Austria's Covid-19 Status: Understanding The Pandemic's Impact

Austria has been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, with the first cases detected in Innsbruck in February 2020. The country has experienced multiple waves of infections, leading to various lockdown measures, border closures, social distancing, and mask mandates. During the peak of the outbreak, Austria reported over 5.7 million confirmed cases, with a recovery rate of 99% and a fatality rate of 0%. The Austrian government's response has evolved with the situation, easing and tightening restrictions as necessary. As of February 2023, the country has been reopening, and protective measures are being phased out.

Austria's COVID-19 response: lockdowns, border closures, and mask mandates

Austrias COVID-19 response: lockdowns, border closures, and mask mandates

Austria has implemented a variety of measures to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, including lockdowns, border closures, and mask mandates.

Lockdowns

Austria has experienced three hard lockdowns and several lighter ones since the pandemic began. The first hard lockdown began on March 16, 2020, requiring citizens to stay at home except for essential work, grocery shopping, and doctor visits. Socialising was limited to within households or with one other person outdoors. The government has since relaxed and tightened these restrictions depending on infection rates. Two more hard lockdowns were imposed in November and December 2020 as infection rates rose again.

Border Closures

Austria was one of the first countries to implement border closures in response to the pandemic. The country closed its borders to all but essential travel, and those entering the country were required to provide proof of vaccination, a recent negative test, or recovery from COVID-19.

Mask Mandates

Austria introduced mandatory mask-wearing on April 6, 2020. Citizens were required to wear masks indoors, in shops, on public transport, and even outdoors in public spaces. The government has since amended these requirements, and only FFP2 masks are accepted in certain high-risk settings such as supermarkets, pharmacies, and public transport. In retail shops, masks are mandatory for unvaccinated individuals and recommended for vaccinated or recovered individuals. Masks are not required in restaurants, bars, and other hospitality venues where entry tests are required.

Austria's COVID-19 vaccination program

The Austrian government approved four vaccines: BioNTech/Pfizer (Comirnaty), Oxford/AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria), and Janssen/Johnson & Johnson. All vaccines except Janssen required a second dose within 8 to 12 weeks of the first. The vaccines were provided free of charge, and the rollout was scheduled according to age and health risk.

Each of Austria's nine federal states was responsible for organizing its vaccine program, depending on the availability of the vaccines. For example, in Oberoesterreich, medical consultancies offered vaccinations even for those who were not registered with a specific doctor. However, an appointment was usually needed.

The Austrian government also introduced a digital vaccination record called the "e-Impfpass." This was intended to replace paper-based immunization records, improve crisis management, and simplify the administration of the national immunization program. The e-Impfpass was linked to the national vaccination registry, which stored COVID-19 immunization data for all citizens.

The COVID-19 vaccination program, along with other measures such as lockdowns, border closures, and mask mandates, helped Austria slowly reopen its society and ease most restrictions.

Austria's COVID-19 testing and entry requirements

As of May 16, 2022, the Austrian government has lifted all COVID-related entry requirements for those travelling to the country. This means that travellers are not required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or recovery, complete the pre-clearance form, or test for COVID-19 or undergo a mandatory quarantine upon arrival. However, it is important to note that the Austrian government can apply an "emergency brake" and reinstate entry requirements in the case of a new virus variant.

Prior to this, Austria had implemented an entry test system, also known as the 3G rule, which restricted entry to large groups congregating in small spaces or where services required close proximity. The three Gs referred to vaccinated (geimpft), tested (getestet), and recovered (genesen). These groups were perceived to be at lower risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19. To gain entry to public venues, individuals were required to show proof of one of the following:

• Full vaccination
• A negative COVID-19 test result
• Recovery from COVID-19

Additionally, Austria had a four-stage Corona traffic light system that provided information on the risk of spread and the systemic risk of overloading the healthcare system with COVID-19 patients in the region.

Austria's COVID-19 recovery and fatality rates

Austria reported its first coronavirus cases in Innsbruck on February 25, 2020, and the government implemented a range of measures to contain the virus, including border closures, lockdowns, and mandatory mask-wearing. The country experienced multiple waves of infections, with daily cases exceeding 1,000 at certain points.

By 2021, mass vaccinations were underway, and Austrian society began to reopen gradually. However, the vaccine uptake was slower than expected, leading the government to make vaccinations mandatory in March 2022, a decision that was later reversed.

As of 2023, Austria has reopened, and life has largely returned to pre-pandemic norms. The Austrian government announced that all COVID-19 protective measures and special provisions would be phased out by June 30, 2023.

Austria's COVID-19 impact on education and vulnerable groups

Education

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on education in Austria, with schools and universities closing during the first nationwide lockdown in March 2020. Distance learning and online teaching methods were implemented, posing challenges for both students and teachers.

During the pandemic, Austria invested in digitalisation, early childhood education and care (ECEC), and initiatives to reduce post-COVID educational disadvantages. The government provided EUR 235 million for the '8-point plan for digital learning', which includes providing digital devices to all fifth-grade students. Efforts were also made to improve early childhood education levels, with the federal government allocating EUR 142.5 million to expand ECEC capacities and support linguistic diversity.

The pandemic highlighted the need for improvements in teacher training and well-being. Initiatives like the 'Wohlfühlzone Schule' (well-being at school) programme aimed to improve teacher training and address issues such as violence prevention and dropout rates. Additionally, the lack of well-being among teachers had a negative impact on education outcomes, with students from disadvantaged backgrounds being particularly affected.

Vulnerable Groups

The pandemic has also impacted vulnerable groups in Austria. Seniors, especially those without family support, faced challenges due to lockdowns and restricted access to health and social care services.

Single parents, women victims of violence, migrants, and other vulnerable groups experienced concerns about their future and a loss of confidence in receiving adequate support. They also faced financial difficulties, with many relying on financial social assistance.

Additionally, people with comorbidities were identified as a vulnerable group, with conditions such as hemiplegia, chronic kidney disease, and diabetes increasing the risk of hospitalisation, ICU admission, and mortality from COVID-19.

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