Issue rules for Christmas markets and celebrations – Coronavirus Vienna

The Ministry of Social Affairs issued rules for the celebration of Christmas markets on Thursday night. Basically, the same requirements apply to them as other outdoor events. A concept of prevention is needed and the greatest possible distance should be maintained. The current situation of the crown in the region must be taken into account in the approval.

With regard to this year’s Christmas celebrations, it is explicitly made clear that no more than ten people are allowed in. The corresponding ordinance has already been applied that in events without assigned and marked places, only ten guests are allowed in closed rooms and a maximum of 100 outdoors. Christmas, wedding and birthday parties are now explicitly cited to make it clear that they are also included.

With regard to Christmas markets, the regulation, which will apply to relevant events as of November 13, clarifies what is meant by occasional markets, that is, “sales events in which merchants, operators of hotels and restaurants or fair operators meet seasonally or not regularly Sell goods, food or beverages or offer services. ” The Ministry defines markets as non-regular if they take place at intervals greater than once a month and no more than ten weeks.

If 250 people are expected at a time, a prevention plan should be presented. The approval by the district administrative authority must also take into account the epidemiological situation in the area of ​​influence of the occasional market and the capacities of the local health authority responsible in the event of a necessary follow-up of the contact persons for suspected cases. or illness.

Corrective measures such as distances between steps, barriers or ground marks are suggested. The COVID-19 prevention concept may also include “a data protection compliant system for traceability of contacts, such as a system for registering visitor attendance on a voluntary basis.”

When it comes to food in these markets, the same rules apply as in the restaurant sector, including the curfew. Some things can be difficult in traditionally crowded Christmas markets. For example, the current ordinance states that the operator must ensure that food and beverages are not consumed in the immediate vicinity of the point of dispensing. Administration areas should also be configured so that there is a distance of at least one meter between groups of visitors.

The regulations also specify the rules for first-class sport. Admitted – in addition to the public – up to 100 indoor athletes and 200 outdoor athletes plus coaches, supervisors and other people who are necessary to carry out the event. A prevention concept should be developed for these people.