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The government is betting on a “Christmas break”: trade closes, more exit restrictions are coming. Starting in mid-January, you can “break free.”
Vienna The Christmas business continues undisturbed and the purchased gifts can be distributed to the family under the Christmas tree. Apparently, the government did not want to disturb the Merry Christmas too much. On December 24 and 25, up to ten people from an unlimited number of households should be allowed to gather. However, after Christmas, the government will give Austria a third lockdown, which includes curfews, a trade shutdown and a new edition of distance education in schools. Only as of January 18 can you “free yourself” from this blockade.
The top government announced this late Friday afternoon after a videoconference with state governors. Starting December 26, there will be exit restrictions throughout the day (and not just at night). They also apply to New Years Eve. Celebration prohibited. In the third confinement, he can only leave his own four walls for the four well-known reasons (work, shopping, helping, and exercising outside). Anyway, there is not much to do. Because the store that was temporarily allowed to open for the Christmas business must close. Only grocery stores, drug stores, and pharmacies remain open.
The tests will be held again on the 15th, 16th and 17th
Body hugging service providers, from hairdressers to podiatrists, will re-enter the enforced post-Christmas and New Year’s break. Anyway, restaurants, cafes and bars are still closed. This won’t change (at least) until mid-January.
Only then is he relaxed. However, not for everyone: only those who undergo a rapid antigen test should regain certain freedoms. The others are supposed to spend one more week (until January 24) locked up. You should wear an FFP2 mask wherever you are allowed to go and where mouth and nose protection is mandatory. The government is increasing the pressure on the population: in the first run of the mass tests, only 22.6 percent of the population participated (voluntarily).
The next round, which is no longer so voluntary, will take place on January 15, 16 and 17; a negative test result should literally be a door opener. Certain professional groups (teachers, body hugging service providers, people in contact with passengers, and others) are required to take the exam once a week. Or wear an FFP2 mask. It is unclear how exactly the coalition will implement all of this.
Therefore, a legal evaluation of the plans remains difficult, Karl Stöger of the Department of Medical Law at the University of Vienna tells the “press”.
Basically, however, the expert states: “They cannot be easily implemented without a change in the law.”
The Covid-19 law should be changed, more precisely the paragraph on exit restrictions. There are currently certain exceptions to which everyone (unless quarantined) can leave the house. Taking things away from them, like going for a walk, would be problematic, experts say. If a negative test result is resolved in any way as a condition, the ruling parties in parliament would have to justify it well and adequately. According to Stöger, it would be easier to take a different path: it would be conceivable that an outdoor mask would be required; anyone who had a negative test result could be exempt from this.
Countries decide the ski operation
But everything will continue as before until Christmas. Even in schools. There are still classes on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. However, those students who want to meet at-risk patients at Christmas can stay home. It is considered excused. Classes will begin as usual on January 7th. However, in the nursery.
Distance education will be offered again for every 1.1 million students. For those students who need supervision, there will also be this time. An employer confirmation will not be required. The schools are not expected to resume normal operations until January 18. There is a change: Teachers and students who cannot test negative must wear an FFP2 mask.
The prescribed Christmas and New Year break will obviously not prevail in all parts of Austria. Because on some ski slopes there could be operation even during blocking. This point was hotly contested in the negotiations until the end. The federal government made a gift to the states. Countries or districts can decide autonomously on the operation of the elevators. In time for December 24, one country or another could put the ski lifts into operation. However, as the government said, “strict protection measures must be guaranteed.”
(“Die Presse”, print edition of December 19, 2020)
