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Phase 1, from December 26: “Pressing the numbers”
Exit restrictions apply all day from December 26 to January 24. Retail and body-related services will be closed and reopen beginning January 18. Schools are in “Distance Education” until January 17 inclusive. With regard to outdoor sports, including the opening of ski lifts as of December 24, states or federal districts may issue their own regulations. The use of FFP2 masks is mandatory.
Important point: the most free. Mass testing will run from January 15-17. Those who participate can “acquire more freedom.” This includes meeting another household and participating in trade. In the week of January 18-24 (exit restrictions all day last week), schools, retail and gastronomy are open to everyone with an antigen test that is no more than one week old. “For all those who are not ready to be evaluated, the lockdown rules apply for one more week,” Kurz said.
“As of January 18, cultural life can begin again to a certain extent,” promised Vice Chancellor Werner Kogler. There will be cultural events with “clear restrictions”. “A negative test for the audience is a prerequisite for participation.” The maximum number of participants is limited to 500 indoors and 750 outdoors.
Phase 2, starting January 18: keep the numbers low by testing
Basically: 8pm to 6am, exit restrictions remain in effect even after January 18.
Beginning January 18, the following professional groups must participate in a test regularly, once a week, or wear a mandatory FFP2 tag: Teachers, Body Cuddling Service Providers, Catering Employees, Retailers, People at the traffic (eg, bus drivers), healthcare professionals with regular patient contact, and the entire construction industry.
In regions where new infections exceed a certain incidence of seven days, massive testing must be carried out and a regional lockdown will be imposed. This is to prevent explosive regional spreads. There is the possibility to be tested freely.
Phase 3, “in summer”: returns to normal with vaccination
As of December 27, vaccination will take place in Austria. The Ministry of Health is responsible for implementation. One would like to go back to normal “at the latest in summer,” Kurz said.
