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The countdown is on: the total lockdown remains in place for exactly seven days. But now there are more and more rumors that almost nothing will become normal afterwards.
Wednesday is “D-Day” for Austria: the government in the Council of Ministers wants to agree on the initial steps after the second shutdown (the first in March lasted eight weeks). But now there are growing signs that a return to normalcy will only take place in small steps. In an interview with the “Kleine Zeitung”, Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz prepared the population for the unpleasant and unfamiliar December: “We will have to live with more massive restrictions after December 7,” said the head of government. And he declared, “We certainly cannot take any hasty initial steps.”
Sebastian Kurz: “After December 7 we will have to live with more massive restrictions.”
Back to classes only for the little ones
What does that mean? “Our goal is to start with commerce and schools and take careful initial steps.” Simultaneously with the opening of retail for the Christmas business, this was what Kurz always promised, schools will reopen. How “Today” learned, but should stick with face-to-face teaching for compulsory school. And here, as in spring, there could be class divisions. There is also the option of relying on external premises. High school and colleges will likely stick to distance learning.
The curfew remains
The outlook for restaurants and bars remains bleak. They should not be opened yet in the first loosening step. The reason is simple: the daily crown numbers have not yet decreased enough, and relaxation in intensive care units is extremely fragile. Curfews are also likely to be in place for longer at the moment, but the “lock light” version seems to be here, which only provides for massive restrictions at night. The closure could also be kept for hair salons, cosmetic and tattoo studios and gyms.
➤ The theme of Christmas should also remain emotional. The fact is now: the festival will be smaller this year than usual. Like in Germany, it really should be a quiet night in the closest circle.
All over? Anschober: “No”
By the way, Health Minister Rudolf Anschober (Greens) took the same line as Kurz on Sunday. “Do you really think that in 1 week everything will be over and we can ski happily?”, They asked him on Twitter. Honest answer from Anschober: “No, but the lockdown will end in 1 week. Therefore the lockdown has ended.”
