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The lockdown in Austria is de facto extended by a week. Because the possibility of the “free testing” is omitted in view of the opposition blockade announced on Sunday, as the APA learned from government circles. This means that trade, gastronomy, tourism and probably also schools will not be able to open until January 24.
Originally, it was planned that those who undergo testing would be able to take advantage of benefits a week earlier – such as visits to cultural and sporting events or the purchase of goods that are not needed on a daily basis, such as clothing or books. In addition, personal service providers such as hairdressers should be able to receive customers again as of January 17, and schools should be able to resume face-to-face classes.
A corresponding amendment, which would have enabled free testing, had been sent for review shortly before the turn of the year. On Sunday, however, the opposition announced for various reasons that it would refuse to approve the bill. This means that the bill could pass the National Council, but would be put on hold for around two months by the Federal Council thanks to the narrow majority of SPÖ, FPÖ and NEOS (31:30) there.
For the coalition, it is thus clear that the lockdown must be extended by one week. Their plan to allow the opening of trade, school or culture with 18 January via free tests, is no longer to be implemented, according to government circles as reported to the APA. This means that the lockdown will now apply to everyone in Austria until 24 January.
Whether there can still be changes here, was unclear for the time being. For Monday, talks were scheduled between the Ministry of Health and the opposition, as well as between the federal government and the provinces. As of Sunday evening, however, it did not look like there would be an agreement between the coalition and the SPÖ or NEOS. In view of the FPÖ’s course, a concession can be ruled out.
- Source: kleinezeitung.at/picture: pixabay.com
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