End of the pandemic: WHO chief with tough prognosis

After repeated speculation that 2021 would be another year that the corona pandemic would have a firm grip on us, Hans Kluge, the head of the World Health Organization, has now confirmed this scenario. In an interview with “Die Welt,” the WHO expert answered the question about an end to the corona crisis as follows: “I assume that the pandemic will be over by early 2022.” That would not mean that the virus would have disappeared by that time, but it would at least mean that stringent measures would no…

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Three days of summer heat, then it gets colder again

Finally, summer is making an appearance. The longing of many Austrians for better weather is definitely fulfilled today. Over 25 degrees brings Mother’s Day in the country. The high “Utine” also provides for summer weather in the next days. On Monday, temperatures are even expected to exceed 30 degrees in some places – especially in Upper and Lower Austria. It will remain warm and the sun will shine almost all over the country. TuesdayOn Tuesday, at least in the east of Austria, the weather will initially continue to be fine.…

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Here’s what applies on a Mother’s Day car trip.

Austrian Press answers some questions regarding car trips on Mother’s Day with regard to the Covid regulations currently in force. Am I currently allowed to drive without restrictions? During the day, between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., staying outside the private living area is allowed without restrictions, and thus also driving. At night, between 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., one may only leave the private living area for certain purposes, such as physical or psychological recreation. Does that mean for the Mother’s Day outing that I have to be back…

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WHO gives emergency approval for Chinese vaccine from Sinopharm

Sinopharm is the first Chinese company to receive emergency approval from the World Health Organization (WHO) for its Corona vaccine. The decision was announced by WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in Geneva on Friday. This will allow UN agencies to purchase and distribute the drug. China has already pledged ten million doses in February to the UN’s Covax international vaccination program, on which many poorer countries rely. The independent advisory group SAGE has released the vaccine for people over 18, Tedros said. Two doses are needed for full vaccine protection,…

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Is it necessary to post vaccination selfies (or vaccination card) on social media ?

The vaccination campaign is gaining momentum. More and more vaccinated people are proudly sharing selfies and proof of vaccination card and letting the world know they got their first (or second) shot. What’s the point? No travel opportunities, excursions, parties or restaurant visit. Because of the pandemic, there are hardly any opportunities left to take pictures of yourself in front of spectacular scenery or among hip people and proudly post the result on social networks. But in the meantime, unfortunately, there is a remedy: Vaccination selfies. More and more often,…

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Weather in Austria: Temperatures will again reach an early summer level with 20 to 31 degrees

Today, Friday, changeable weather is again on the agenda. Early in the morning, clouds will dominate and there will be some rain, in the course of the day, showers will move through again with a cold front from the west, south of the main ridge of the Alps it may also become thundery before the cold front. Towards evening, it will gradually loosen up on the northern side of the Alps. With strong, on the northern side of the Alps partly stormy westerly to northwesterly winds, a maximum of 8…

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Austria: 50 percent of the over-50s are completely vaccinated

Half of those who want to be vaccinated against Corona will have received immunization by Friday. This is according to figures from the Chancellor’s Office. According to the figures, at least one vaccination was given to 2.5 million people. Likewise the 50-percent-value is reached according to data from the electronic vaccination passport with the Austrians over 50. The Federal Chancellery reckons that around two thirds of the vaccinated population have received the sting. Children, for example, are still excluded. That brings the total to about five million. Chancellor Sebastian Kurz…

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Vienna opens gastronomy, culture and sports on May 19

Restaurants (both indoors and outdoors), hotels, cultural and sports facilities will open in Vienna on May 19. The city’s swimming pools will also be allowed to open again, and schools will return to full attendance classes on May 17. Thus, the federal capital also supports the opening steps of the federal government. This was announced by Mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ) and his deputy Christoph Wiederkehr (Neos) on Thursday after consultations with medical experts. Before these consultations, the city’s leadership had still been reserved about the comprehensive opening steps decided by…

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Vienna announces today further opening steps

Mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ) is again consulting with experts today and will then decide on further opening steps. It is unlikely that Vienna will open all areas at the same time from May 19. “We want to set these steps thoughtfully, intelligently and sustainably,” Ludwig emphasized in advance. It “will certainly be a middle course that one combines the desire for opening also with the responsibility for the safety and health of the population.” Today, the group of experts will hold a video conference to discuss the issue. The aim…

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