January 2020
Between 24 and 26 January, a person from Germany stayed in Kühtai who had contracted the disease on 20 January at a farm near Munich.
February 2020
On 25 February, two cases of the disease were reported from Innsbruck for the first time. They were two 24-year-old Italians, woman and man, both from Lombardy. The woman worked in a hotel in Innsbruck. The two had been visiting their region of origin, Bergamo, a few days earlier. The hotel was blocked and all contacts were tested. On 5 March, after having been free of fever and symptoms for several days, both were discharged from hospital as cured of the infection.
Two days later, the Vienna City Councillor for Health, Peter Hacker, announced that a 72-year-old man, who had already been undergoing inpatient treatment at the Rudolf Foundation in Vienna for ten days at that time, had now tested positive for the coronavirus. This led to the closure of three wards in this hospital and to the displeasure of the staff, who felt endangered and not supported. Furthermore, Hacker announced that a couple from Vienna had become infected. The suspected diagnoses of their son and daughter were still being checked. On 28 February it became known that the son had tested positive.
In February, the Ministry of Health issued nationwide guidelines according to which those affected should not see a doctor in case of suspicion, but should call the health number 1450 in order not to infect other people. The staff of the hotline, which had been set up a year earlier, arranged for further steps, such as a home visit and testing.
If a suspicion was confirmed, a home quarantine was usually ordered and attempts were made to locate any contact persons in order to impose a home quarantine on them as well, if necessary, and to subject them to a test if symptoms were present. So far, only persons with a more severe course of the disease have been admitted to hospitals, as the disease was mild in most of those affected and thus did not require inpatient treatment. Affected persons were only released from home quarantine when they were apparently healthy and no virus could be detected in two successive tests within 24 hours of each other.
March 2020
In March 2020, events in the holiday resort of Ischgl (Tyrol) made a decisive contribution to the Europe-wide spread of the respiratory disease COVID-19; as early as 5 March, Icelandic authorities classified the resort as a risk area. At the end of March, the Innsbruck public prosecutor's office began an investigation into the suspected "risk of contagious diseases". In May, a team from the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, led by Gabriel Felbermayr, concluded in its study, published on 24 May, that statistically it could be attributed to the distance from Ischgl that 48 per cent of the cases of infection in Germany had originated from the Austrian ski resort. According to a Spiegel research, more than 11,000 infections worldwide could be traced back to Ischgl.
By 1 March, 1,826 tests had been performed, including ten WHO-confirmed cases of infection.
On 2 March, the City of Vienna opened a care centre for possibly ill tourists in the former geriatric centre "Am Wienerwald" as a precautionary measure.
By March 6, about 400 people were already in home quarantine.
On March 11, 2020, WHO declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic.
On 12 March, the first death was confirmed in Vienna. A 69-year-old man died in hospital after returning from Italy.
10 March 2020: Entry into force of the restrictions on travel
With effect from 10 March, passenger aircraft arriving from northern Italy, South Korea or Iran were banned from landing in Austria for the time being until 24 March. From 11 March, new arrivals from risk areas outside the EU, such as South Korea, parts of China or Iran, were required to produce a medical certificate on entry confirming that they were not infected with the virus. Point health checks were also introduced at border crossings with Italy. The obligation to present a medical certificate on entry was extended to travellers from Italy from 11 March. This measure did not apply to transit passengers whose transit was ensured without a stopover in Austria. Austrian citizens and people whose usual place of residence was in Austria were also exempt, provided they went into 14-day home quarantine until a negative laboratory result was available.
In order to support the police and the health authorities at the border crossings, soldiers of the Federal Army were also deployed, in Lower Austria also staff of the road service and in Vorarlberg also the fire brigades.
March 10, 2020: Cancellation of events and spatial distancing of people.
In the press conference of 10 March it was announced that events in closed rooms from 100 people, those outdoors from 500 people will be temporarily banned. This should also affect cinemas or theatres, for example.
It has been announced that the 2020 municipal council and mayoral elections in Vorarlberg, originally scheduled for 15 March, and the 2020 municipal council elections in Styria, scheduled for 22 March, will be postponed.
The government additionally asked the population to reduce social life for a few weeks to reduce the risk of infection for the elderly.
Public transport has not been discontinued in order to continue to make it possible to travel to work.
March 11, 2020: Announcement of school and university closures.
One day after the announcement of the restrictions on events, it was announced in a press conference on 11 March 2020 that, as of 16 March, face-to-face teaching at all Austrian universities, universities of applied sciences and universities of teacher education would be cancelled and, if possible, replaced by distance learning. In fact, the universities have brought these measures forward by a few days, in some cases already to 12 March.
In the press conference of 11 March it was also announced that schools would also be closed. The upper classes (from the 9th grade) are to be closed from 16 March and from 18 March the other schools (elementary schools, new middle schools and AHS lower classes) will also be closed. For the pupils of these schools, group care will be offered at the schools and kindergartens. In the elementary schools, Neue Mittelschulen and AHS-Unterstufen, classes at the schools ended on 18 March, but there are childcare options at the schools for children whose parents have to work outside the home. The children who stay at home receive their assignments from the teachers by e-mail or via a learning platform. Kindergartens are also open to children whose parents are unavailable for work. The measures were initially limited until Easter.
March 12, 2020: End of the ski season in some states.
On 12 March, the authorities of the three federal states of Salzburg, Vorarlberg and Tyrol announced that they were ending the 2020 ski season early. All ski resorts were closed with effect from Monday 16 March. As of March 14, the ski resort of Ischgl was already closed.
