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What the federal government wanted to prevent with stricter measures, especially with a view to winter tourism, happened on Thursday: Germany classified the entire Austrian territory (with the exception of Krnten) as a corona risk area, the ON already reported in detail yesterday.
This means that travelers from the neighboring country must quarantine for two weeks when they return from Austria starting at 12:00 am on Saturday or they must present a negative corona test that is no more than 48 hours old.
The Netherlands have set six federal states (Vienna, Lower Austria, Upper Austria, Salzburg, Vorarlberg and Tyrol) in “orange”. The consequence: ten days of quarantine with no free trial option. By contrast, Austria waived the stricter travel advisories. Those of Croatia and Bulgaria have even been reduced to certain regions.
Many criticisms of the government
Chaos and confusion reigned yesterday by an ordinance of the Ministry of Health. Lawyers for Minister Rudi Anschober (Grne) needed until approximately 8:30 p.m. to implement the regulation with the new crown measures announced on Monday. With the publication it was known that the entry into force of the tightening would be postponed for two days, until midnight on Sunday.
As for the reasons for the delays, the Ministerial Office blamed “additional coordination measures” with the experts, but also with the coalition partner. Neos club vice president Nikolaus Scherak spoke of “dilettantism under the rule of law”, while FP president Norbert Hofer recommended that the measures be announced only “when regulation is complete”.
Yesterday, the Upper Austrian health authorities sat on needles all day. “People call us and want to record events or just precise information, but we cannot help them because we are still on hold,” the ON said. The discontent was also so great that law enforcement employees are already reaching their limit with corona contact tracing.
Off for face visors
In addition to the original advertisements, the use of face shields will be gradually banned. Shields that are often used in restaurants, retail stores and hair salons as a replacement for oral and nasal protection (MNS) were recently rated ineffective according to studies. There is a transition period until November 7. Anyone who claims that they cannot use an MNS for health reasons must present a certificate from a licensed Austrian physician. The rule to maintain distance in public spaces introduced with the “baby elephant” symbol will be reintroduced. The Constitutional Court overturned this in July. On the basis of the action law subsequently passed, this will now be “anchored again as a legally binding requirement,” according to Anschober.
The crown measures announced Monday mainly concern tightening events and private gatherings. The latter can be held (outside its own four walls) by a maximum of six adults (inside), outside by twelve people if there are no assigned seats. The total ban on catering at events will not come. If it lasts more than three hours, it can be fused.
Article of
Alexander Zens
Policy editor