Austria introduces the requirement to wear respirators

Austria is among the first European countries to introduce the requirement to use type FFP2 respirators.

This demand was met without much resistance, in the face of much more controversial measures, such as the decision to close schools, allowing the ski lifts to continue operating.

“Why [labiau užkrečiamų] “Coronavirus strains must be better protected,” said Hannah Zuegner, a 24-year-old graphic designer based in Vienna.

“If everyone is involved, I think the situation will change, especially with the arrival of vaccines,” he added.

FFP2 type respirators that hold up to 94 percent. The particles were sold a few weeks ago for more than € 5. However, they are now available in all grocery stores for 59 euro cents.

Last week, seniors and low-income households received free packets of FFP2 respirators.

The requirement also applies to supermarkets and service providers, such as repair shop owners and healthcare professionals. Teachers, warehouse workers, and public officials should also wear type FFP2 respirators in the workplace. This requirement may not apply if a distance of at least two meters is maintained between workers.

Exceptions apply to pregnant women and people who cannot use a respirator due to their medical condition or whose use could be harmful to their health.

When Austria lifted its second quarantine in early December and reopened stores as Christmas approached, the number of daily infections rose dramatically, prompting the government to introduce a third quarantine just weeks later, on December 26.

The quarantine was scheduled to be lifted on January 25, but it was extended until February 8 and more stringent restrictions were imposed, including the requirement to use type FFP2 respirators, as the previous measures did not produce the expected results.

In Austria, with 8.9 million. population, currently 100,000 per day. The population has about 130 cases of infection. The government aims to keep this figure below 50 cases.

Schools, museums, gyms, cinemas and convenience stores have been closed in the country, and the government is urging Austrians to limit social contacts as much as possible and to work from home whenever possible.

However, outdoor sports are allowed. Some of the Austrians are outraged by the published photos showing the lines of skiers or squads on the slides of the ski lifts.