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Mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ) is again consulting with experts today and will then decide on further opening steps. It is unlikely that Vienna will open all areas at the same time from May 19.
“We want to set these steps thoughtfully, intelligently and sustainably,” Ludwig emphasized in advance. It “will certainly be a middle course that one combines the desire for opening also with the responsibility for the safety and health of the population.” Today, the group of experts will hold a video conference to discuss the issue. The aim is to “open up further perspectives”.
In April, Chancellor Sebastian Kurz (ÖVP) announced nationwide opening measures for May 19. From that date, gastronomy, tourism and events, such as in the cultural sector, will be possible again. Schools will start full operation two days earlier. The opening steps will be accompanied by security concepts.
Mayor Ludwig’s decision on whether to open everything or only gradually will also be exciting because the numbers have dropped again in Vienna. Vienna was recently below the Austrian average for 7-day incidence. On Wednesday, the value for Vienna was 130, the Austria average made 134. Vienna was last below the average for all provinces on Feb. 10.
There is also a slight easing in intensive care units in Vienna. On Wednesday, 173 patients with CoV infection were receiving intensive care in the city.
Speculation about gastro opening
In any case, when it comes to gastronomy, a cautious approach is on the cards in Vienna. According to reports, restaurants in the city could initially only open outdoors, in contrast to plans in other federal states. Indoors it could be then only at the end of of May so far.
Decision on baths also expected
A decision is also expected on the city’s swimming pools. In fact, most of the pools are already filled with water, and most of the staff also comes to work every day. Theoretically, it would be possible to open the pools with one day’s notice, said Martin Kotinsky of MA 44, the city’s municipal department of public works. That’s how long it takes to heat up the water.
Intensive care physician: “Openings necessary and correct”.
Klaus Markstaller, Head of the Department of Anesthesiology, General Intensive Care Medicine and Pain Therapy at MedUni Vienna and Vienna General Hospital, believes that opening up the system is “certainly necessary and right,” but with the necessary caution, “so that the numbers in the hospitals do not rise again. Because from an intensive care point of view, that should not happen again under any circumstances, he told “Wien heute.”
Markstaller hopes that when the age group of 50 and older is vaccinated, there will then be a “significant drop in patient numbers.” He assumes, however, that the numbers will not increase again now, because everyone would know the measures, such as FFP2 mask and social distancing or testing. In addition also the inoculations would come.
source: wien.ORF.at/picture: pixabay.com
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