Minister threatens lift operators with bans

Based on the beautiful ski weather, many Austrians were drawn to the ski slopes over the weekend, far too many if it were for Health Minister Rudi Anschober (Die Grünen) and Interior Minister Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) : They are threatening to block ski lift operators due to large crowds and lack of distance. .

AUSTRIA. The sun and good snow conditions attracted many Austrians to the winter sports areas over the weekend, too many: for example, shortly after 9am on Saturday, the police had to close all entrances to the Kreischberg ski resort in Styria. The reason: the maximum quota was already exhausted. Health Minister Rudi Anschober even speaks of “catastrophic images of the ski areas”. Interior Minister Karl Nehammer wants “to take action against the black sheep among elevator operators” and promises full police support to health authorities. Tourism Minister Elisabeth Köstinger (ÖVP) is also alarmed through Sunday’s broadcast: “There is no understanding for the ‘black sheep’ in winter sports areas.”

The lifts are open, they are as systemically relevant as a burger restaurant I think 🌚

– David Ihl (@David_Ihl) January 9, 2021

“Yesterday we received some catastrophic images again, from some ski areas, and I strongly warn against another rush this Sunday,” Anschober said Sunday. The local health authorities would increasingly have to check whether the distance rules and the use of the FFP2 mask are respected. Nehammer announced that he wanted to take action “against the black sheep among elevator operators” together with the health authorities: “You must not take advantage of your irresponsibility. The general director of public safety has instructed all state police departments to to support the health authorities with all their strength by increasing the police presence. “And the Interior Minister threatens:” If necessary, the elevators can also be closed. “

Should low key skiing be prohibited?

“The security authorities will take tough measures”

“Most ski areas and ski lift operators do their best to implement safety measures and concepts with full semicolons,” says Köstinger via a broadcast on Sunday: “When there are always images of areas of individual skiing where safety concepts have not been implemented and measures have not been met then the authorities have to take harsh measures in such cases. ” Again it appeals to maintain distances and the use of FFP2 masks. “Compliance with these regulations, together with reduced transport capacity, are the basis for locals and day visitors to practice winter sports,” said Köstinger.

Ski lift operators posted a 90 percent drop