March 13, 2020: Announcement of restrictions for shops and restaurants
On 13 March, the German Robert Koch Institute (RKI) classified the province of Tyrol as a risk area.
On 13 March, the federal government announced that it would close all shops that were not necessary for basic services as of 16 March. Food stores, pharmacies and drugstores, but also tobacconists and pet food stores were excluded. Furthermore, it was announced that bars, restaurants and coffee houses would only be allowed to open until 3 p.m. as of 16 March.
The basis for the restrictions announced on March 13 was the COVID-19 Act passed on Sunday, March 15, 2020. The Act enacted a Federal Act on the Establishment of the COVID-19 Crisis Management Fund (COVID-19 Fund Act) and a Federal Act on Provisional Measures to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 (COVID-19 Measures Act), and amended the 2020 Provisional Budget Act, the 2019 to 2022 Federal Financial Framework Act, the Federal Act on the Establishment of a Federal Reduction Shareholding Company, the Labour Market Policy Financing Act, the Labour Market Service Act and the Labour Contract Law Amendment Act. Resolutions were passed in the National Council and the Federal Council, certified by the Federal President and published in the Federal Law Gazette on a single day. The restrictions in public spaces were controlled by the police, and under the COVID-19 Act administrative fines of up to EUR 3,600 were imposed, and in certain cases administrative fines of up to EUR 30,000.
The COVID-19 law provided, among other things, for a crisis management fund endowed with €4 billion, see section on economic impact. In the parliamentary proceedings, the opposition succeeded in ensuring that the COVID-19 Measures Act, which was included in the legislative package and enabled the far-reaching restrictions on freedom of movement, was limited in time until the end of 2020.
The three implementing ordinances issued in this regard were also issued on March 15. One ordinance regulated the closure of businesses in the areas of commerce, services, leisure and sport from 16 March, with §§ 2 and 3 of the ordinance exempting certain businesses for the supply of daily necessities. Contrary to the announcement of 13 March, restaurants or bars were now also not allowed to open at all from 17 March, i.e. not even with a closing time of 15:00. With regard to gastronomy, the aforementioned ordinance only came into force on 17 March (another ordinance only applied on 16 March and ordered that gastronomy had to observe a curfew of 3:00 p.m.).
March 13, 2020: Announcement of a ban on entering public places.
Another ordinance imposed a general exit restriction (ban on "entering public places"). This ordinance also went into effect on March 16. According to § 1, "entering public places is prohibited." Section 2 enumerates exceptions ("Exempt from the prohibition ... are entries ..."): in case of imminent danger (item 1), to care for persons in need of assistance (item 2), to meet basic needs (item 3), because of professional purposes (item 4). The following point 5 does not give a specific reason: "if outdoor public places are to be entered alone, with persons living in the same household or with domestic animals, a distance of at least one metre must be kept from other persons." This provision was referred to orally on the part of the Government as to walking.
Numerous penalties were imposed as a result of this ordinance, sometimes challenged on appeal. Several jurists argued that Z. 5 allowed entry into public places for any reason.
Further course
On 15 March, the two ministers Tanner and Köstinger announced that both the basic military conscripts in the armed forces and the civilian conscripts would not be able to end their service, which would end at the end of March, but would have to provide extended service. Civilian servants from the last five years had also been called upon to volunteer for service. This was the first time in the history of civilian service that the possibility of calling up persons for extraordinary civilian service had been used.
In addition, 1400 militia soldiers of the Austrian Armed Forces were called up for operational presence duty.
After Hungary closed its borders on 17 March and only allowed Hungarian citizens and truck transports into the country, traffic soon backed up all the way to Parndorf, as many people travelling home from other countries who wanted to pass through Hungary were also in the columns at the motorway border crossing. As a result, there were protests by those stranded, which also blocked entry into Austria. Only after diplomatic negotiations between the respective interior ministers was a humanitarian corridor briefly opened on the night of 18 March, at least for Romanians and Bulgarians, as a "one-off exception". However, since other citizens were also at the border, the same heated situation built up on 18 March.
With effect from 20 March, the restriction on going out was extended: health resorts, (apart from exceptions) also rehabilitation centres and sports grounds were barred. This regulation also provided for an obligation to work from home if the professional activity could also be carried out away from the place of work. However, this provision was weakened back to a mandatory provision the following day. In addition, on March 20, all measures were extended until April 13.
As of March 25, the coronavirus tracking app "Stop Corona" was released by the Austrian Red Cross. This registers when you meet someone who also has this app. If a person tests positive for SARS-CoV-2, all persons who had previously met the infected person are informed.
On 27 March, the German Robert Koch Institute declared the whole of Austria a risk area.
At a press conference on 30 March, Federal Chancellor Kurz expressed fears that intensive care could be overstretched as early as mid-April. In Austria, the "calm before the storm" prevailed. These statements were preceded by a drop in the effective reproduction rate to around 1.5 and corresponding relief at the task force in the Ministry of Health. The basis of this statement by the Federal Chancellor, which therefore came as a surprise to the experts, was a so-called "table paper" prepared by four mathematicians from the University of Vienna and a population geneticist from the Austrian Academy of Sciences with "the support of Rectors Heinz Engl (University of Vienna) and Markus Müller (Med Uni)". In it, various calculations were presented that predicted up to 100,000 additional deaths for Austria "as soon as R0 is above 1 in the longer term." Thomas Czypionka of the Institute for Advanced Studies criticised that the assumptions made in the paper were not verifiable due to a lack of precise description. The submission of such a manuscript without such a precise disclosure of the methodology is incomprehensible to him. In any case, it was therefore not suitable as a basis for decision-making.
