Austria: Covid-Free Or Not?

Austria has implemented various measures to curb the spread of COVID-19. While the country lifted its COVID-19 travel restrictions, it still requires individuals to wear FFP2 masks in vulnerable settings, such as nursing homes, residential facilities for the disabled, and healthcare facilities. Additionally, FFP2 masks are mandatory in public transport in Vienna for everyone aged 14 and above.

Austria has also made vaccination against COVID-19 mandatory for all individuals above 18. However, there are exceptions for specific groups, such as pregnant women or those who cannot get vaccinated due to medical reasons. The country offers free vaccination to everyone, and individuals can get vaccinated at doctors' offices, vaccination centres, and other locations.

To promote safety, Austria has implemented a colour-coded system, with each district assigned one of five categories: very low risk, low risk, medium risk, high risk, and very high risk. This system helps determine the necessary measures and restrictions in different areas.

To enter Austria, individuals must typically provide proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19, or a negative test result. However, there may be exceptions for certain groups, such as children, and the specific requirements may vary depending on the country of departure.

To ensure the safety of tourists and residents, Austria has implemented various protective measures in hotels, catering establishments, cinemas, museums, and other indoor attractions. These measures include mandatory FFP2 masks, social distancing, and, in some cases, proof of vaccination or recovery.

Austria has imposed a lockdown on the unvaccinated

Austria has not been Covid-free in recent years. In fact, the country has been facing a surge in infections, which led to the imposition of a lockdown on the unvaccinated in November 2021.

Austria Imposes a Lockdown on the Unvaccinated

Austria implemented a nationwide lockdown for its unvaccinated residents in November 2021. The lockdown restricted unvaccinated citizens over 12 from leaving their homes unless they were engaging in essential activities or getting vaccinated. Essential activities included work, school, and grocery shopping. The mandate also applied to those who had recently recovered from Covid-19.

Enforcement and Penalties

The Austrian police were tasked with checking people's vaccination status through spot checks and random patrols. People found to be violating the lockdown protocols faced fines of up to 1,450 euros or $1,660 per violation.

Aim of the Measures

The primary goal of the lockdown, according to Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg, was to encourage more people to get vaccinated. He emphasized that the measures were necessary to slow the spread of the virus, protect medical staff, and reduce the strain on the health service. Schallenberg also noted that the vaccination rate in the country was "shamefully low," with only about 65% of the population fully vaccinated at the time.

Regional Variations

Initially, the lockdown for the unvaccinated was introduced in two of the worst-hit regions: Upper Austria and Salzburg. However, there were plans to extend it across the country, depending on the approval of regional leaders.

International Context

Austria's decision came as Europe once again became the epicenter of the pandemic, with rising cases and deaths. Other countries, such as the Netherlands and Germany, were also implementing new restrictions and partial lockdowns to curb the surge in infections.

The lockdown for the unvaccinated in Austria was a significant step taken by the government to control the spread of Covid-19 and protect its citizens. It reflected the ongoing challenges faced by countries worldwide in managing the pandemic and balancing public health with individual freedoms.

The unvaccinated will need proof to access public spaces

Austria has implemented a range of measures to tackle the spread of COVID-19. While the country has lifted most national measures, some vulnerable settings, such as nursing homes, residential facilities for the disabled, and healthcare facilities, still have stricter rules in place.

Proof of vaccination

In Austria, the 'EU Digital COVID Certificate' is required to access public spaces, including cultural, leisure, and sports facilities, tourist accommodations, and bars and restaurants. However, Austria's regions can implement their own specific territorial regulations.

The '2G rule'

The '2G rule' (vaccinated or recovered) applies to visitors wanting to access cultural, leisure, and sports facilities and other indoor venues. Proof of a negative COVID-19 test is not sufficient for access under this rule. Children under 12 are generally exempt, except in Vienna, where the rule applies to children over 6.

The '3G rule'

The '3G rule' (vaccinated, recovered, or tested) applies to guests wanting to access establishments such as restaurants, bars, and gyms, as well as cable cars and ski lifts.

Face masks

FFP2 masks or equivalents are mandatory in taxis, public transportation, and stations/stops (indoors). They are also required in places that offer essential services/goods, such as supermarkets, banks, post offices, pharmacies, petrol stations, and public authorities.

In Vienna, FFP2 masks are compulsory for everyone aged 14 and above on public transport and in pharmacies. Children under 6 are exempt, and those aged 6 to 13 can wear regular masks.

