

Schallenberg and state leaders met on Friday night to discuss how they would respond to the rapidly growing number of cases.

Schallenberg stated that "the pandemic is still not in the rearview mirror." "We are about the stumble into a pandemic involving the unvaccinated."

At the moment, there are 220 COVID-19 patients admitted to ICUs.

According to health authorities, Austria reported 20408 new cases of the virus in the last week. This brings the average seven-day rate to 228.5 per 100,000 people. This figure was 152.5 per 100,000 people a week earlier.

Although the Austrian government encourages citizens to be vaccinated in recent months, it has been slowing down. 65.4% have received at least one dose of vaccine and 62.2% have been fully vaccinated.

Schallenberg stated that, if there are 500 COVID-19 patients in intensive medical units, which is 25% of the country's total ICU capacity (or 500), then only those who have been vaccinated will be allowed to enter restaurants and hotels.

The government will impose restrictions on people who are not vaccinated if the number exceeds 600. This would be equivalent to one-third of the total ICU capacity. They would be restricted from leaving their homes for a limited reason.