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Corona pandemic: Austria goes into lockdown again

Austria goes into lockdown for the third time. The measures will be tightened again from December 26th – until January 24th. For some people, there might be easing even sooner.

Austria is tightening its corona measures from December 26th. Chancellor Sebastian Kurz announced this in Vienna. This is to prevent an exponential growth in the number of infections in Austria.

Good Reasons for Leaving Home

According to Kurz, the government’s strategy consists of three phases. Accordingly, from December 26th, the trade as well as “body-close service providers” should be closed again.

In addition, exit restrictions would apply: the house may only be left for compelling reasons, which include various basic needs such as shopping or a doctor’s visit, as well as work or education, as well as outdoor recreation. For the time being, students learn in online lessons.

Ski operations should open on Christmas Eve

It remains with the opening of the ski operation on Christmas Eve, but the states and districts should determine the more detailed conditions. Vice Chancellor Werner Kogler announced that the federal government will stipulate that FFP2 masks must be worn in the gondolas and closed ski lifts.

In the run-up, the federal states of Tyrol, Salzburg and Styria in particular had raised serious concerns about closing the ski areas. One of the arguments is that if the subway runs in Vienna, lifts could also run.

Opening of culture and gastronomy from January 18th

From January 18, schools, retail, gastronomy and tourism should reopen – but only for people who test negative in one of the corona rapid tests, which will then be offered free of charge nationwide. Mass tests should also be carried out for this.

“For all those who are not ready to be tested, the lockdown rules apply until January 24th, one week longer,” said Chancellor Sebastian Kurz. Tests are the prerequisite for easing the pandemic. The decision not to take a test continues to mean all-day exit restrictions and the mandatory wearing of an FFP-2 mask, for example when shopping or on the way to work. Even students and teachers without a negative test must wear an FFP-2 mask.

The third phase will begin on January 24, during which, according to Kurz, the aim is to return to normal.

With information from Clemens Verenkotte, ARD-Studio Vienna.

Tagesschau24 reported on this topic on December 18, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.




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