832 new infections in Austria

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Thrusday, 24 September 2020 – The number of people newly infected with the coronavirus increased again in Austria on Thursday. According to the Ministry of the Interior 832 people tested positive for Covid-19. By far the most cases were recorded in Vienna with 431 infected persons. Meanwhile, the second corona test road went into operation in the city. It is located on the Donauinsel, specifically on the parking lot near the Floridsdorf Bridge. People with symptoms may come and be tested – but only by car. The capacity of the new facility will initially comprise around 1,000 tests per day, but is to be gradually increased.

The new infections are distributed among the provinces of Austria as follows: Burgenland: 4, Carinthia: 11, Lower Austria: 181, Upper Austria: 67, Salzburg: 16, Styria: 32, Tyrol: 58, Vorarlberg 32 and Vienna 431. 783 people in Austria have died as a result of the corona virus since the outbreak of the pandemic, six more than on Wednesday. 31,661 people are considered to have recovered.

Already on Thursday morning, a heavy traffic volume was noticeable on the access road to the new test road, although no queues had formed yet, as known from the test road near the Ernst Happel Stadium. The location on the Donauinsel was chosen deliberately: “We chose it because it is easy to reach in terms of traffic,” said Health City Councillor Peter Hacker (SPÖ) at a media event. People who live or work in Vienna are allowed to have themselves tested here.

Ideally, people would first contact the hotline before visiting the test streets, so that the capacities between the two facilities can be controlled, said Ursula Karnthaler, deputy director of the provincial public health department, promoting this approach. However, she assured that no appointment slots would be allocated.

There are a total of six lanes and three walk-ins on the site for people coming on foot. However, the latter may only be used by those who – very important – do not show any symptoms. As with the first test road at the Ernst Happel Stadium, the gurgling test is also being used on the Danube Island. The tests are carried out by the Arbeitersamariterbund which is on site with 20 employees.