Mask obligation in Vienna: The most frequent questions

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With February ending the current regulation, the mask obligation in Öffis falls with it. All questions at a glance.

On February 8, 2023, the Mayor of Vienna, Michael Ludwig, discussed with his circle the further steps regarding the end of the measures to fight the Corona pandemic. The Covid Basic Measures Accompanying Ordinance will expire at the end of the month.

We have summarized the most frequently asked questions about the Corona mask obligation.

When does the mask obligation end in Vienna?
The end of the mask obligation in Vienna was set for the end of February. Most recently, government representatives had announced an “end to all measures” by June 30, 2023, at the latest. Currently, the end of the mask obligation in public transport and pharmacies has also been set for the end of the month.

So, as of February, the current regulations are the same throughout Austria.

What do I watch out for if my COVID test is positive?
In this case, a traffic restriction will continue to apply until June 2023. If you leave the house, you must wear an FFP2 mask at all times. In addition, people who test positive are not allowed to enter places with vulnerable risk groups, such as kindergartens and hospitals.

Where do I still have to wear a mask?
As of March, a mask must only be worn in Austria’s nursing, hospital and spa facilities. However, the obligation remains in force in Vienna until the end of February, both on public transport and in pharmacies. The corona test obligation also remains in place.

Why should I wear a mask?
“The correct wearing of a FFP2 protective mask provides very good protection against infection with or transmission of SARS-CoV-2.” This is the information provided by the Austrian Ministry of Social Affairs. Furthermore, masks have always been a well-known means of inhibiting the transmission of infectious pathogens in many countries.

What should I do after the Corona measures have been lifted?
Perhaps it makes sense to follow the example of the Japanese after the end of the Corona measures: Namely, they have always worn a mask in public, but only when they are sick. This has been proven to protect us from infecting others, but it also protects our immune system from new pathogens.