The corona numbers in Austria are still high, but the situation in the intensive care units is stable. That is why the government is now lifting almost all measures.
Vienna – A high number of new infections, a seven-day incidence well over 2000, the Corona traffic light is red nationwide – and yet Austria on Saturday (March 5) lifted almost all the rules to contain the corona virus *. The reasoning of the federal government and the national crisis coordination (GECKO) is clear: Despite the high corona numbers *, the situation in the intensive care units is currently stable. But not all those responsible in the Alpine republic agree with the easing.
Corona in Austria: Almost all rules are lifted
Since this Saturday there are no longer any access restrictions in Austria* in gastronomy, hotels and in non-public sports facilities and cultural and leisure facilities. The G-rules are completely eliminated in these areas. The previously applicable 3G proof requirement has also been lifted at the workplace. Only in care facilities such as retirement homes and clinics does 3G continue to apply – so visitors must either be vaccinated, recovered or tested.
The entry rules were already adjusted two weeks ago*. There are now further relaxations at events. In the future, there will no longer be an upper limit for the number of visitors. In addition, there is no longer a Corona curfew in Austria. This is especially fun for club and disco owners. Night gastronomy in Austria had been closed for two years due to Corona. During the pandemic, the neighboring country lost two health ministers. Most recently, Wolfgang Mückstein (Greens) threw in the towel* – because of revision.
Corona loosening in Austria: Mask requirement as an exception
The only remaining Corona* rule is the FFP2 mask requirement. It is also intended for “business premises that inevitably have to be visited by vulnerable groups of people”. This means all areas that were open in Austria during the lockdown. These include supermarkets, banks and pharmacies.
Masks are still compulsory in public transport and taxis. In cable cars, on excursion boats and coaches as well as in numerous public places, however, it is kept, like the ORF reported. A point that many experts in the Alpine Republic criticize.
Corona rules in Austria: Vienna goes its own way – “I see this with concern”
Vienna’s Mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ) also expressed criticism. The capital does not participate in all opening steps and is taking a special path. “The pandemic is not over. Yesterday we recorded the second highest number of new infections in Austria since the pandemic began more than two years ago. Nevertheless, the federal government is sticking to the opening steps it has announced and the elimination of almost all CoV protective measures, ”said Ludwig loudly ORF on Thursday (March 3).
“I see this with concern because the hospital bed occupancy in the normal wards is still very high and the employees are fully challenged,” added the Mayor of Vienna in his criticism. In the Austrian capital, the 2G rule still applies in gastronomy and night gastronomy. Access only for vaccinated and recovered. In addition, the mask requirement in Vienna will continue to be maintained throughout retail.
In Germany, the seven-day incidence * on Saturday (March 5) was 1220.8 – about half as high as in Austria. In this country, too, massive relaxation of the corona virus came into force on Friday (March 4th). The 3G rule now applies nationwide in the catering and hotel industry. Clubs and discos are allowed to reopen with the 2G Plus regulation. From March 20th, according to the plans of the federal government, all “more profound” corona protection measures should finally be dropped. Minister of Health Karl Lauterbach (SPD) had recently dampened optimism about an end to the pandemic *. (ph) *Merkur.de is an offer from IPPEN.MEDIA
#Rules #completely #abolished #special