Austria Lockdown Status: Current Restrictions And Precautions

Austria has had several lockdowns since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The country went into a 20-day lockdown in November 2021, with a further lockdown for the unvaccinated imposed in 2022. However, it is unclear if Austria is currently in lockdown.

Austria's lockdown restrictions

Austria has been in and out of lockdown since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The country's first lockdown was announced on March 16, 2020, and included a complete closure of all stores except supermarkets, pharmacies, and banks, as well as schools and a complete curfew with few exceptions. The most recent lockdown was announced on November 19, 2021, and was scheduled to last 20 days, ending on December 13, 2021. This lockdown was imposed in response to a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases and aimed to cut down surging coronavirus infection levels in the country.

During the November 2021 lockdown, Austria's borders remained open and flights were still permitted to enter, even though tourists were essentially banned from traveling there. Hotels were closed to new guests, but those already staying could remain. Restaurants and bars were closed, and there was an all-hours curfew except for essential activities.

The lockdown restrictions applied to both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, with the Austrian government also unveiling a vaccine mandate for everyone over the age of fourteen starting February 1, 2022. The mandate included fines of up to €3,600 every three months for those who continued to reject the vaccine.

The impact of the lockdowns in Austria has been significant, with economic, social, and psychological effects. The total economic damage caused by the pandemic in Austria is estimated to exceed 70 billion euros for 2020-2022, with about half of this amount due to government aid to affected companies and citizens. Unemployment rose sharply during the lockdowns, peaking at 12.7% in April 2020.

Psychologically, a survey conducted during the lockdown revealed a 3 to 5-fold increase in anxiety disorders, depression, and sleep disorders compared to before the lockdown. Additionally, a survey of children during the second lockdown in 2021 showed that 49% of children between 6 and 18 experienced anxiety due to the situation, with many afraid that their parents or siblings might die from COVID-19.

The lockdowns have also had an impact on education, with schools completely or partially closed for about nine months between March 2020 and June 2021. This has resulted in a loss of learning opportunities and a potential increase in educational inequality.

Travel to Austria during lockdown

Austria has been in and out of lockdown since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020. The country's ski resorts, such as Ischgl, were blamed for being COVID super-spreaders at the start of the pandemic.

In November 2021, Austria entered a 20-day lockdown to curb rising COVID-19 cases. This lockdown was extended for unvaccinated people only, and in December 2021, the country entered another full lockdown. During these lockdowns, tourists were banned from entering the country, and hotels, restaurants, and other indoor businesses were closed. However, borders remained open, and flights continued to operate.

If you have a trip planned to Austria during a lockdown period, you may be able to cancel or change your flight, depending on the airline's policy. Some airlines offer a 24-hour grace period for cancellations without penalties, but you may have to pay a fee to change your flight. It's important to check the latest restrictions and guidelines before travelling.

During lockdowns, ski areas in Austria are allowed to open to locals, but restaurants and hotels must remain closed. However, other indoor businesses deemed non-essential are also closed, and there is an all-hours curfew except for essential activities.

If you do choose to travel to Austria during a lockdown, be aware that your options for activities and dining out may be limited. It's also important to follow all local guidelines and restrictions to help curb the spread of COVID-19.

As of February 2022, Austria had a vaccine mandate in place, requiring all residents over the age of 14 to be vaccinated. This mandate was set to be enforced with fines for those who did not comply. By November 2022, Austria had lifted its lockdown for vaccinated people but kept a lockdown in place for unvaccinated individuals.

Austria's ski season

Austria's ski resorts are a largely untapped ski area, with something for everyone, from beginners to veteran skiers. The Austrian ski season is longer than in other European destinations, starting earlier and ending later, largely due to the high-altitude and glacial resorts on offer.

Austria's Alps are skiable well into spring, with deep powder still found off-piste. The high-altitude ski areas receive some of the best snow, with Sölden and St. Anton being popular choices. One of the steepest high-altitude ski runs can be found on the Kitzsteinhorn glacier in snow-sure Kaprun.