April 2020
By April 1, the total number of infected persons had risen to 10,482, by which time 1436 infected persons had recovered and 146 infected persons had died. On April 4, the number of those recovered that day exceeded the number of new infections that day for the first time.
Mouth-nose protection masks - compulsory wearing
On 30 March, Chancellor Kurz announced that protective mouth-nose masks would have to be worn when shopping in open shops. Supermarkets should distribute them at the entrances. These masks do not primarily protect the wearer of the mask, but those around him. Later, some supermarkets started to sell the masks.
On April 6, the federal government announced that the obligation to wear protective masks for the mouth and nose would be extended from April 14 to public transport and to commercial and craft establishments which would then be open again.
Gradual openings from Easter
On 6 April, the federal government announced at a press conference that businesses were to reopen gradually after the Easter weekend. Smaller shops (up to 400 square metres) as well as DIY and garden centres (regardless of shop space) and craft businesses were allowed to open from 14 April, while the larger shops, shopping centres and hairdressers were allowed to open from 1 May. Hotels and restaurants were to follow in mid-May at the earliest, although the decision on this would depend on the further course of the pandemic. The curfews were extended until the end of April, and events would remain banned for a longer period.
Following the Easter weekend, the Federal Gardens reopened to the public on 14 April 2020, having closed on 16 March 2020. The closure was highly controversial and discourse was reported, for example, by the FinancialTimes. After the reopening of the Bundesgärten, officers of the Vienna Parking Monitoring Group (PÜG) ("Parksheriffs") were deployed to monitor the spacing regulations in the Bundesgärten.
Schools were also to remain closed until at least mid-May, with support facilities at schools remaining in place. In higher education, distance learning systems were to remain in place for the entire summer semester, but examinations could be held under certain conditions.
May 2020
On 30 April 2020, the previously existing exit restrictions expired, following which a new regulation issued by the Minister of Health came into force on 1 May. This COVID 19 relaxation regulation imposed a general obligation to wear the mouth-nose protection when entering public places indoors, at outdoor markets, in taxis and carpools. The previously existing obligation to wear it on public transport was retained. In addition, a distance of at least 1 metre had to be maintained from persons not belonging to the common household outdoors and in enclosed public spaces. Although this minimum distance also applied in principle to public transport, it was possible to deviate from it if this was not possible due to the number of passengers and for boarding and alighting. The restrictions on trade, on the other hand, were largely lifted; all customer areas could therefore be entered again, provided that in addition to wearing the mouth-nose protection, a minimum area of 10 m² was available per customer. At the same time, events with up to 10 people were now permitted, and up to 30 people were allowed at funerals.
On 15 May, the catering trade reopened, accommodation establishments, fitness studios, outdoor swimming pools as well as thermal spas followed on 29 May 2020 - in each case with certain protective measures. On May 30, another regulation came into force, according to which, among other things, no minimum area per customer had to be guaranteed in the trade.
June 2020
From 15 June, masks were only compulsory in public transport, in health care establishments such as pharmacies, or when services were used where the minimum distance could not be observed (e.g. at the hairdresser's). The obligation to wear masks in shops, schools and for guests in restaurants or cafés was abolished. Also from 15 June, catering establishments were allowed to open until 1am. There was also no longer a limit on the number of people sharing a table. The mask requirement was also dropped in this area, but only for guests, not for staff.
July 2020
In Upper Austria, the number of infected persons rose sharply at the end of June and the beginning of July. Whereas on 4 June only 17 Upper Austrians were infected with SARS-CoV-2, by the beginning of July the number had already risen to 191. For this reason the regional government decided to close all schools, kindergartens and after-school care centres in the districts of Linz-Stadt, Linz-Land, Urfahr-Umgebung, Wels-Stadt and Wels-Land for a week from 3 July. For the schools in Upper Austria, the summer holidays then began on 11 July.
Nevertheless, the obligation to wear a mask for waiters was also abolished throughout Austria as of 1 July. The practice of sports where the minimum distance cannot be observed was also permitted again. The closing time for closed events such as wedding parties was dropped.
Due to a decree of the governor, the general obligation to use mouth-nose protection masks in public places in closed rooms, in particular also in trade and gastronomy, applied again in the province of Upper Austria as of 9 July 2020.
On 9 July 2020, an outbreak of Corona virus occurred in three large meat processing plants in the districts of Ried, Wels-Land and Braunau, with ten people infected.
As of 10 July, masks were made compulsory at markets in Klagenfurt and in the evenings in individual tourist areas in Carinthia.
In late July, a cluster in St. Wolfgang in the Salzkammergut region became known, leading to 107 cases nationwide.
Re-introduction of compulsory masks
On 21 July 2020, the federal government announced at a press conference the reintroduction of an Austria-wide mask requirement in supermarkets, bank and post office branches as of 24 July. On the same date, entry from designated risk areas will only be permitted with a negative test result. Finally, an ordinance of 22 July announced the introduction of compulsory masks from 24 July in food retail outlets including bakeries and petrol station shops, in bank and post office branches as well as in hospitals, nursing homes and health resorts.
August 2020
Rising numbers of infections were noted in August, mainly attributed to people returning from holiday. Travel warnings and testing obligations were therefore reinforced. Conversely, some other states declared Austria a risk area: returnees from Austria must observe a 14-day quarantine in Great Britain from 22 August, and a ten-day quarantine in Norway.
The measures introduced by the Governor of Upper Austria on 9 July were lifted again on 28 August.
