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It is still unclear how things will continue after the shutdown in Austria. It is clear that schools and retail must reopen.
The second hard lock in Austria is expected to end at midnight next Sunday. Even less than a week before the scheduled finale, it is still unclear what the open will look like after the close. Now it is certain that both schools and retailers can look forward to easing as first areas. But exactly what they will look like is still unknown. Health Minister Rudolf Anschober (Greens) declined to give any details at a press conference on Monday and referred to the Council of Ministers on Wednesday.
Before making new decisions, the government apparently wants to wait for the infection process to continue and observe the evolution in the number of infections and hospitals. Over the weekend, Chancellor Sebastian Kurz (ÖVP) already dampened expectations regarding a full opening of the country. For example, the head of government spoke of “cautious initial steps.” Furthermore, Kurz also announced “massive restrictions” after December 7, that is, next Monday.
Which students and teachers could prosper
In any case, the early opening of schools and commerce, which wants to avoid the worst during the Christmas season, has always been announced and directed. When it comes to commerce, observers suspect restrictions on the number of people in stores.
Schools also cannot expect normal operations from the start. Education Minister Heinz Faßmann (ÖVP) was recently informed about the details of the school’s reopening. The minister himself recently called for the opening of all schools, but it is very likely that distance education will be maintained at least for the upper classes after December 7.
As for face-to-face teaching, given the high number of cases, the need for a mask in class is no longer completely ruled out. Other measures are currently being discussed, such as the possibility of autonomous school work in shifts, staggered school hours and the move to other buildings. There should be clarity regarding schools by the middle of this week.
