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The specialist ministers presented the details of the initial steps: tourism is kept afloat with financial aid, even the Christmas markets have been canceled. High school classes can go back to schools, at least in small groups. All people over the age of 10 must wear masks.
5:32 pm, December 2, 2020
Chancellors have lunch Sebastian Kurz (ÖVP) and Vice Chancellor Werner Kogler (The Greens) in association with the ministers of health and interior have already presented the individual steps of easing. Then it was about the details. Finance Minister Gernot Blümel has unveiled a new billion dollar package. Minister of Education Heinz Fassmann explained what exactly is possible in schools. Minister of Tourism Elisabeth Köstinger He explained what that means for the gastro.
Schools and commerce closed, with restrictions. For culture, gastronomy, etc. It will only be possible to restart operations from January 7. By the end of the year, companies would be reimbursed 50 percent of their sales, as of January 1, fixed costs will be reimbursed again.
About subsidies in detail:
- Through December 6, the above sales replacement rate of up to 80 percent applies. It can be requested until December 15.
- For the period from December 7 to December 31, a 50 percent sales compensation is granted, which can be requested as of December 16.
- Starting January 1, the fixed-cost subsidy will be available again. Both instruments can never be used at the same time.
The replacement sales for December alone will cost the state another 1 billion euros, Blümel said.
To tourism:
It’s an extraordinary situation, said Tourism Minister Elisabeth Köstinger. The government is doing everything it can to support the industry well. “Tourism represents 15 percent of economic production, taking into account the entire value chain, this affects 750,000 employees in Austria.”
- An instrument to compensate for losses is the replacement of income.
- Another tool is part-time work: a third of the applications come from the tourism industry.
- Unfortunately Christmas and punch markets are not possible.
- It is still possible to pick up the food service and delivery.
- As of December 24, the cable cars will be able to operate again, although with a lot of regulations and precautionary measures.
- Hotels remain closed to tourism
- Bars and nightclubs are closed
To schools:
Education Minister Heinz Faßmann stated: “I am aware that higher school classes, in particular, have been in distance education for a long time.” But it is precisely this age group that presents one of the greatest daily incidents, only surpassed by students. High school students could also probably learn independently.
- Kindergartens and compulsory schools will be opened, as well as high school graduation classes.
- High school and universities remain in distance education.
- Higher levels can also come to school in small groups, for example for practical lessons or preparation for schoolwork, “if this makes sense for pedagogical reasons and if there is adequate space”.
- Additional rooms can be used; the Ministry of Education is in close contact with municipalities in this regard and also provides advice on liability issues
- Oral and nasal protection is mandatory from the lower level.
- Teacher tests could help reduce the number of infections. Those who cannot be assessed should use FFP2 protection.
- Aside from theory lessons, gymnastics and music lessons can only be held outdoors in the lower grades.
- Where necessary, there will be supplementary and remedial lessons, this also affects future high school graduates
