New Year’s Eve: Small parties allowed for all

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Despite CoV pandemic, parties are allowed at the turn of the year. As with Christmas, the lockdown for unvaccinated people takes a break – meaning there are virtually no curfew restrictions. Parties at home are also allowed. However, the curfew at 22.00 for catering and culture remains in place.

Differences for vaccinated or recovered and unvaccinated persons exist for parties at home: within their own four walls, unvaccinated persons may celebrate the turn of the year with a maximum of ten people. For vaccinated or recovered persons, the party at home may be larger: A maximum of 25 people are allowed, but this requires proof of 2G.

Large gatherings also prohibited outdoors
The lockdown for the unvaccinated is lifted for one day. This means anyone who wants to can spend the New Year in public places. However, from the Ministry of Health comes a restriction: as soon as the outdoor celebration has event character or resembles a gathering, it is no longer allowed. In other words, a huge party on Stephansplatz is not allowed. Due to the pandemic, the ministry advises against larger gatherings at the turn of the year in general and calls for celebrating in small circles and tested.

However, the advanced curfew remains in place: gastronomy and cultural institutions such as theaters or cinemas may – in compliance with the 2G rule – only be open until 10:00 pm. Gastronomes are still allowed to offer takeaways after that.

60 percent want to celebrate with family only
However, the Corona pandemic is dampening the New Year’s Eve celebratory mood of Austrians anyway. According to an online survey conducted by the Gallup Institute on behalf of Wiener Städtische among 1,000 representatively selected respondents, almost 60 percent want to celebrate the New Year as a couple or with their family. There are hardly any big parties. Almost a third want 2G proof when celebrating at home. About 80 percent want to welcome 2022 without firecrackers.