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Switzerland introduces an indoor mask requirement. Will this measure soon also be applied in Austria?
Mask requirement, head office recommendation and restrictions for private parties: Switzerland has responded to the spread of the coronavirus with various measures. The Federal Council is introducing a uniform mask requirement throughout Switzerland. A mask should be worn indoors accessible to the public; numerous cantons had previously ordered it.
The mask requirement applies in shops, shopping malls, banks, post offices, museums, libraries, cinemas, theaters, concert halls, interiors of zoological and botanical gardens and animal parks, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, salons of game, hotels (except rooms), entrances and entrance areas. Wardrobes in swimming pools, sports facilities and gyms, in doctors’ offices, hospitals, churches and religious institutions. The mask requirement also applies at all train stations, airports, and at bus and tram stops.
The Federal Council does not impose a national mask requirement for kindergartens and schools. This is still regulated by the cantons and the institutions themselves as part of their protection concepts.
Requirements for private events
Many people become infected with the coronavirus at events with family and friends. These events should be avoided if possible. In private events with more than 15 people, only seated consumption will be allowed.
Anyone not in their seat must wear a mask. In addition, general hygiene rules must be observed and contact details collected. Private events with more than 100 people must have a protection concept analogous to public events, and may only be held in public access facilities.
Spontaneous gatherings of more than 15 people in public spaces, particularly in public places, on walking trails and in parks, are prohibited. In particular, this is to prevent private events from being relocated to public spaces. Events organized in public spaces are still allowed with adequate protection measures, such as political rallies. The consumption of food and beverages in restaurants, bars or clubs is only allowed seated, regardless of whether it is indoors or outdoors.
Home office recommendation
The Federal Council has also added a paragraph on the central office to the “special situation of the Covid 19 regulation”. Employers are obliged to follow the recommendations of the central office of the Federal Office of Public Health. Working at home could avoid large crowds, especially during peak hours, and reduce close contacts at work. In addition, the risk that entire work teams will have to be quarantined in the event of a Covid 19 case is reduced.
On Monday, the government also wants to announce new measures in Austria. Health Minister Rudolf Anschober has already announced that the mask requirement could be expanded.
Additionally, restaurants will be checked for early curfew nationally and additional requirements for meetings and visits.
