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VIENNA. It is still being clarified who will receive free masks and if FFP2 masks will also be mandatory in schools in the future. There are also some other open questions.
What can FFP2 masks do?
FFP2 stands for “Filtering Face Piece” Protection Class 2. Provided they are used correctly, they trap infectious aerosols in the air to some extent. To do this, the mask must fit the face well, which is not guaranteed for people with a beard, for example. The mask must not have an external protection valve. Current models are single-use products and last up to four hours depending on how wet they are. According to experts, if the FFP2 mask is only used for short distances, it can be used multiple times. According to a study by researchers at the University of Mnster, any coronavirus died after seven days of dry ventilation.
Where and for whom will an FFP2 mask be needed in the future?
As of January 25, the FFP2 mask is the minimum requirement in public transport, as well as in train stations, at bus stops, in closed cable cars and on rack railway and when queuing for them, when shopping (also in open air markets), at the doctor and in religious practice rooms. . CPA masks made in Austria to the same standards are also allowed, as are higher quality masks. The FFP2 obligation will also apply in the future if several outsiders are in a car. Protection of the mouth and nose is sufficient for “public places in closed rooms”, but the FFP2 level is required by administrative authorities and courts. Children up to six years of age are exempt from the requirement of a mask, between six and 14 years other mouth and nasal protection can be used, the FFP2 regulation applies from the age of 14.
How much do FFP2 masks cost? Who can get them for free?
The federal government has announced a VAT exemption for FFP2 masks, which will take effect from Saturday. Shopkeepers Spar, Rewe, Hofer and Lidl want to offer FFP2 masks at cost price. How high this is depends on acquisition costs, it was said last. The Chamber of Commerce has a maximum price of one euro. According to Aventrium, a large national manufacturer, employee costs are only 29 cents a piece. According to the government, low-income people should get FFP2 masks free of charge; yesterday I was as open as the question whether this is aimed at the beneficiaries of the minimum pension and minimum security. The distribution of FFP2 masks to people over 65, which was announced before Christmas, will continue until the end of the month.
Who controls the FFP2 mask requirement?
That is still open. In Wiener Linien, for example, they are waiting for government guidelines.
What if the new minimum distance of two meters cannot be maintained?
This is only clearly defined for ffis: According to the ordinance, there may be “exceptions” to the distance due to the number of passengers and when getting on and off.
Does FFP2 also apply in schools when they return to face-to-face lessons?
After the semester break, which is brought forward a week in Upper Austria, face-to-face classes should start in shifts. This week it will be decided whether the FFP2 masks will also be mandatory in schools.
How many children are currently being cared for in schools and kindergartens?
Occupancy varies by age and state. According to Caritas, Upper Austria is the largest provider with 75 percent attendance at kindergartens. On average, just over a fifth of pupils are present in schools, and the proportion in primary schools is the highest, almost a third.
In Vienna, 43 percent of primary school students are in school and about two-thirds of children are in kindergartens and kindergartens. A little more than ten percent are present in middle schools.
Education Minister Heinz Famann (VP) ruled out restricting child care options despite the sometimes high numbers, but called for more home care.
How do distance education students receive your school message?
According to the ministry, students should not receive the semester report until a day or two after the end of school holidays. It is said that fourth, eighth and ninth grade students who need it for their next school enrollment can get it sooner.
And the Matura?
The Ministry of Education currently assumes that the Matura date will begin on May 20 and that for the moment the oral Matura will not be considered. But that is not fixed.
Article of
Jasmine brger
National Policy Editor
