Shortly before the nationwide lockdown comes into force, opponents of the measures against the corona pandemic take to the streets at several demonstrations in Vienna. The executive expected up to 15,000 participants in the city alone on Saturday. “In the morning, numerous buses were checked at the city limits and in the federal states,” said police spokesman Markus Dittrich. Thousands of opponents of measures and Covid deniers were already gathered at Heldenplatz by 12 noon. The police keep an eye on the situation with a large contingent and warn of massive traffic disruptions.
More than 1,300 officers are deployed, both from Vienna and from the federal states, plus police dogs. The security staff on the vaccination streets in the federal capital were also increased and the police presence increased. The Ministry of the Interior announced exact controls of the mask requirement and the 2G proofs, also on the access roads to the meeting points. The FFP2 mask requirement also applies in coaches. For demonstrations with more than 50 participants, everyone must wear an FFP2 mask, unless all participants have a 2G certificate. Protesters with masks were the absolute exception, however, numerous Austrian flags were seen. The executive also warned: Due to several reported meetings, especially in the area of the City, Mariahilf and Leopoldstadt, there could be temporary traffic obstructions and closures. Wiener Linien informs about restrictions on public transport. Three rallies registered Three larger rallies were announced, on the Jesuitenwiese, the Platz der Menschenrechte and on Heldenplatz. The start should be at 12 noon. The FPÖ organizes the two largest rallies. Your chairman Herbert Kickl will not be there, he has tested positive for the corona virus and is in quarantine. On Saturday morning, numerous people were shopping in the city center on the last shopping day before the lockdown, the situation in the federal capital was in relation to the demonstrators But still calm. Probably right-wing extremists among demonstrators again. The Ministry of the Interior is also of the opinion that right-wing extremists will participate (as in the demos in January to March 2021). There were also calls from the identities and the hooligan scene. There were also rumors of possible attacks on hospitals, media houses, ministries and parliament. These critical infrastructure facilities are particularly protected, emphasized the police. Delays in PCR tests possible Due to the protest actions, there may also be delays in the collection or evaluation of PCR gargle tests. Information on this could already be found on Friday evening in various collection boxes such as this picture, which was taken in the first district.
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