Will the mask requirement be abolished in Vienna’s public transport system?

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Today, Wednesday, the City of Vienna is discussing how to proceed in the fight against the coronavirus. At noon, the Covid experts around Mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ) will meet in Vienna’s City Hall. At the top of the agenda is the future of compulsory masks.

Only recently, the federal government presented its roadmap for the end of the measures. According to the roadmap, masks will be mandatory until April 30 in nursing homes, hospitals and doctors’ offices throughout Austria.

Masks in public transport, tests in hospitals
In Vienna, however, the mask requirement is still more far-reaching. It is the only province where masks must be worn in all public transport and pharmacies – Covid testing stations.

Likewise, Vienna is taking a tougher line when visiting the elderly and sick. Visitors to hospitals, retirement, and nursing homes in the federal capital require an up-to-date PCR test. Staff, there must also undergo covid screening every week.

Which of these Vienna-specific measures will also apply in March is expected to be clarified by early afternoon. That’s because Vienna’s Covid basic measures accompanying ordinance still runs until the end of February, which the city’s chief executive could extend until April 30.

Should the city abolish the mask requirement in the public transport system, the operators could voluntarily include it in their house rules. However, at present, that is no topic from the Viennese lines. And ÖBB also wants to adopt what generally applies in the province.

Testing and vaccination
To the question of how it goes on in Vienna, one refers to the federation. “Vaccination and testing are based on federal laws. We have no leeway there,” is the word from the office of City Health Councillor Peter Hacker (SPÖ), who will also attend the meeting in City Hall.

All Corona crisis measures should end by the end of June, according to the federal timetable. That means Covid-19 will no longer be a reportable disease. This will also end the ten-day traffic restrictions for those who test positive – they still have to wear masks when they leave the house.

The tests will remain free of charge but will only be possible at the family doctor’s office and in the hospital. Vaccination is also to stay free for the time being but will only be given at certain locations. Especially when it comes to testing, there are still questions unanswered, according to the city hall. For example, whether there should still be official testing programs. And consequently: how the supply and distribution of Corona drugs would be orchestrated in the future.