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Chancellor Sebastian Kurz (ÖVP) surprised yesterday when he no longer ruled out the opening of restaurants in March. It depends on the infection process. Previously, there had been talk of new easing measures at the earliest “around Easter”, that is, in early April.
The Chamber of Commerce is pushing for relief sooner despite the increase in the number of corona infections. The government plans to continue its consultations with industry representatives on March 1. The concepts of security from the catering industry would flow into these queries. Tourism Minister Elisabeth Köstinger (ÖVP) stated that the summit was part of a “reboot process so that we are ready on day X”.
Video: A summit with government and business representatives has now shown that the restaurant sector could open in March, at least before Easter.
The president of the Chamber of Commerce, Harald Mahrer, rejected the exclusive opening of the guest gardens, as it would not make economic sense. “Our industries have clearly put their security concepts back on the table. All industries are committed to entry testing; they are the key to moving forward in March.”
The hotels also hope to open at the same time as the inns. For the Austrian Hotel Association (ÖHV), the goal is a safe opening with a test strategy. The ÖHV has proposed the construction of test roads in larger hotels in rural regions. Guests, employees, and local people could be screened there.
“Those who test negative can either recover or continue with their work while observing hygiene concepts, distance rules and, if necessary, maximum occupancy,” explained ÖHV President Michaela Reitterer.
A clear perspective is required
Doris Hummer, president of the Upper Austrian Chamber of Commerce (WKOÖ), declared yesterday that “tests in the living room” should be sufficient to go to a restaurant. The government is leaning more towards test route confirmations. “So there can’t be a spontaneous visit to a coffee shop,” says Hummer. Testing should also be possible in restoration. “The industry deserves a clear perspective.” She sees the urgent need to balance the initial steps from the medical, but also social, economic and mental aspects. The dubious avoidance of group meetings in private should also be avoided.
