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Even after the lockdown, there is a risk of extensive corona measures being taken. A look across the border shows what to expect at Christmas.
With each relaxation, the risk of a third wave increases, warned complexity researcher Peter Klimek on Monday. Together with a team, he had investigated the various measures taken by states around the world and their effect on the spread of the infection. The scientists found that there are sometimes serious differences in effectiveness.
According to Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz (ÖVP), the massive tests should save Austria from future lockdowns: “With the massive tests, we are opening a new chapter in the fight against the pandemic and we want people to have a Christmas party in circles. Close relatives”.
It is not yet clear whether retailers and schools will be able to unlock again after the lockdown ends on December 7. Vice Chancellor Werner Kogler (Greens) had only announced on Sunday at the ORF “Pressestunde” in this regard: “Fixing is nothing these days.”
Are these “tough measures” coming?
But what can we expect at Christmas? What steps are imminent after closing? These are the questions that everyone, including members of the government, is currently asking in Austria. A look beyond our own noses at our German neighbors shows what could be in store for us.
Because as with the imposition of the partial blockade, the Germans are now one step further than Austria in the fight against Corona. A large summit meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, the first preliminary decisions will be made on Monday or Tuesday. Vice Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) made it known in advance that the partial blockade would be extended.
In addition, new crown rules will be imposed. The “Bild” already speaks of “tough measures” on the basis of a draft resolution presented by the SPD states:
1Contact restrictions
From December 1 to mid-January (!) Private gatherings must be limited to a maximum of five people from a maximum of two different households. Only the children of those involved are excluded. The CDU wants to impose a limit on a maximum of two people from another household, it continues.
2Christmas
During the Christmas season (December 21-27), the aforementioned contact restrictions will be relaxed again to allow for gatherings with family members outside the home. The 5 person limit also applies here. CDU countries should propose that hotels reopen at Christmas so families don’t have to huddle together in a small space at home.
3Companies
According to the SPD, companies must organize company vacations or at least home office between December 21 and January 3, 2021.
4schools
In the future, 7th graders will also be required to wear masks in class. Schools must remain open, the federal government wants to ensure sufficient testing capabilities to enforce this. At the same time, it is recommended to stagger the beginning of the day so that there are no crowds. At least that’s the SPD’s suggestion, while the CDU requires hotspot schools to switch to alternate classes from seventh grade onward.
5Bang ban
The sale and purchase of all cookies and firecrackers should be prohibited on New Years Eve. Here the SPD and the CDU seem to be partly on the same line.
Finish early or extend it?
As the “Bild” also reports, the federal states with a number of cases in sharp decline and a 7-day incidence of less than 35 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants will begin to decline again before December 20. However, if there is no federal trend reversal by then, the above catalog of measures could be extended for another 14 days under the SPD, until the result is correct.
