Similar to Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy have also developed a phased plan. The omicron virus wave is under control in Europe, flattening out across the board. This allows relaxation in public life.
Two-stage plan for Austria
Austria will ease most restrictions from February 19th. Wherever 2G applies, 3G is used.
From March 5th, only the mask requirement will apply in public life. Those affected do not have to present proof of vaccination or recovery either in the restaurant, in retail or in the hotel. The night closure is lifted, après-ski is possible without presenting proof of vaccination or recovery, and clubs are also opening. Even the distance rules on the ski slopes are a thing of the past.
Because tests will no longer be necessary, Austria is also abolishing the free corona test in public life. So if you want to test yourself for the corona virus, you have to pay for it.
Entry from Germany to Austria should be possible with 3G. 3G also applies to the return journey – at least until March 20th.
Switzerland opens restaurants for the unvaccinated
From now on, unvaccinated and non-recovered people are allowed to go back to restaurants, to the cinema, on the ski slopes or in shops. All contact restrictions in the private sphere are lifted.
Masks are only compulsory on buses, trains, ski lifts and in health facilities.
Entry from Germany into Switzerland is currently possible with 3G (vaccinated, recovered or tested). 3G also applies to the return journey – at least until March 20th.
Italy maintains proof of vaccination and recovery
The mask requirement outdoors is now no longer applicable. Indoors, it is scheduled to expire on March 31st. Clubs and discos are already open. Major events such as football games or concerts are also to take place.
The “green pass rafforzato” applies here as well as for restaurants, hotels, sports and leisure areas and also in ski areas. It is the Italian CovPass app. Random checks are carried out by the police.
Those affected can deposit their vaccination and recovery in the “Green Passport”. Non-vaccinated people can upload a current PCR or daily antigen rapid test and can then participate in public life without restrictions.
Entry into Italy from Germany is only possible with 3G. Travelers must also fill out this document. 3G also applies to the return journey – at least until March 20th.
What applies to France?
In France, clubs and discos have also been opened.
According to the new regulations, it is now again permitted to have a drink standing up at the bar. Health Minister Olivier Véran announced that the mask requirement would end in mid-March if the infection rate permitted.
Proof of vaccination and recovery is still valid in public life. Wherever the evidence applies, no mask has to be worn indoors. This applies, for example, to restaurants, hotels and ski lifts.
Entry into France from Germany is possible with 3G – travelers must also fill out this document. 3G also applies to the return journey – at least until March 20th.
What do I have to pay attention to during a skiing holiday?
If you are planning a ski holiday now, you should take self-tests and masks with you. FOCUS Online advises that those who have been vaccinated and those who have recovered should take their digital vaccination certificates with them via app or in paper form. If you want to stay overnight on site, you should expect price surcharges. Demand has been increasing for days, as operators report.
Families should use basic family tickets for the mountain railways and check package deals between the end of February and mid-March.
Surf tip: You can find all the news about the corona pandemic in the FOCUS Online news ticker