The unvaccinated will be fined for breaking the rules

As of 1 February 2022, COVID-19 vaccination became mandatory for all Austrian residents over 18, with exceptions for pregnant women, those under 14, those who have recently recovered from COVID-19, and those who cannot get vaccinated for medical reasons. Austrian residents who are unvaccinated could face fines of up to 600 euros ($675) every three months. The Austrian government planned to assign specific vaccination dates for unvaccinated residents from 15 February, and from 15 March, fines would be imposed on those who did not comply.

The Austrian government's decision to impose a COVID-19 vaccine mandate drew mixed reactions. Austria's Catholic bishops commented on the government's likely decision, calling the obligation permissible as a last resort. They acknowledged that compulsory vaccination is a serious encroachment on individual freedom and bodily integrity but stated that it could be justified to protect public health and human lives. The bishops emphasised that the government must assess the preconditions for such a mandate carefully and ensure that legal consequences remain within reasonable bounds.

On the other hand, some Austrians strongly opposed the vaccine mandate, pleading with the world to help end what they saw as a rapidly emerging police state. Political activist Alexander Tschugguel released an emergency call for help on social media, asking people to pressure their government officials and embassies to intervene and stop the Austrian government from turning their country into a police state. Tschugguel argued that Austria was becoming a test case for the rest of the Western world and that if it happened in Austria, it could happen in other countries too.

The Austrian government's plan to fine unvaccinated individuals faced some setbacks and potential delays. While the government intended to stick to its February timeline for implementing fines, it stated that it would "take into account" technical difficulties and might extend the period before issuing fines.

The unvaccinated will need to quarantine after travel

Austria has lifted its COVID-19 travel entry restrictions, meaning that travellers are not required to provide proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19, or a negative test result. However, there are still some important rules to follow when entering the country, especially for unvaccinated individuals.

If you are unvaccinated and travelling to Austria, you will need to complete a pre-travel clearance form and self-isolate for 10 days upon arrival. This period can be shortened if you take a test after 5 days and receive a negative result. This rule applies regardless of which country you are coming from.

If you are entering Austria from a country with a high epidemiological risk, you will need to follow additional measures. You must provide proof of vaccination, recovery, or a negative test result. You will also need to fill out the pre-travel clearance form and self-isolate for 10 days. The quarantine period can be shortened if you receive a negative test result on day 5 or later.

It is important to note that Austria's rules and regulations regarding COVID-19 can change frequently, so it is essential to check for updates before travelling. The official travel portal of Austria is a good source of information for the latest entry requirements.

The unvaccinated will need to be tested regularly

Austria has implemented a range of measures to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, including restrictions on the unvaccinated population. While the country has lifted most COVID-related measures, some vulnerable settings, such as nursing homes, residential facilities for the disabled, and healthcare facilities, still have stricter rules in place.

The Austrian government has introduced measures specifically targeting the unvaccinated population to curb the spread of COVID-19. From November 2021, anyone not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 was subject to a lockdown, only permitted to leave home for essential reasons like work or shopping. This measure aimed to increase the country's vaccination rate, which was relatively low compared to other Western European nations.

Testing and Quarantine Requirements

Austria has implemented testing and quarantine requirements for travellers entering the country. All travellers, regardless of vaccination status, must present a negative COVID-19 test result, proof of vaccination, or proof of recovery from infection. Those without these documents must fill out a pre-travel clearance form and may be subject to a quarantine period. The duration of quarantine can be reduced with a negative test.

Masks and Protective Measures

Austria has mandated the use of FFP2 masks or their equivalent in certain settings. These masks are required in public transport, taxis, and places offering essential services, such as supermarkets, banks, and pharmacies. Additionally, the use of masks is recommended in all public hotel areas. Hotels have implemented comprehensive hygiene and protective measures, including increased disinfection stations, regular cleaning, and contactless check-in and check-out processes.

Regional Variations

It is important to note that Austria allows its regions to implement specific territorial regulations. For example, Vienna has stricter rules, requiring proof of vaccination or recovery (the "2G rule") to access various establishments like restaurants, bars, and gyms. Vienna also mandates the use of FFP2 masks in all shops, cinemas, and during cultural activities and gatherings.

The Future of COVID-19 Measures in Austria

While Austria has lifted many COVID-19 restrictions, the country continues to monitor the situation and may adapt its measures accordingly. The government has emphasised the importance of vaccination and may introduce further incentives or requirements to encourage more people to get vaccinated. The specific measures in place can vary across different regions, so it is essential to stay informed about the latest regulations.

Frequently asked questions