September 2020
Introduction of the Corona traffic light
On 4 September, the "Corona traffic light" was put into operation. This is intended to indicate the epidemiological situation at regional level on the basis of certain criteria. The evaluation is carried out at district level. Its colour spectrum ranges from green (low risk) through yellow and orange to red (very high risk). With the commissioning, the cities of Vienna, Graz, Linz and the district of Kufstein were set to "yellow".
The Corona traffic light information is based not only on the numbers of newly infected persons, but also on other indicators, such as clusters, health facility resources and tests. A commission ("Corona Commission") determines the assignment of districts to the traffic light colours and makes recommendations regarding the measures to be taken, but ultimately the decision on measures is in the hands of the politicians. The classifications have been criticised in part as lacking transparency, especially by the mayor of Linz. In view of the new infection figures, the mayor of Vienna stated that he had expected the classification.
Based on the classification of the individual districts according to the Corona traffic light, different strict hygiene measures are provided for in the individual districts. The legal consequences of the traffic light classification for the school system in the individual districts is regulated by the ordinance BGBl. II No. 384/2020.
Strengthening measures in view of increasing infection rates
As of 14 September, in view of the rising infection figures, the measures were tightened again, in particular with regard to the use of masks. Thus, a mask had to be worn again in trade and gastronomy in closed rooms. The consumption of food and beverages was only permitted while seated at tables. The tightenings applied nationwide regardless of the Corona traffic light.
On 15 September, the traffic light colours were adjusted again. Large parts of Upper Austria, Tyrol, Vorarlberg and parts of Lower Austria were now set to yellow. Vienna, Innsbruck, Kufstein, Mödling, Neunkirchen, Bludenz and Dornbirn were set to orange. However, the measures originally planned for the traffic light colour orange will not be implemented - the change of the traffic light circuit is seen more as a "symbol" by the federal government. According to Education Minister Faßmann, "the schools will remain yellow and so will the universities".
Germany declared Vienna a risk area on 16 September and Tyrol and Vorarlberg on 25 September. In Switzerland, on the other hand, Vienna, Lower Austria and Upper Austria were declared.
With the Ordinance Federal Law Gazette II No. 407/2020, the COVID-19 Loosening Ordinance was amended with effect from 21 September. In the process, the title of the Ordinance was changed to COVID-19 Measures Ordinance (COVID-19-MV) and the measures provided for in the Ordinance were further tightened. For example, the mask requirement was expanded, particularly to include outdoor markets. The size of visiting groups in food service establishments was again restricted. Visitor groups may no longer exceed ten persons if they do not belong to a single household. The same maximum number applies to private events without assigned and designated seating, such as yoga classes, game nights, or weddings. Funerals, however, are exempt. As of 25 September, the closing time in the provinces of Salzburg, Tyrol and Vorarlberg has been brought forward to 10 pm.
Amendment of the COVID 19 Measures Act
In view of the findings of the Constitutional Court declaring the ordinance on the first lockdown to be unlawful, the COVID 19 Measures Act was amended in September 2020. The amendments explicitly include the possibility of a lockdown, in addition to some adjustments to the Epidemics Act and clarifications regarding authority responsibilities. In addition to the possibility originally provided for in the COVID-19 Measures Act that "entering certain places" can be prohibited, it is now also provided that "entering public places in their entirety" (Section 3) or "leaving private living quarters" (Section 4) can be prohibited. The law now expressly provides that leaving the private living area must in any case remain permissible for the following reasons:
- Averting imminent danger to life, limb and property,
- Care of and assistance to persons in need of support as well as exercise of family rights and fulfilment of family duties,
- Covering the necessary basic needs of daily life,
- professional purposes, where this is necessary, and
- Spending time outdoors for physical and mental recreation.
In addition, the law clarifies that conditions may also be considered, such as in particular the wearing of protective masks for the mouth and nose. For the particularly serious interventions (ban on entering public places in their entirety or ban on leaving private living quarters), the law stipulates that the ordinance must be issued in agreement with the Main Committee of the National Council and that it may only be issued for a period of 10 days at a time. The amendment was passed in the National Council on 23 September 2020 with the votes of the governing coalition and the SPÖ against the votes of the FPÖ and NEOS. After the Federal Council decided on 25 September 2020 not to raise an objection, the amendment was notarised and promulgated on 25 September (Federal Law Gazette I No. 104/2020).
October 2020
On 9 October, Switzerland added Burgenland and Salzburg to its quarantine list, in addition to Vienna, Lower and Upper Austria.
On 15 October, the Ministry of Social Affairs announced that Christmas markets with appropriate prevention concepts could open.
On October 19, further tightening was announced by the federal government. Accordingly, private gatherings were to be limited to a maximum of six people indoors and twelve people outdoors as of October 23. Professional meetings and funerals would be exempt. The same recommendation would apply to private premises, but for legal reasons it could not be made compulsory. On October 25, the announced ordinance finally came into force. It also included the reintroduction of the minimum distance of one meter in closed rooms and outdoors. Drinking alcoholic beverages after closing time within a radius of 50 meters around restaurants was also prohibited. Only after a transition period expired on November 7 was the use of "tight-fitting" mouth-nose protection made mandatory. This meant that face visors in particular were no longer considered a sufficient protective device.
