Green light for mandatory mask outdoors

Chancellor Sebastian Kurz (ÖVP) and Vice Chancellor Werner Kogler (Greens) have announced new details on the massive tests after consulting with state governors on Friday night. There should be mandatory testing for more professional groups, and for highly frequented places, the federal states may also issue an outdoor mask requirement. The rules for the holidays were also announced.

AUSTRIA. There are no exit restrictions on New Years Eve, but: One is far from general relaxation. There will be a slight relaxation at Christmas. New Year’s Eve celebrations should take place on a smaller scale this year. “Contagion is particularly high in the private sphere,” Kurz emphasized. “The virus does not stop before the holidays.”

Compulsory tests for certain professional groups

The next round of mass testing will take place on January 8-10. In Vienna, this period will be extended until January 17. The offer applies to everyone. Some professional groups, such as teachers and employees in the body hugging professions and with strong client contact, should get tested every two weeks, Kurz says. The professional groups that come into question are currently being selected with the social partners.

Regularity is important

Kogler emphasized that testing should be done regularly in the future, for different groups and also at the regional level. For example, selective testing can be performed in districts with particularly high incidences to avoid quarantine in entire districts as before. The federal states themselves may make the mask mandatory in particularly crowded outdoor areas. According to Kurz, a mask will also be required in the workplace in the future if distance cannot be maintained.

Light relaxation for Christmas

For a “worthy” Christmas party on December 24 and 25 a maximum of ten people from various households meet. As of December 26, the previous rules apply again with departure restrictions from 8 pm to 6 am as well as the contact restrictions that a maximum of two households with a maximum of six adults and six children can meet privately.

“Of course, the federal states support the measures presented today. However, there are still individual details to be clarified and agreed upon, ”Salzburg Governor Wilfried Haslauer (ÖVP), current chairman of the Conference of Governors, said after the meeting.

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