It has not yet been decided which Corona regulations Vienna will use in the winter. One thing is certain: the stricter measures that have been in force since September 15 have shown their effects, according to current statistics.
The current corona measures expire at the end of the month. In terms of the seven-day incidence, Vienna is currently at 136.3 below the national average.
Good starting position for winter
The reason for this development is, in addition to the comparatively restrictive regulation, the “everything gurgles” PCR test system and the success of having induced 140,000 Viennese to immunize through low-threshold vaccination offers. The mix of testing, measures and vaccinations made it possible to create a comparatively good starting position for Vienna in winter, according to the office of City Councilor for Health Peter Hacker (SPÖ) on Monday.
Unvaccinated people had a disadvantage
The stricter regulations created a lot of confusion among the population. Nevertheless, they brought disadvantages, especially for the unvaccinated, because tests alone were no longer valid as evidence in some places. There was only access to night restaurants and events with more than 500 people with the 2G rule, i.e. for vaccinated and convalescent people. Most of the 3G rules were turned into 2.5G rules – so in places where people who have been tested have access, they have to show a PCR test.
FFP2 masks in retail
An antigen test is no longer accepted in most places, such as in restaurants and hotels, in body-hugging services, in cinemas and hospitals, at least for people aged twelve and over. Vienna is also stricter than the other federal states in retail: there they rely exclusively on FFP2 masks, mouth and nose protection is no longer sufficient. Most recently, a second federal state followed suit with Salzburg, where FFP2 has been mandatory in all retail stores as well as at hairdressers, in cosmetic studios, libraries and museums since Monday.
What is in store for us in winter?
The city said on Monday with which regulations Vienna would like to proceed in the next few months. No date has yet been announced for the relevant consultations, but they should take place this week.