At the end of October, Austrian Post issued a "Corona special issue stamp" with a face value of € 2.75 plus a € 2.75 charitable surcharge in an edition of 300,000. The stamp block is made of genuine toilet paper produced by an Austrian manufacturer and measures 40 by 50 millimeters. The perforation of the stamp imitates the perforation of standard toilet paper. The choice of material and shape allude ironically to the hoarding of toilet paper that was common at the beginning of the pandemic. The brand motif, designed by graphic artist Marion Füllerer, depicts the body sizes of various animals, with the largest animal, a "baby elephant", referring to a symbol widely used in Austria for the minimum social distance of one metre.
From 24 October, Germany declared the provinces of Salzburg, Lower and Upper Austria, Burgenland and Styria to be a risk area in addition to Vienna, Tyrol and Vorarlberg. Thus, all Austrian provinces except Carinthia were considered risk areas. As of 31 October, the province of Carinthia was also considered a risk area for Germany.
November 2020
Lockdown light" package of measures from 3 to 16 November 2020
On 31 October 2020, the Chancellor announced that there would be another partial lockdown from 3 November 2020, which was referred to as "lockdown light". This meant that curfew restrictions applied across the country between 8pm and 6am. During that time, leaving private residences was permitted only for certain reasons, specifically to "avert imminent danger to life, limb, or property," to "render assistance to persons in need of support," to "exercise family rights and perform family duties," for "occupational and educational purposes," and - outdoors - "for physical and mental recreation." The basis for these measures was the COVID-19 Protection Measures Ordinance (Federal Law Gazette II No. 463/2020), which was promulgated on 1 November 2020 after approval by the Main Committee of the National Council. The ordinance itself was limited in time until 30 November 2020, and the exit restrictions were limited to ten days in accordance with the requirements of the COVID-19 Measures Act. In both cases, extensions were possible with the approval of the main committee. The COVID 19 Measures Ordinance did not apply while the Safeguards Ordinance was in force (section 19(2) of the Safeguards Ordinance).
Cultural and recreational facilities had to close, with the exception of funerals and individual other exceptions, no more events take place. The ban also applies to private events, as long as they do not take place in the "private residential area". The hotel and hospitality industry also closed, although takeaway and delivery were allowed. Professional sports took place without an audience, and sports were only allowed outdoors without physical contact. Retail and service businesses such as hairdressers remained open for the time being, subject to conditions. Schools had to switch to distance learning from sixth form onwards. Universities and colleges also switched back to distance learning.
Since then, the COVID 19 protective measures ordinance has stipulated that a "tight-fitting mechanical protective device covering the mouth and nose area" must be worn in public places in buildings. Due to the addition of "close-fitting", acrylic face shields are no longer permitted.
Second "hard lockdown" from November 17 to December 6, 2020.
On 14 November 2020, the Federal Government announced a further lockdown from 17 November 2020 until probably 6 December 2020. The basis for the hard lockdown is the COVID 19 Emergency Measures Ordinance, which replaces the COVID 19 Protective Measures Ordinance in force until then. The COVID 19 Emergency Measures Ordinance was approved by the Main Committee of the National Council on 15 November 2020 with the votes of the governing parties against the votes of the opposition and was then issued and promulgated by the Minister of Health (Federal Law Gazette II No. 479/2020). In accordance with the provisions of the COVID 19 Measures Act, the initial regulations will initially apply for ten days, with an extension being envisaged.
The COVID-19 Emergency Measures Ordinance provides for extensive closure of businesses, with grocery stores, drugstores, pet food stores, pharmacies, post offices, banks, in particular, remaining open. Leisure facilities (such as theatres, concert halls, cinemas, museums, swimming pools, dance schools or casinos) and businesses offering body-related services (such as hairdressers or nail salons) must remain closed - with the exception of health and care services. Customer areas of non-body-related service businesses (such as car repair shops, insurance companies, cleaners or alteration tailors) may also be visited.
In addition, this ordinance provides for more stringent exit regulations that now apply throughout the day. Leaving the private living area and staying outside the private living area are only permitted for the following purposes:
- Averting imminent danger to life, limb and property,
- Care of and assistance to persons in need of support as well as exercise of family rights and fulfilment of family duties,
- Covering the necessary basic needs of daily life, such as in particular
- contact with a partner not living in the same household or contact with individual close relatives or individual important reference persons with whom contact is usually maintained several times a week,
- the supply of basic goods for daily life,
- the use of health services,
- the satisfaction of a residential need (e.g. at a secondary residence),
- the satisfaction of basic religious needs, such as visits to cemeteries and individual visits to places of worship,
- the care of animals,
- professional and educational purposes, where this is necessary,
- Spending time outdoors for physical and mental recreation,
- for the performance of official or judicial duties that cannot be postponed,
- to participate in elections provided for by law and to use instruments of direct democracy provided for by law,
- for the purpose of entering shops and establishments which may remain open, and
- to participate in approved events.
Catering establishments remain closed (with a few exceptions). Pick-up of food and beverages is possible from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., delivery service is possible around the clock. Accommodation establishments must also remain closed for tourism purposes.
Events remain prohibited. Exceptions are, for example, funerals with a maximum of 50 people, professional meetings that cannot be postponed, supervisory board meetings, general meetings, works council meetings, meetings for absolutely necessary professional training and further education purposes and completion of professional final examinations that require attendance and are not possible digitally.
The kindergarten, high school and college sectors are not covered by the COVID-19 Emergency Measures Ordinance. In addition to high schools and colleges, which have already been practicing distance education since early November, the remaining schools have also been converted to distance education. However, childcare will continue to be provided at the schools and kindergartens.
