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On Friday the federal government decided to tighten the rules again in a video conference with state governors.
Of Michael Jungwirth | 10:13 pm, December 11, 2020
Since the number of infections is only declining very slowly after the lockdown ended (2,686 new infections were reported yesterday), the situation is now hardening. In long, sometimes heated debates, the federal government and provincial governors agreed to this on Friday night. Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz (ÖVP) announced this at a press conference together with Vice Chancellor Werner Kogler (Greens).
For the first time in Austria, mouth and nose protection will soon have to be used outdoors in many places, specifically in “highly frequented places”. The federal states should decide on this. This regulation could reportedly apply to all shopping streets, such as Mariahilferstrasse in Vienna, or in much of Graz or the old town of Klagenfurt. Until now, the requirement for masks has been limited to the indoor area (train stations, subways, buses, trams, shops, restaurants, theaters, other event areas).
Regulations for New Year’s Eve are also tightened. Previously, it was planned that up to ten people, theoretically from ten households, could celebrate the new year. Now this is again limited to two households. The night curfew will be lifted at the beginning of the year. There is also a slight tightening at Christmas: only on Christmas Eve and on Christmas day up to ten people can gather, on December 26 it will be canceled.
Mass testing will also be expanded. The federal government and the federal states want to re-test all Austrians for antigenic testing from January 8 to 10 (in Vienna from January 8 to 17). Regular tests should also be extended to specific target groups with close physical contact or close contact with the client (hairdressers, masseurs, teachers, directors) from January 1, every two weeks. The tests should also be carried out in severely affected regions (currently, for example, East Tyrol); they would be mandatory for the population.
Kurz spoke of a “right direction”. At the same time, however, he recalled once again the current exit and contact restrictions. “The fewer people meeting privately, the better.” Kurz appealed: “The pandemic is not over. We are going to have a hard time. Comply with all measurements. Get tested ”. The situation in hospitals and intensive care units has not relaxed. “Please take this seriously!”
