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Vienna (OTS / BMSGPK) – Following a government vote, the Health Ministry has now legally anchored the new measures against the further spread of the corona virus presented by the federal government on Monday in seven specific areas of focus. Health Minister Rudi Anschober: “While partial blockades have now been imposed in some European countries, Austria wants to avoid a blockade with all its might. We have stricter protection measures at the national level, in additional measures in the regions with higher risk, in a broad support of the population, in basic measures such as hygiene, minimum distance and MNS, as well as in the use of the Stop Corona application . With the new measures, which were announced on Monday and will be legally binding on Sunday, October 25 at 00:00, we are targeting the most common causes of infection right now. We know that reducing the number of contacts by one third cuts the risk of infection in half. “****
Entry into force of the regulations
The regulation will come into force on Sunday, October 25, 2020 at 00:00 am
Those provisions that are based on the appointment of COVID-19 agents, the concepts of prevention and the obligation to notify the facts come into force legally as of November 1, 2020.
The end of face visors comes after a two-week transition period on November 7, 2020.
The amendment to the Covid-19 regulation is available here:
https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/Dokumente/BgblAuth/BGBLA_2020_II_455/BGBLA_2020_II_455.html
Protection through more and better MNS
When entering public places in closed rooms (for example, an underground passage), protection for the mouth and nose (MNS, mask) should be worn. An MNS should also be used at events, both indoor and outdoor, with assigned seating, including on the seat.
In the future, the mouth and nose protection should fit well. This makes it clear that face shields or chin shields are not considered mouth and nose protection.
Protection by mandatory minimum distance
When entering public places in the open air, a distance of at least one meter should be maintained from people who do not live in the same household. When entering closed rooms of public access, there is also an obligation to wear a fitted mechanical protective device (MNS, mask) that covers the area of the mouth and nose.
The regulation also stipulates several exceptions to the distance obligation:
Among other things, the 1 meter distance rule does not apply:
– between people who live together in the same household,
– in groups of up to six people, plus a maximum of six underage children (up to 18 years),
– between people with disabilities and their companions who provide assistance or personal care.
On the plane and on public transport, the minimum distance of one meter can be reduced in exceptional cases. Therefore, the MNS is also mandatory here.
The amendment also requires the wearing of mouth and nose protection in subway stations, platforms, stops, train stations and airports, as well as in their connecting structures.
Anyone who claims in the future during check-ups that they will not be able to use MNS for health reasons must prove this with a confirmation from a doctor licensed to practice in Austria.
New protection rules in gastronomy
For gastronomy, the maximum group size is set at six people indoors (plus a maximum of six underage children up to 18 years of age, for whom there is a supervisory duty) and a maximum of 12 people outdoors ( plus a maximum of six minors up to 18 years of age who are under supervision). ) decreased.
If a catering establishment has more than 50 seats actually available, a prevention concept is mandatory as of November 1, 2020. A COVID-19 officer must also be appointed. Additionally, with the exception of food stalls, markets, and occasional markets, food and beverages can only be consumed while sitting down.
Another novelty is that after curfew, alcoholic beverages cannot be consumed within 50 meters of a restaurant establishment. This also applies to licensed catering gas stations and bars.
New protection measures in the sports and events area
The number of participants will be significantly reduced for the events:
– six people at events without assigned and marked seats in closed rooms plus a maximum of six minors up to 18 years of age, who are present in the presence of supervisors.
– 12 people at events without assigned and marked outdoor seating plus a maximum of six children under 18 who are subject to supervision.
– 1,000 people at events with assigned and marked seats in closed rooms.
– 1,500 people at events with assigned and designated outdoor seating.
In principle, several events without assigned and marked seats (such as sports fields) are possible in a venue, provided that the maximum number of six (indoors) or 12 participants (outdoors) is observed and there is a clear spatial separation or temporal staggering through which one mixing of the two groups is excluded.
Eating and drinking is also restricted at events with assigned seating: Distribution of food and beverages (except water) is prohibited during events, but there are two exceptions:
1. For events lasting more than three hours, normal catering rules apply.
2. For events where food and beverages are normally served, food and beverages may be served at the seat; as such, there is an obligation to serve.
For events with more than six people in closed rooms and with more than 12 people outdoors, a prevention concept must be developed and implemented as of November 1, 2020. In addition, these events (if not subject to authorization from anyway) should be reported to the responsible district administrative authority by presenting the concept of prevention.
Rehearsals and performances by choirs and marching bands are also recently regulated in the novel. In the amateur area, only six people will be allowed to participate indoors and 12 outdoors. In the professional sector, there is an obligation to create a concept of prevention of COVID-19. If the number of participants exceeds 50 indoors and 100 outdoors, a COVID-19 officer must also be appointed.
In the future, up to 100 people will be allowed to attend funerals.
The obligation to maintain the minimum distance will also be reintroduced as a principle when playing sports. This does not apply to sports that involve physical contact when exercising the specific type of sport, as well as to short-term deficiencies typical of the type of sport (for example, when overtaking in races). Necessary safety and assistance services, especially by trainers (eg, Restraint when climbing) are also excluded.
Special protection measures for nursing homes, nursing homes and homes for the disabled
When entering nursing homes, nursing homes, and homes for the disabled, residents in generally accessible areas outside of the living area should use an MNS for visitors and employees. This does not apply to residents who, for specific health or disability reasons, cannot be expected to meet these requirements.
In addition, it is expressly established that visits as part of palliative and palliative care support, as well as to support critical life events, must be possible in any case.
Every operator of nursing homes and homes for the disabled has to develop and implement a next-generation COVID-19 prevention concept based on a risk analysis to minimize the risk of infection. This should also include visiting regulations (number of visitors, frequency, duration, mandatory advance notification of visits and health checks upon entry, as well as participation in screening programs in accordance with the Epidemic Law).
Residents and employees should be thoroughly screened.
With all protective measures taken by the home operator, special care must be taken to ensure that proportionality is maintained and unreasonable difficulties are avoided.
Stricter or more comprehensive regulations are allowed by the federal states. (Enough)
Queries and contact:
Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Attention and Consumer Protection
Margit draxl
Press officer
+43 1 711 00-862477
press officer@sozialministerium.at
www.sozialministerium.at
