Category: General Interest

Vienna Archbishop Christoph Schönborn has called for full solidarity with Ukraine. Ukraine is in a case of “self-defense” and must defend itself, and the West must support it in this, the cardinal said on ORF’s “Pressestunde” on Sunday. There is also a need for solidarity with refugees, “there is still a lot ahead of us.” Schönborn was able to explain that a distinction is made between the refugees in 2015 and the Ukrainians today. In principle, he said, all refugees are human beings and should be considered, but the situation…

Read More

Many Austrians traditionally use Easter for a vacation abroad. But which Corona rules apply? The recent relaxation of entry regulations in many popular vacation destinations for Austrians awakens the desire to travel just in time for the start of the Easter vacation. Many no longer want to wait for the summer and use the holidays to leave at home and abroad. “Even though some countries are currently relaxing their entry rules, proof of vaccination, healing, or testing continues to be an important companion when traveling in Europe. The proof is…

Read More

Summer is approaching, and many are looking forward to a carefree vacation. But for some, a trip could be associated with unwanted complications. Because: Thousands of Austrians will lose their Green Passport despite triple vaccination in the coming weeks and months, “Heute” reported. Expiration after 270 daysThe certificate is valid for 270 days after the third vaccination. There is only one option for traveling abroad after expiration – at least for now: a PCR test that is not older than 48 hours. Extension indicatedHealth Minister Johannes Rauch announced a new…

Read More

While we can still expect cooler temperatures at the weekend, we can look forward to warmer weather at the beginning of the coming week, according to the Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics (ZAMG) forecast. The Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics (ZAMG) forecast from Thursday promises a further cooling phase at the weekend. Still, it should go up with the temperatures thanks to a high-pressure weather situation from the west. On Tuesday, 23 degrees Celsius are already possible. Friday brings a disturbance from the west. Today, Friday another disturbance…

Read More

Vienna – The turnaround in the Omicron wave has been achieved, and the infection figures have been falling significantly for days. On Thursday, 16,479 new cases were recorded throughout Austria a week ago, it was – with still unlimited free tests – 25,893. Also, in the hospitals, an easing is emerging: In normal and intensive care units, the number of beds occupied by Corona-infected patients is decreasing. Four hundred fourteen fewer beds are needed in the normal area than a week ago. Despite this positive development, Vienna remains cautious. Only…

Read More

As microbiologist Andreas Bergthaler reported on Twitter, a new SARS-CoV-2 recombinant has appeared in Austria. Samples have confirmed as yet undescribed recombination of BA.2 with the spike of BA.1.1. However, no striking property changes would be expected in this corona variant based on data to date. Therefore, the expert reassured there is no epidemiological or clinical cause for alarm. “Coronaviruses not only change individual genetic letters but can also exchange larger genetic regions,” Bergthaler explained via tweet. The prerequisite for this, he said, is that two viruses infect a host…

Read More

This week, infection and testing declines have not yet been enough to move a state out of the highest-risk range on the CoV traffic light. However, several are now just shy of the 100 risk number, above which it moves to lower levels. On the positive side, the 14-day trend shows that the number of infections has declined everywhere. The risk figure, used to assess the risk situation based on various parameters, shows that the trend is downward rather rapidly. Carinthia, for example, was at 337 a week ago and…

Read More

The EU Medicines Agency (EMA) does not currently consider a fourth CoV vaccination for all citizens necessary. It is now too early for a general recommendation, and the EMA was announced today in Amsterdam together with the EU health authority (ECDC). However, a fourth dose could be helpful for people 80 years and older, given the higher risk of severe CoV disease in this age group. “For adults aged 60 years and older with a normal immune system, there is no conclusive evidence that vaccine protection against severe disease decreases…

Read More

Those who prefer to take their Corona test in Vienna’s pharmacies can look forward to April 11. From then on, you will be able to take your five free PCR tests there again. Free PCR tests are soon possible again On Monday, the Ministry of Health has agreed to this test possibility. In addition to pharmacies, the free PCR tests can also continue to be processed via “Alles Gurgelt,“ the gargle boxes, and test streets. “I would prefer it to be even faster,” Viennese Health Minister Peter Hacker said. However,…

Read More