December 2020
Relaxation of the second hard lockdown
After the expiry of the "hard lockdown", essentially the same restrictions that applied during the "lockdown light" will apply again from 7 December 2020 until probably 23 December. The basis for this is the 2nd COVID-19 protective measures ordinance (Federal Law Gazette II No. 544/2020). Since 4 December, rapid antigen tests have been offered in all federal states as voluntary mass tests for the entire population. Approximately 2 million people took part in the test series, and around 4,200 infected persons were found, including PCR retesting.
Third "hard lockdown"
On 18 December, the government announced a third lockdown for the period between 26 December 2020 and 18 January 2021. With the 3rd COVID-19 Protective Measures Ordinance (Federal Law Gazette II No. 566/2020) and the 2nd COVID-19 Emergency Measures Ordinance (Federal Law Gazette II No. 598/2020), this lockdown is officially ordered for the time being for the period until 4 January 2021. Before the end of the lockdown, which was announced by the government for 18 January, mass tests are to be carried out again, and the use of trade and gastronomy is to be possible only with a negative test result until 24 January. The government submitted a corresponding draft law on 31 December 2020 for review until 3 January 2021.
First vaccinations
On 27 December, the first people in Austria were vaccinated against COVID-19 using Pfizer and Biontech's vaccine. The first five Austrians were vaccinated at the Medical University of Vienna in the presence of the Federal Chancellor and the Minister of Health, and the event was broadcast on television.
While the federal party leader of the SPÖ Pamela Rendi-Wagner welcomed the vaccination start, FPÖ club leader Herbert Kickl called the media event a "propaganda show in Eastern bloc style".
This implements the recommendations of the National Immunization Panel on prioritization within the Immunization Strategy.
By 30 December, approximately 6,000 people had been vaccinated. In phase 1, these are residents of old people's and nursing homes, nursing staff and members of the high-risk group.
January 2021
Following the opposition's announcement that it would block the bill on so-called free testing in the Bundesrat, the government dropped the motion on 3 January 2021. As a result, the 2nd COVID-19 Emergency Measures Ordinance specifying a lockdown was initially valid until 14 January and was extended until 24 January on 14 January. On 14 January, the National Council also passed a bill on the so-called clean test.
According to Defence Minister Tanner, the mass tests announced in December are to be converted into a permanent test infrastructure. Nevertheless, test dates were held in Styria and Lower Austria in January.
On 5 January, the Ministry of Health announced that 8,360 vaccinations had been given in nursing homes and hospitals so far.
On 17 January, the lockdown was extended until 7 February. From 25 January 2021, it will also be compulsory to wear FFP-2 masks in commerce and public transport (3rd COVID-19 Emergency Measures Ordinance, Federal Law Gazette II No. 27/2021).
On 21 January it was decided to suspend the regional risk assessment for the Corona traffic light and to assign only one value for the whole of Austria.
On 22nd January it became known that the British pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca will probably only be able to deliver 509,000 to 600,000 vaccine doses to Austria in the first quarter of 2021 instead of the agreed 2,000,000 doses due to production difficulties.
February 2021
From 5 November 2020 to 4 February 2021, the Corona traffic light was set to red nationwide. From 5 February 2021 Vienna and from 12 February 2021 Upper Austria were set to orange.
Exit test obligation Tyrol
As the "South African variant" (virus variant B.1.351) of SARS-CoV-2 had recently spread in the federal state of Tyrol, from 12 February 2021 onwards it will only be permitted to leave the federal state after presenting a negative test result. This also applies to travel within Austria. The basis for this is the COVID-19 Virus Variant Ordinance (BGBl. II No. 63/2021), which is initially valid until 21 February 2021.
Border controls between Germany and Tyrol
As of 14 February, Germany tightened the entry regulations for people entering Germany from Tyrol.
Presence classes at schools and normal operation in kindergartens again
After the semester break, face-to-face teaching was again made possible in the schools.
- Kindergartens: 5 days
- Elementary schools: 5 days
- Higher School Levels:
- Alternate Education
- Division of the classes into two groups
- Classes: One group Monday and Tuesday, the other group Wednesday and Thursday
- On non-presence days: completing tasks at home or video lessons.
- Childcare options in the lower school
- Self-testing obligation
- Masks compulsory from lower school
- Lower level: Mouth-nose protection
- Upper stage: FFP2 mask
- Tests for teachers
- Mouth-nose protection compulsory for tested teachers, FFP2 masks compulsory for non-tested teachers
- Music lessons possible but no singing
- Physical education possible but no contact sports
For the universities, it was decided to keep them in hybrid mode for the summer semester.
Trade, body-related services, museums, libraries and zoos
As of February 8, all shops were allowed to reopen and body-related services such as hairdressers were also allowed again.
With the openings, the square footage limit was increased to 20 square feet.
Museums, libraries and zoos were also reopened.
As a prerequisite for the use of body-related services, a COVID19 test was prescribed by an official testing station.
Meetings and nightly curfews
As of February 8, it became possible again for two households with a maximum of four adults to meet during the day. At night, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., curfew restrictions continued to apply.
March 2021
Vaccinations in the district of Schwaz as part of a European research project
Due to the high number of infections with the "South African" virus variant B.1.351, a European research project was carried out in the Tyrolean district of Schwaz from 11 March onwards, within the framework of which all residents aged 16 and over had the opportunity to be vaccinated with the Biontech/Pfizer vaccine for approximately one week. Therefore the delivery of 100.000 vaccine doses was brought forward. Parallel to the vaccination campaign, there was a compulsory exit test for two weeks from 1 March.
