Relaxations for unvaccinated contacts now in force

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No more quarantine, but “traffic restrictions”: No visits to restaurants, fitness clubs, events – Even visits to hospitals remain prohibited.

As of Monday, all contacts without complete Corona immunization no longer have to go into quarantine. Instead, “traffic restrictions” now apply to those affected: An FFP2 mask must be worn when in contact with other people, even outdoors. Visits to establishments where this is impossible, such as restaurants or fitness clubs, are prohibited. But visits to health facilities are also restricted.

The government announced the step last Tuesday, but the restrictions are in force now. According to the contact tracing recommendations published on the Ministry of Health’s website on Monday, those classified as contact persons must wear an FFP2 mask (or higher) when in contact with other persons. This also applies within private living quarters. Mouth-nose protection is sufficient for children aged six to 14 years; younger children are not covered. This requirement is a recommendation by the Ministry, implemented by decree by the local health authorities on a case-by-case basis. In each case, the rules can decide at their discretion on a well-founded basis, the health ministry said on Monday.

Contact persons (also wearing masks) are prohibited from attending significant events (sports events, concerts, etc.). Visiting facilities with vulnerable persons or “risky settings” is also not allowed. This applies, for example, to old people’s and nursing homes, health care facilities, homeless shelters, prisons, or refugee homes. However, it is possible to leave one’s home, go shopping, get essential supplies and go to work (wearing an FFP2 mask).

In principle, fully immunized persons with three “immunological events” (e.g., three vaccinations) should not be classified as contacts – for children up to the age of 12; two such events are sufficient. Persons who have recovered from an infection with the omicron variant within the last three months before contact are also not considered contact persons. Persons are also not classified as contact persons if “appropriate and verifiably correctly implemented measures to minimize the risk of infection” were used during their contact with the confirmed case. This includes, for example, wearing an FFP2 mask on both sides.

From Wednesday, FFP2 masks must be worn indoors by everyone

This week, the following change in quarantine regulations is expected: Health Minister Johannes Rauch has announced that the quarantine regulations for infected employees will be relaxed, at least in hospitals and nursing homes. This is essentially argued with the overload of staff given the high number of patients in the health facilities.

At the same time, the FFP2 mask requirement is to be reintroduced indoors on Wednesday (though not in schools). The Minister of Health is expected to issue a decree that will regulate the details in the coming days.