Chancellor Kurz in the AUSTRIA interview about the increase in new corona infections and travel warnings.
AUSTRIA: How do you assess the current increase in new corona infections? Is that worrying?
Sebastian Kurz: It was foreseeable that the number of new infections would increase due to the travel movements during the holiday season. But yes, I am concerned: The current numbers are worrying.
AUSTRIA: According to the latest statistics, more and more people infected in Austria are young. Why is that?
Short: This is due to social contacts and the exuberant holiday mood. From a health point of view, it is of course positive that we have fewer older people infected with corona. In any case, I can only appeal that we continue to be careful, keep our distance and have social contacts outdoors if possible. In addition, travel to affected areas is not allowed, and if you are in these regions you should urgently return to Austria.
AUSTRIA: A travel warning for Croatia will apply from Monday. Why was that necessary?
Short: Yesterday alone there were 55 infected people who became infected in Croatia. There is massive introduction of the virus from Croatia. So we had to act quickly here. The travel warning for Croatia applies from Monday and will be checked from then on.
AUSTRIA: Does that mean that you need a corona test from Monday when you travel to Austria from Croatia?
Short: Yes exactly. Just as it is when entering from other risk areas.
AUSTRIA: There is criticism that returnees are not properly controlled at the borders. Does the border controls have to be tightened up here?
Short: There must be stricter controls here. It is urgently necessary that the health authorities ensure that there are more extensive controls here than before. And in addition, it is the responsibility of each individual to adhere to the guidelines and to do a corona test within 48 hours.
AUSTRIA: There is a demand that returnees should be tested directly at the border. What do you make of it?
Short: I think that makes sense. That is the responsibility of the health authorities.
AUSTRIA: School starts in a few weeks. How will school start in autumn? In full operation?
Short: I am very grateful to the Minister of Education for having worked out a detailed concept over the summer that he will present on Monday. The aim is for the school to run. If there are suspected cases, these schools should then give tests that are as comprehensive as possible.
AUSTRIA: When will schools be closed?
Short: That will have to be assessed individually for each school.
AUSTRIA: How do you assess the situation in autumn? Can you rule out a second lockdown?
Short: We must do everything we can to stop the virus from spreading without performing a second lockdown. Nobody wants that! But the health authorities need to get better at their work. This concerns the execution of tests. It still takes too long for people to get the results. But the quarantine measures must also be implemented more quickly.
AUSTRIA: Are you afraid that the rising Corona numbers will also make the mood for the economy worse again?
Short: The better the health situation, the better the basis for our economy. This is precisely why it is so important that we now take consistent action against the increase in new infections.
AUSTRIA: It seems that you are now getting more involved again and making the Corona policy a top priority …
Short: As Federal Chancellor, I am always very active. Corona will keep us busy for even longer. But of course, as times get more challenging, more is asked.
Interview: Niki Fellner
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