As vaccine doses were available from the vaccination campaign in the Tyrolean district, there was a special coronavirus vaccination campaign for all over-65-year-olds between 12 and 17 March in 3 Salzburg municipalities with high infection rates, in the two Pongau municipalities with mandatory exit test Bad Hofgastein and Radstadt and in the Pinzgau municipality of Unken.
Mandatory exit tests for high incidence areas
On 05 March, the Ministry of Health sent a decree to state governors for stricter CoV measures in "high incidence areas". The decree mandates negative CoV tests for leaving districts or "locally defined hotspots" if the 7-day incidence there is above 400 per 100,000 population. This measure must remain in place until the incidence falls below 200 for 10 days. If the high incidence persists for longer than one week, the respective governor must issue further measures.
Excuses tests have been prescribed for the following area:
- (before the Order) 27 February to 3 March: Municipality of Mayrhofen in the district of Schwaz (Tyrol)
- 05 March - 14 March: City of Radstadt in the district of Sankt Johann im Pongau/ Pongau (Salzburg)
- 05 March - 05 April: Municipality of Bad Hofgastein in the district of Sankt Johann im Pongau/ Pongau (Salzburg)
- 15. March - 05. April: Extension to the entire Gastein Valley (i.e. also the communities of Dorfgastein and Bad Gastein)
- 09 March - 21 March: Hermagor district (Carinthia)
- 10 March - 24 April: Wiener Neustadt district (city) (Lower Austria)
- 11 March - 24 March: Muhr municipality in the district of Tamsweg/ Lungau (Salzburg)
- 11 March - 08 April: Schwaz district (Tyrol)
- 12 March - 25 March: Municipalities: Haiming and Roppen in the district of Imst and Matrei in the district of Lienz/ East Tyrol (Tyrol)
- 12 March - 31 March: Municipality of Virgen in the district of Lienz/ East Tyrol (Tyrol)
- 17 March - 08 April: Municipality of Arzl in Pitztal in the district of Imst (Tyrol)
- 21 March - 26 March: village of Zlan in the municipality of Stockenboi in the district of Villach/ Land (Carinthia)
- 24 March - 26 March additionally for the locality Hochegg also in the municipality Stockenboi in the district Villach/ Land (Carinthia)
- 22 March - 04 April: Municipality of Elbigenalp in the district of Reutte (Tyrol)
- 25 March - 31 March: Leiblachtal (municipalities of Eichenberg (Vorarlberg), Hohenweiler, Hörbranz, Lochau and Möggers in the district of Bregenz) (Vorarlberg)
- 25 March - 21 April: Neunkirchen district
- 25 March - 24 April: Wiener Neustadt-Land district (Lower Austria)
- 31 March - 14 April: Kufstein district (Tyrol)
On 10 March, the obligation to carry out exit tests within Austria expired for the Tyrol. From 31 March, due to the presence of the British virus mutation "with further mutation characteristics", an exit test obligation was reintroduced for northern Tyrol, in parallel with the measure in Kufstein, for an expected period of two weeks.
Opening steps in Vorarlberg
Due to a 7-day incidence of under 70 there was from 15 March the possibility in Vorarlberg the catering trade, both in closed rooms, as well as in the free one again open and meetings both inside and outside. Vorarlberg should thus be a model region.
Regulations for a visit to a restaurant:
- Negative antigen or PCR test (max. 48 or 72 hours old) from an official testing station (no self-testing)
- One registration
- Maximum four persons/ table or only persons from one household
- Distance between the tables min. 2 meters
- FFP2 mask obligation
Regulations for events:
- Negative antigen or PCR test (max. 48 or 72 hours old) from an official body, but also self-tests
- One registration
- Max 100 persons or 50 % of the capacity
- An assigned and marked seat for each guest
- FFP2 mask obligation also at the seat
Due to the still valid exit regulations, the closing time for gastronomy and events was set to 8 pm.
Austria-wide training opportunities for young athletes
As of 15 March, training for children and young people under 18 was again permitted throughout Austria.
Regulations for this:
- 2 meters distance between each other (max. short-term shortfalls)
- Austria-wide training only possible outside:
- max. 20 persons plus three trainers
- no testing required
- only in Vorarlberg training also possible indoors:
- max. 10 persons plus two trainers
- Children and adolescents need a negative test, self-tests (max. 24 hours) or official antigen tests (max. 48 hours), no school tests accepted
Meetings of self-help groups possible again
As of 15 March, meetings of self-help groups were exempted from the ban on events, prerequisite mandatory FFP2 mask and a minimum distance.
Border controls between Germany and Tyrol
German border controls for Tyrol were extended several times in February and March. On 26 March, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) decided to remove Tyrol from the list of "virus variant areas" as of 28 March. Thus, the strict German entry restrictions for the province of Tyrol were lifted. After that, Tyrol, like the other Austrian provinces, was considered a risk area.
April 2021
Lockdown tightening in Eastern Austria (Vienna, Lower Austria and Burgenland)
From 1 April (Maundy Thursday) the lockdown rules were tightened again due to the bad situation in the hospitals in eastern Austria (Vienna, Lower Austria and Burgenland) over Easter until 11 April.
- Outgoing restrictions again all day (home may be left only to work, buy groceries, pick up merchandise, recreate, meet with individual caregivers, or provide assistance to persons in need of support)
- A household may meet only one other person
- Close body-related service providers, zoos and museums
- All shops close except for shops offering goods for daily use
- In Vienna, masks are compulsory in some very crowded places.
- After the holidays, Distance Learning will be available in schools from 6 April.
On April 6, it was decided to extend the tightened lockdown until April 18.
