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The government around Chancellor Sebastian Kurz (VP) appeared in front of the press on Thursday at 2 pm New crown adjustments have been announced.
Due to the constant increase in crown numbers in Austria, this press conference was scheduled for Wednesday. After the Council of Ministers and a meeting with state governors, however, there was no statement from the government. This will be made up for today. How “Today” Known, the virological quartet formed by Sebastian Kurz (VP), Vice Werner Kogler (Greens), Minister of Health Rudolf Anschober (Greens) and Minister of the Interior Karl Nehammer (VP, was still yesterday in Greece) speak with the Austrians from the Chancellery at 2 pm
Oral and nasal protection now also in the office?
What will it be about? The notification remains relatively cryptic. “Coronavirus Updates” announced. Political observers have been waiting for a further tightening of the mask requirement for days: our neighboring country, Italy, is taking a much more restrictive course than Austria and is currently stable with the number of infections. Does the Chancellor say today that a mask is generally required, that is, also in the office when home office is not possible? It is conceivable that at least one recommendation is made. In the near future, it will no longer be possible to establish a legal basis.
Growing concern abroad
As reported, the situation for the crown in Austria is getting worse. From Wednesday to Thursday alone, nearly 800 infections were reported to health authorities, 366 in the capital Vienna alone. You can read the details HERE >>
Other EU countries are also watching the situation in Austria with growing concern. Berlin put our federal capital Vienna on the red list on Wednesday. Belgium and Switzerland have also issued a travel advisory.
At precisely 2.30 p.m., Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, Vice Chancellor Werner Kogler, Health Minister Rudolf Anschober and Interior Minister Karl Nehammer appeared before the press and announced the new measures to combat the coronavirus.
In short: “A second block should be avoided”
“I said last week that we were at the beginning of a second wave. We have an exponential increase in new infections in Austria. The number of hospitals is also increasing,” Kurz said at the beginning of the press conference. “We have to avoid a second blockade.”
“We know that infections occur indoors and in private contact,” Kurz continued. “Starting at midnight on Monday, three measures apply. 1. Social contacts should be reduced. All celebrations, indoor events are limited to ten people. The 100 person limit remains off. Funerals, religious events or demonstrations, where specific rules apply, are excluded from this Bregenzung. 2. Gastronomy: Food and drinks can only be consumed sitting down. 3. Oral and nasal protection: Protection of the mouth and nose is extended! In markets and fairs it will be mandatory to wear mouth and nasal protection outdoors, ”explains Kurz.
A maximum of ten people is allowed to sit at a table in the restaurant. But strict rules are also required in night dining, because infections are particularly common in the private sphere. The 1:00 am curfew will also apply to closed night dining events in the future. The federal states can move this curfew even further if they deem it necessary.
Federal Chancellor Kurz: “We are aware that many beautiful things that make up our lives will no longer be possible as a result. That is why we have decided in the Federal Government that the VAT reduction will be extended.” “We have already shown that we can overcome the crisis better than other countries. If everyone does their part, it will help us survive this second wave.”
Kogler: “The situation is dire”
Now this is Vice Chancellor Werner Kogler. “The situation is serious, but we can all do something. Social contacts should be reduced. You can also see that the numbers in the health system are starting to increase.” Kogler makes it clear that the healthcare system must absolutely be “maintained.”
Much has been invested in safety concepts in the sports and cultural sectors. Therefore, the upper limits remain here. “But if necessary, the number can be reduced. That depends on the conditions. The same applies to sport. A maximum of 3,000 people are allowed outdoors here,” says Kogler. “There are almost no infections on a soccer field or when exercising.” “It really depends on what happens after the game and after the football when you go to the restaurant business.” “You have to be careful not to stand in large groups. I appeal to everyone to adhere to it. It is up to the visitors that things can continue like this.”
Anschober: “We must worry about the upward curve”
Health Minister Rudolf Anschober made clear: “We are seeing massive increases around the world. We are now at around 30 million confirmed cases. Many countries are currently in a serious crisis. In Israel there has been an increase in about 6,000 cases in the last 24 hours. ” . Crown numbers are also increasing considerably in Europe, including Austria, “explains Anschober.
“We had a clear downward trend for a long time and there has been a significant increase in recent weeks. We learned a lot from the situation at that time. We know the virus better, but we must be concerned about this upward curve. We must not accept it.” Most of the new infections are in Vienna, followed at a distance in Upper Austria, Lower Austria and Tyrol.
“We have a very clear image of the initial infection situation. Especially in closed events in some clubs or in the après-soccer area. This is also synonymous with private celebrations. There are also frequent infections in the markets. The measures are applied from midnight on Monday. “Kogler makes it clear once again that the consumption of food and beverages must be consumed sitting down.” The momentum of the measures is also supported by the traffic light commission.
Nehammer: “I am the reminder again now”
“The virus is on the fast track. Now it will be decided which way we will go. Now everyone must work together to contain the virus. The virus challenges me. Now I am the reminder again. It is necessary to do that We have already shown that we can do it. This too it requires controls, “said Interior Minister Karl Nehammer.
Border controls are tightened again. The curfew ordinance is monitored with key actions. The executive will control bars, clubs and pubs. Those who do not adhere to them face severe penalties. The police are the partner of the population.
When asked about dance season, Kurz explains, “It is not appropriate to look that far into the future. But next summer will be normal again. Fall and winter will be very harsh,” Kurz said. “From today’s perspective, it’s unimaginable the way we had it.” “It is our responsibility to make cuts where they are needed.”
“We regulate what we can regulate”
According to Kurz, the tourism minister is working out a concept on how the ski season can unfold. “We assume that we will be able to present the results in the course of next week. But we can already deduce what is no longer possible in the après-ski area,” said Health Minister Rudolf Anschober.
The respective federal states are authorized to tighten the rules of the crown and counteract with stricter measures. “If we can create 95 percent of the population that consciously adhere to these rules, then we are doing well,” Anschober said. “We know from the past that most people adhere to the guidelines,” Kurz explains. “We regulate what we can regulate.”
