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They were difficult negotiations between the federal government and the states. Experts had called for a toughening up, especially in view of the growing number of infections and the critical situation in intensive care units. They met resistance from some of the provincial governors.
Vienna Mayor Michael Ludwig (SP), Johanna Mikl-Leitner (VP) from Lower Austria and Hans Peter Doskozil (SP) from Burgenland advocated opening the gardens for guests, which was scheduled for Saturday and will not come after of everything. In eastern Austria in particular, the situation in intensive care units is dramatic; geographic proximity to the Czech Republic and Slovakia, where the numbers are high, also play a role.
Video: ON-TV compares incidents in the districts
Therefore, Health Minister Rudi Anschober (Greens) called for a tightening. He noted that the probability of ending up in an intensive care unit was 0.7 percent for the strain type and 1.3 percent for the British mutant. Above all, it also affects young people. The session was interrupted and an agreement was finally reached on an eastern summit later this week to work out proposals together. Salzburg, where the 7-day incidence is 300 (Vienna 322), was not included; the situation in hospitals is still manageable. In the future, not only the incidence, but also the occupancy rate of intensive care units and the vaccination rate of those over 50 years of age should be included in the assessment of the situation.
With an incidence of 400 cases per 100,000 Vienna residents, it is off the table. This is not manageable. There were also considerations of prescribing tests as a condition of trading, and people have turned away from this. “We want to use the softest means,” Ludwig said. There should be stricter contact management in schools. With an incidence of 400, the regional plan is to move to distance education. Yesterday they did not want to talk about an extension of the Easter holidays.
Video: The brief statement after the Corona summit
Chancellor Sebastian Kurz (VP) appealed to use the test facilities that are being expanded and to use FFP2 masks. In contrast to Christmas, there should be no separate visitation regulations at Easter, these had created confusion, it was also argued.
There was no mention of a deadline for the opening of restaurants, tourist and cultural institutions, after Easter, if the situation in intensive care units allows it. “As soon as possible,” Kurz said. From trading circles it was said that relaxation should probably be expected in late April / early May at the earliest.
SP chief Pamela Rendi-Wagner, who advocates for strict measures, spoke of a “spurious outcome”, Neos health spokesperson Gerald Loacker and FP chief Norbert Hofer missed decisions and solutions. There was criticism from the Chamber of Commerce, which referred to the example of Vorarlberg with controlled opening. The restaurant industry needs a perspective with an opening date.
Governor Stelzer (vote) PHOTO: VOLKER WEIHBOLD
Stelzer: “Don’t just look at incidents”
“Unfortunately, the situation remains dire,” Upper Austrian Governor Thomas Stelzer (Vice President) said after negotiations in Vienna on the ON news: “The experts in particular described this to us dramatically.” Thank goodness there is no more hardening of the crown. measurements. “Because the rules only work if the compatriots adhere to them. We have to be careful not to lose people halfway through the total hardening. ” In Upper Austria, the situation is currently stable at a high level. “There is no reason to rest, but neither to push harder.”
However, in view of the crown numbers, no more openings are currently possible. “That is the other side of the coin.” The fact that private Easter celebrations are only allowed on a small scale is “bitter. I hope the families can still make the festival beautiful. The great hope is that we can celebrate Easter next year as we imagine. “
Stelzer emphasized that one must “not only observe incidents”, but also take into account the occupancy of ICU beds and the progress of vaccination. This “overview” should be the basis to facilitate future steps.
The guest gardens remain closed. PHOTO: VOLKER WEIHBOLD
Easter with mask, distance and small encounters
With the reservation of the planned “Eastern Summit” and regional tightening, if a district exceeds the seven-day incidence of 400, all valid regulations apply until Easter:
- Distance of two meters: in public places and at work (with exceptions).
- FFP2 mask requirement: In public places (indoor, including transportation), at events, car pools, in shops, with service providers, in markets, hotels and restaurants (if open). There are exceptions, for example, for professional group tests, in outdoor client areas, and for children up to six years of age.
- Departure restrictions: From 8:00 pm to 6:00 am with known exceptions (covering basic needs of daily life, danger to life and limbs, professional and educational purposes, care and help, individual sports for physical recovery and psychological)
- Meeting: Between 6 am and 8 pm, a maximum of two households with up to four adults and six children are allowed to meet and must be supervised.
- Residences and nursing homes: mandatory testing for employees every three days plus the FFP2 mask requirement, which also applies to visitors (two people are tested a maximum of twice a week).
- Body Closure Services – Clients need a negative antigen / PCR test. FFP2 mask requirement. Ten square meters of space per client.
- Sports: Outdoor sports are allowed, contact sports are not. Open-air sports facilities. Under 18 years old, sports groups of up to ten people plus two coaches are allowed (concept of mandatory prevention plus mandatory registration).
- Gastronomy, accommodation: Food can be picked up from 9 am to 7 pm – 24 hour delivery service. Accommodation for professional purposes only.
- Work: home office whenever possible. With close customer contact, weekly testing and mask requirements. Prevention concept for companies with 51 or more employees (as of April 1).
- Culture and leisure: Museums, libraries, zoos and gardens are open. Distance requirement, one visitor for every 20 square meters. (
