Corona: Austria closes 45 border crossings with Czech Republic/Slovakia

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Austria closes 45 smaller border crossings with the Czech Republic and Slovakia as of 0:00 Thursday.

“In order to maintain public peace, order and security”, border traffic at the border crossing points will be completely stopped, the corresponding decree of the Ministry of the Interior states. Affected are for example the crossings Gmünd – České Velenice, Hardegg – Čižov, Haugschlag – Smrčná, Angern-March – Zahorska Ves or Hainburg – Devin. Austria has already been controlling the borders with the Czech Republic and Slovakia since Saturday due to the high Corona infection figures in both neighboring countries. In the run-up, Interior Minister Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) had already announced that smaller border crossings would also be closed and fixed controls would replace the previous mobile controls in the hinterland.

The Czech Republic has recorded massive numbers of new infections with the coronavirus. The seven-day incidence is currently 795, that of Slovakia 374. In Slovakia, there are suspected numerous cases of the new B.1.1.7. virus mutation. Health Minister Rudolf Anschober (Greens) spoke on Wednesday of “alarming numbers in Slovakia”.

Already applies that all entrants to Austria must sign a self-commitment to quarantine – otherwise the entry can be denied. Only after five days can the ten-day quarantine obligation be ended early with a negative Covid test. There are exceptions to entry for commuters and freight traffic. Commuters are not required to test and quarantine. However, they must show credible proof that they have an employer in Austria upon entry.

As of Friday, there is also an obligation to register online before entering Austria. The form for this can be found at the link http://go.apa.at/JyQA9JnK.