The Kaunertal Glacier in Tirol is another option, with snow guaranteed from late September to June. The Hintertux Glacier is Austria's only year-round ski resort, with groomed, snow-sure runs 365 days a year.

For beginners, resorts such as Alpbach and Zell am See offer gentle nursery slopes and quiet blue runs. St. Anton, on the other hand, is a haven for experienced skiers with challenging runs and off-piste skiing. Family-friendly options include Westendorf and SkiWelt, the second biggest ski area in Austria, with laidback slopes and gentle pistes.

Austria is also renowned for its après-ski culture, with vibrant bars and nightclubs in areas like St. Anton, Ischgl, and Mayrhofen. Lech and Söll offer a more relaxed atmosphere with cosy pubs and traditional Austrian restaurants.

With fantastic high-altitude and glacial resorts, Austria's ski season is a popular choice for skiers of all levels.

The impact of lockdown on mental health

Lockdowns have had a significant impact on the mental health of people of all ages, with feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression being commonly reported. The effects of lockdown on mental health have been far-reaching and long-lasting, with many people still struggling to adapt to the "new normal" even after restrictions have been lifted.

Increased Feelings of Loneliness and Isolation

Lockdowns and social distancing measures implemented by governments worldwide have resulted in reduced social interaction and physical contact with others. This has led to increased feelings of loneliness and isolation, particularly among young people and those living alone. The inability to connect with others face-to-face and the disruption of daily routines have contributed to a sense of disconnection and social isolation.

Anxiety and Fear

The uncertainty and fear surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the drastic changes in daily life, have caused heightened levels of anxiety in many individuals. The fear of contracting the virus, concerns about the health of loved ones, and the constant stream of negative news and information have all contributed to increased anxiety.

Depression and Low Mood

Lockdowns have had a significant impact on people's mood, with many individuals reporting feelings of depression and low mood. The disruption to daily routines, reduced social interaction, and feelings of isolation have all contributed to a decline in mental well-being. The impact has been particularly pronounced among those with pre-existing mental health conditions and those who have experienced job loss or financial difficulties due to the pandemic.

Sleep Disturbances and Fatigue

Lockdowns have also disrupted sleep patterns, with many people reporting sleep disturbances and fatigue. The change in daily routines, increased screen time, and anxiety have all contributed to sleep problems. The impact has been greater among certain groups, such as young adults and women, who have reported higher levels of sleep disturbances.

Impact on Specific Groups

Long-Term Effects

The mental health impact of lockdowns has extended beyond the period of restrictions, with many people continuing to struggle with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues long after lockdowns have ended. The long-term effects of lockdown on mental health are still being studied, and it is clear that the impact has been significant for many individuals.

The effect of lockdown on schools

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on schools and students' learning experiences. In Austria, schools were completely or partially closed for approximately nine months between March 2020 and June 2021. This extended period of school closures and distance learning has had several effects on students' education and well-being.

Academic Performance

The shift to remote learning during lockdowns negatively impacted students' academic performance. Standardised test scores in core subjects such as mathematics, language, and reading showed declines compared to previous years. Lower primary school grades, in particular, experienced greater learning delays. Students from low-income families and those with limited access to technology were at a further disadvantage, with reduced learning time and higher dropout rates.

Learning Environment

The lack of in-person classes and social interaction with peers and teachers disrupted the learning environment. Students, especially younger ones, faced challenges in maintaining motivation and focus. The quality of teaching and feedback was also affected, with teachers struggling to adapt to online instruction.

Socio-emotional Impacts

Lockdowns and school closures had socio-emotional impacts on students. Feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness were prevalent among children, with a survey in Austria finding that 49% of children aged 6-18 experienced anxiety due to the situation. The lack of social interaction and increased screen time during lockdowns also contributed to adverse effects on children's mental health.

Long-term Consequences

The full extent of the impact of lockdowns on students' education may only become apparent in the long term. There are concerns about a potential increase in educational inequality, as the learning gap between high and low achievers widened during school closures. Additionally, the loss of learning opportunities may have consequences for students' future socioeconomic status, income, health, and life expectancy.

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