In Austria, different Corona rules apply in the individual provinces. Here is an overview of the current regional requirements in the federal states (as of November 17, 2021).
Both the federal government and the federal states have recently repeatedly taken issue with the “patchwork carpet” of different corona measures in the federal states. Despite efforts, this has not yet been eliminated. This is because the worsening pandemic situation has prompted the states to adopt stricter regulations on their own initiative – most recently, especially with regard to the FFP2 mask requirement. The following is an overview of the current regional requirements.
Corona rules in Vienna
Vienna has had much stricter measures in place than the federal government for some time, such as an FFP2 obligation for customers throughout the retail sector. According to the regulation now on the table, this will be further extended as of Friday. Thus, there will be a FFP2 obligation in all indoor spaces away from the private sphere – also at the workplace and thus also for employees in the trade, even if they are vaccinated or recovered. However, this obligation applies generally, for example also in offices, if there is contact with other persons, unless there are structural protective measures on site. Guests in the catering trade will only be able to walk to and from the table wearing a mask – and staff there will also have to wear FFP2 masks again without exception. The same applies to staff at service providers close to the body.
In addition, as of Friday, a 2Gplus regulation will apply for customers in certain areas in Vienna: This means that night catering establishments and events for 25 or more people may only be visited if vaccinated or recovered persons also present a negative PCR test result. In exceptional cases, an antigen test may also be sufficient, namely if a PCR test was demonstrably not available or was not evaluated in a timely manner. In addition, the requirement does not apply if a covid disease has been survived within the past 40 days. The rule for children is also stricter than in the federal government: for six- to 11-year-olds, the so-called “Ninja Passport” (school tests) must be presented as proof of 2G (federal requirement: only from 12 years of age); a fully taped passport (3 tests per week) is also valid on weekends. 12- to 15-year-olds in Vienna must present 2.5G proof, with the PCR test valid for 48 hours from acceptance (in the federal government, the Ninja Pass is sufficient until the end of the ninth school year, after which 2G proof must be presented).
Measures in Lower Austria
In Lower Austria, tightening of the FFP2 obligation has been in effect since Wednesday. Customers in hotels and restaurants must wear the mask on the way to or from the site, and guests in indoor cultural facilities (such as theaters, cinemas, and concert halls and arenas) must now also use this higher-quality mask. Such protection must also be used in the context of party traffic.
Corona rules in Burgenland
In Burgenland, FFP2 masks must also be worn again starting Wednesday in all publicly accessible spaces – such as at events, on public transportation, in the hospitality industry and during services close to the body. The mask requirement also applies to lodging establishments, recreational and cultural facilities, and trade fairs.
Stricter Corona measures in Upper Austria
In Upper Austria, too – since Monday – a general FFP2 mask obligation applies indoors, in the catering trade this also applies up to the seat (exception: mouth-nose protection for 6- to 14-year-olds). Discos and nightclubs must close by December 6. All events are also prohibited until Dec. 6 – with the exception of those in “professional cultural and sports areas.” After that date, closed areas are to be open again to people with 2G proof. Advent markets can take place, but FFP2 masks are mandatory and consumption is prohibited. Takeaway is possible.
This applies in Salzburg
In the province of Salzburg, the FFP2 mask obligation applies since Monday for all workers with customer contact or at a distance of less than one meter to colleagues. The FFP2 mask is also mandatory for service providers close to the body, such as hairdressers, in restaurants and generally accessible areas of accommodation establishments, in leisure and cultural facilities and at markets – even outdoors. Food and beverages in pubs may only be consumed while seated. In addition, 2G proof is required for museums, cultural exhibition halls, libraries, archives and at occasional markets such as the Christkindlmarkt. Alcohol consumption is prohibited there.
Measures in Styria
In Styria, the stricter FFP2 rule has been in force since Wednesday. In any enclosed space, such a high-quality protective mask must always be worn if another person is present who does not live in the same household. This also applies to the workplace if physical contact with other people cannot be ruled out. Furthermore, the FFP2 mask obligation also applies in the “Green Mark” in restaurants, when entering and leaving the premises and when going to the toilet.
Corona rules in Carinthia
In Carinthia, Friday will be tightened, the FFP2 obligation will also be required here “at the place of professional activity”. In Carinthia, too, consumption in the pub will in future only be permitted at the seat, and masks will be compulsory when standing up – likewise in hotels, where masks must be worn in all generally accessible areas. The mask will also be compulsory for customers in the areas of culture and leisure, exceptions will only be made for wet areas or when operating fitness equipment.
Measures in Tyrol
In Tyrol, FFP2 masks have also been mandatory indoors at workplaces since Wednesday – when more than one person is in the room. Exceptions to this exist if “other suitable protective measures” (such as Plexiglas walls) are available – or the exercise of the profession would be made impossible or unreasonably difficult by the mask requirement (such as actors).
This applies in Vorarlberg
As of Friday, Vorarlberg will follow suit: Here, too, the FFP2 obligation will then apply in all indoor public spaces and at the workplace – and in fact everywhere where there is customer contact (trade, gastronomy, body-related service providers). Masks will also have to be worn at events.
— sources: APA/vienna.at/picture:pixabay.com
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