Austria Reopens: What To Expect

Austria was one of the first European countries to ease its coronavirus lockdown. In April 2020, the country allowed DIY stores, garden centres, and shops of less than 400 square meters to reopen. In May 2020, bars, restaurants, and churches were also reopened, and schools were reopened in a step-by-step process. In June 2021, Austria announced further relaxations, with almost all coronavirus measures being lifted on July 1st, 2021.

Austria to ease lockdown in 2020

Austria is set to ease lockdown measures in 2020, becoming one of the first countries to relax restrictions after imposing them early in the pandemic. The Austrian government's plan to ease the lockdown is aimed at reviving the economy while cautiously managing the health crisis.

From 14 April, small shops under 400 square meters, DIY stores, and garden centers were allowed to reopen. This marked the first step in the government's phased approach to reopening the country. The reopening of these businesses was coupled with strict social distancing measures and the mandatory wearing of face masks, which were required not only in shops but also on public transportation.

The second phase of easing restrictions came into effect on May 1st, when larger shops, shopping centers, and hairdressers were permitted to resume operations. The government's decision to gradually reopen businesses was informed by a study conducted by the SORA Institute, which estimated the prevalence of infection in the non-hospitalized population to be around 0.33%.

Despite the easing of restrictions, the government maintained a cautious approach, keeping schools closed until at least mid-May and prohibiting public events until at least late June. Additionally, a curfew remained in place until the end of April, and people were allowed to leave their homes only for specific reasons, such as work, essential errands, assisting others, or engaging in outdoor activities.

The Austrian government's strategy to tackle the pandemic was closely watched by other European countries as a potential blueprint for balancing public health and economic considerations. However, there was a high degree of uncertainty regarding the spread of the virus within the population, particularly due to asymptomatic carriers.

The gradual relaxation of lockdown measures in Austria was accompanied by economic challenges. The tourism sector, hospitality industry, and trade sectors were severely impacted, leading to a projected contraction of the Austrian economy by 5.3% in 2020. The government responded by increasing its crisis management fund to €28 billion to support businesses and livelihoods affected by the pandemic.

As Austria navigated the complexities of managing the health crisis and economic recovery, it provided valuable insights for other nations grappling with similar challenges during the global pandemic.

Bars, restaurants and churches to reopen

On April 21, 2020, Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz announced that Austria would allow bars, restaurants, and churches to reopen on May 15, provided that infections do not increase again. This move was part of the country's gradual easing of its coronavirus lockdown restrictions.

Austria was one of the first countries to impose a lockdown, closing restaurants, bars, theatres, non-essential shops, and other gathering places over a month before the announcement. The public was advised to stay at home and work remotely if possible.

The country took a cautious approach to easing restrictions, with the main phases of reopening spaced about two weeks apart. This allowed the government to monitor the impact of each phase on infection rates and hospitalisations. Should there be a surge in cases, the government stated that it would slow down or even reverse its reopening plan.

From May 1, shopping centres, larger shops, hairdressers, and other service providers were allowed to resume operations. The reopening of bars, restaurants, and churches followed two weeks later, with operating hours limited to 11:00 p.m. Religious services were also permitted to resume on the same day.

In addition to the reopening of these establishments, Austria also lifted capacity and space restrictions in almost all industries from July 1, 2021. The requirement to wear FFP2 masks in shops and restaurants was relaxed, with non-medical-grade mouth protection, such as cotton masks or scarves, deemed sufficient in indoor areas.

DIY stores, garden centres and small shops also allowed to open

Austria has been taking steps to open up the country after a long period of coronavirus lockdown. The country was one of the first to impose strict measures, closing restaurants, bars, theatres, non-essential shops, and other gathering places. The public was advised to stay at home and work remotely if possible.

In a move towards normality, Austria allowed DIY stores, garden centres, and shops of less than 400 square metres to reopen. This relaxation of rules was welcomed by the public, who eagerly visited these stores, as evidenced by brisk trade. This initial phase of reopening was followed by the opening of shopping centres, larger shops, hairdressers, and other service providers.

The Austrian government implemented a cautious approach, spacing out the main phases of reopening by about two weeks. This strategy allowed the government to monitor the impact of each step on infection rates and hospitalisations. Should there be a surge in cases, the government reserved the right to slow down or even reverse the reopening process.

The cautious approach paid off, and Austria's infection rates and death toll remained relatively low compared to other countries. Chancellor Sebastian Kurz attributed this success to the country's swift and proactive response to the pandemic. As a result, Austria was able to further relax restrictions, allowing bars, restaurants, and churches to resume operations, with a mandate to close by 11 p.m.

Masks to be worn in shops and on public transport

As Austria begins to ease its coronavirus lockdown, the wearing of masks remains a key part of the country's strategy to prevent the spread of COVID-19. While the FFP2 mask rules are being relaxed in some settings, masks will still be required in shops and on public transport.

From July 1st, FFP2 masks will only be mandatory in hospitals and nursing homes. In shops and on public transport, non-medical grade face coverings, such as cotton masks or scarves, will be sufficient. This change brings the rules for shops and public transport in line with those for indoor areas such as bars and restaurants, where medical-grade masks will no longer be required.

The Austrian government has emphasised that wearing a mask will continue to be an important part of the "new normality". This is particularly true in situations where it is difficult to maintain social distancing, such as on crowded buses or trains, or in busy shops. By continuing to wear masks in these settings, individuals can help to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to others.

It is important to note that the rules regarding masks may change in the future if infection rates surge or if new variants of the virus emerge. The Austrian government has stated that it is closely monitoring the situation and will adjust its policies as necessary to protect public health.

In addition to wearing masks, individuals in Austria are advised to continue following other preventive measures, such as maintaining social distancing when possible, practising good hand hygiene, and staying home and seeking medical advice if they are feeling unwell.

Schools to reopen in a step-by-step process

In April 2020, Austria's Chancellor Sebastian Kurz announced plans to reopen bars, restaurants and churches on 15 May, provided coronavirus infections did not surge. This was part of the country's step-by-step process of easing its coronavirus lockdown.

Schools will reopen in a step-by-step process, with secondary schools due to reopen for school leavers in early May. For other years, schools will reopen in an unspecified step-by-step process beginning on 15 May.

The main phases in Austria's loosening of its lockdown are spaced about two weeks apart, allowing the government to assess whether each step has accelerated infections and hospitalisations. Should infections surge, the government may slow down or even undo steps in its plan.

Austria has reported 491 deaths so far, with confirmed infections increasing by less than 2% daily. Chancellor Kurz stated that the country was "going faster here than other countries towards something like a new normality". However, he warned that the government was prepared to "slam on the brakes" if infections started to rise again.

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