As of Monday, 12 April, face-to-face classes were again held in the final classes in Eastern Austria. In addition, it was planned that school work would again take place on site in all school classes. On 12 April it was decided to extend the lockdown in Vienna and Lower Austria until 2 May. However, it was also decided to allow face-to-face teaching to take place again in the schools in Vienna and Lower Austria from 26 April.
On 14 April it was decided to phase out the tightened lockdown in Burgenland on 19 April and to allow all shops to reopen and for face-to-face classes to be held in schools.
On 2 May, the tightened lockdown in Vienna and Lower Austria also ended, so that all shops, "body-related service providers", museums and zoos could open again.
Mandatory exit tests for high incidence areas
- 05 April - 11 April: Braunau district (Upper Austria)
- 08 April - 18 April: Municipality of Fulpmes in the district of Innsbruck-Land (Tyrol)
- 09 April - 24 April: Scheibbs district (Lower Austria)
- 10 April - 19 April: Municipality of Weißenbach am Lech in the district of Reutte (excluding the district of Gaicht) (Tyrol)
- 3 regions in Osttirol (district Lienz):
- 11 April - 13 April: area of the municipalities of Prägraten amGroßvenediger and Virgen
- 11 April - 13 April: area of the municipalities of Sillian, Heinfels, Außervillgraten and Innervillgraten
- 11 April - 24 April: area of the municipalities of Anras, Abfaltersbach, Assling and Leisach
- 21 April - 11 May: Bregenzerwald region (Vorarlberg)
- 21 April - 02 May: Großarltal (municipalities of Großarl and Hüttschlag) in the district of Sankt Johann im Pongau (Salzburg)
- 22 April - 02 May: Municipality of Straßwalchen in the district of Salzburg Umgebung (Salzburg)
- 23 April - 13 May: Gemeinde Längenfeld im (Bezirk Imst) (Tirol) decided.
- 29 April - 07 May: Municipality of Abfaltersbach in the district ofLienz (Tyrol)
- 30 April - 16 May: City of Hallein in the Hallein district (Salzburg)
- 30 April - 07 May: Market town of Telfs in the district of Innsbruck-Land (Tyrol)
The exit test obligation for North Tyrol was extended to East Tyrol on 13 April.
On April 24, there was an amended decree that the exit test requirement can be lifted as soon as "the seven-day incidence per 100,000 population is back below 200." Previously, this had to be the case within a period of ten days. In addition, it was made possible to terminate the controls even at an incidence of less than 300 "if the high incidence is attributable to one or a few clusters, if existing clusters do not show any growth and any new cases can be assigned to a source or a cluster".
May 2021
Mandatory exit tests for high incidence areas
Openings from 19 May
On May 10, 2021, the federal government unveiled the "COVID-19 Opening Ordinance." This includes wide-ranging openings of all areas of public life from 19 May and applies until 30 June 2021 for the time being. The following areas will be opened:
- Gastronomy: opening possibility with curfew 10 p.m., compulsory registration and limitation of persons per table
- Tourism: opening possibility with compulsory registration and restrictions on persons, e.g. in the wellness area
- Sports: exercise, team and contact sports also possible again indoors with person restriction
- (Sports and cultural) events: Up to 1,500 people indoors and 3,000 people outdoors with limited occupancy and no catering possible.
In addition, as of May 17, face-to-face classes were reintroduced in schools for all classes. As opening rules a test as well as mask duty were issued.
In the catering trade, tourism and for spectators at events, there is also a FFP2 mask obligation and a "3 G proof" obligation.
3-G detection
By "3-G evidence" is meant "evidence of a low epidemiological risk" (designation in the regulation) that includes one of the following:
- Recovery: A person is considered to have recovered in Austria for six months after the end of the infection. Evidence includes, for example, a certificate of segregation or a medical confirmation of an infection confirmed by molecular biology. Evidence of neutralising antibodies counts for three months from the time of testing.
- Vaccinated: In Austria, only vaccinations with a vaccine approved by the EMA are recognised. The first vaccination is valid from the 22nd day after the 1st sting for a maximum of 3 months from the date of vaccination. The 2nd sting extends the validity period by a further 6 months (thus a total of 9 months from the 1st sting). Vaccines where only one vaccination is scheduled (e.g. from Johnson & Johnson) are valid from the 22nd day after vaccination for a total of 9 months from the date of vaccination. For people who have already recovered and have been vaccinated once previously, the vaccination is valid for 9 months from the date of vaccination.
- Tested: If not considered recovered or vaccinated, a negative Covid 19 test must be presented when visiting any of the above facilities. PCR tests are valid for 72 hours from sample collection. Antigen tests from an authorized site are valid for 48 hours from sample collection. Self-tests recorded in a state regulatory data processing system are valid for 24 hours. "Point-of-sale" tests at the entrance to sports facilities, premises, restaurants, hotels, or an event are now valid for a single entry into the facility or event.
June 2021
Relaxations from 10 June
As of June 10, there were the following changes:
- Change of person limit for meetings: indoors: eight adults + children | outdoors: 16 adults + children
- Minimum distance: 1 meter
- Minimum area in commercial and leisure establishments: ten square metres per person
- Closing time: 24.00 h
- From the mask obligation in outdoor areas
- Maximum capacity for cultural events: 75 % (maximum number of participants remains unchanged: 1,500 indoor, 3,000 outdoor)
- Travel form ("Pre Travel Clearance") only required for entry from high incidence and virus variant areas
- unrestricted bus travel under the "3 G rule
- Minimum age for compulsory testing raised to twelve years
- Requirement for choir and music rehearsals only "3-G rule".
