Coronavirus In Austria: Is It Under Control?

The first cases of coronavirus in Austria were detected in Innsbruck on 25 February 2020, with the country's first death occurring a few weeks later. Austria has since experienced three hard lockdowns and several light ones. The country's approach has been relatively successful, with infection rates remaining low compared to many other European countries. Austria's vaccination programme began on 27 December 2020, and by 2021, mass vaccinations allowed society to slowly reopen. On 1 February 2023, the Austrian government announced that all COVID-19 protective measures and special provisions would be phased out by 30 June 2023.

Austria's daily coronavirus cases

On 14 October 2020, Austria reported 1,346 new coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours, according to the APA news agency. This was the highest number of daily cases since the previous peak of 1,050 on 26 March.

Daily cases had been rising since late June 2020 and, by 3 October, new daily infections had surpassed 1,000 for the first time, with a total of 1,058 new cases.

In March 2022, Austria reported 58,583 new COVID-19 infections in the previous 24 hours, a new daily record. This was the first time the country's daily cases had topped 50,000 since the beginning of the pandemic.

In April 2023, Austria's COVID cases rose by a record 3,614 in a day, with the majority of new infections recorded in Vienna. Overall, positive cases in the country stood at 78,029.

As of January 2023, there were around 5.77 million confirmed coronavirus cases in Austria.

Austria's COVID-19 rules and measures

Austria, like its German-speaking neighbours Germany and Switzerland, introduced a national lockdown in the spring of 2020 to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The country has since lifted almost all measures, and life is now similar to how it was pre-pandemic. However, some restrictions remain in place, particularly for those who test positive for COVID-19.

Travel

COVID-19 travel restrictions have been lifted in Austria, and travellers are not required to provide proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19, or a negative test result. However, those entering from countries or areas with a high epidemiological risk must provide proof of vaccination, recovery, or a negative test, complete a pre-travel clearance form, and self-isolate for 10 days (this period can be shortened with a negative test after 5 days).

National Health Measures

• FFP2 masks or equivalent must be worn in vulnerable settings such as nursing homes, residential facilities for the disabled, and healthcare facilities.
• In Vienna, facemasks are compulsory for everyone aged 14 and above on public transport and in pharmacies. Children younger than 6 are exempt, and those aged 6 to 13 can wear regular facemasks.
• Persons who test positive for COVID-19 are obliged to wear an FFP2 mask or equivalent continuously. This rule does not apply outdoors when a minimum distance of 2 metres from other people can be maintained.
• For events of more than 500 people, the organiser must formulate an appropriate COVID-19 prevention concept, and some restrictions may apply for larger gatherings.
• Persons who test positive for COVID-19 are not allowed to enter certain facilities, including nursing homes, residential facilities for the disabled, healthcare facilities, daycare facilities for the disabled and elderly, nursing schools, primary schools, and other childcare facilities for children under 11.
• The 'EU Digital COVID Certificate' is required to access nursing homes, residential facilities for the disabled, and healthcare facilities.
• Vaccination certificates (for two doses) for national use are valid for 180 days or 210 days if the person is under 18. Certificates for further doses (third or fourth) are valid for 365 days.
• In Vienna, FFP2 masks or equivalent must be worn in crowded outdoor areas.

Quarantine Rules

• Persons who test positive for COVID-19 must self-isolate for at least 5 days. If medical care is not required, they must stay at home and not receive private visitors. If they live with others, they should practice physical distancing, stay in separate rooms, and use different sanitary facilities.
• The restrictions can be lifted early with a negative PCR test or CT value above 30.
• Persons who test positive must wear an FFP2 mask or equivalent when in contact with other people, including within their private living area.
• They must avoid large events, vulnerable settings, and catering.
• They may go to work if an FFP2 mask is worn continuously.

Shops and Services

• All shops and services are open without restrictions. However, FFP2 masks or equivalent must be worn in non-essential shops (except by those with proof of vaccination or recovery).
• In Vienna, FFP2 masks or equivalent must be worn in all shops.

Tourist Accommodations

Tourist accommodations and services are open without restrictions. However, stricter rules may apply at the regional level.

Catering Establishments

• Catering establishments are open without restrictions. However, FFP2 masks or equivalent must be worn indoors.
• In Vienna, only those with proof of vaccination or recovery (2G rule) may enter catering establishments.
• A 10 pm closing time applies across Austria. Food should be consumed while seated, and FFP2 masks must be worn except when seated.

Cinemas, Museums, and Indoor Attractions

• Cinemas, museums, and other indoor attractions are open without restrictions. However, FFP2 masks or equivalent must be worn indoors.
• In Vienna, FFP2 masks or equivalent must be worn in cinemas, museums, and during cultural activities.

Personal Care Services

Personal care services are open without restrictions. However, FFP2 masks or equivalent must be worn indoors.

Outdoor Areas and Beaches

Outdoor areas and beaches are open without restrictions. However, FFP2 masks or equivalent must be worn in crowded outdoor areas in Vienna.

Ski Facilities

Ski facilities are open without restrictions. However, FFP2 masks or equivalent must be worn in closed cable cars, ski lifts, and stations.

Austria's COVID-19 vaccination status

In 2022, the Austrian government made vaccination mandatory, but this decision was met with controversy and was abolished on 23 June 2022. Now, Austria has reopened, and life has returned to pre-pandemic norms as people have been vaccinated, reducing pressure on the health system.

On 1 February 2023, the Austrian government announced that all COVID-19 protective measures and special provisions would be phased out by 30 June 2023. As of 2024, 45% of pupils, 83% of teachers, and 84% of university students had a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate.

Austria's COVID-19 entry tests

Austria has tightened its entry rules due to the outbreak of the Omicron variant. However, the country now accepts COVID-19 tests as valid proof for entry.

Entry Rules for Austria

As of 22 February 2022, Austria applies the "3-G-Rule", which means that travellers are permitted entry as long as they hold a valid certificate that indicates that the holder has been vaccinated, tested, or recovered from the virus. Travellers can prove their status by using the NHS Covid app or the EU COVID-19 Certificate. Printed versions are also accepted.

The PCR test must be taken within 72 hours, and the rapid antigen test must be taken within 24 hours in order to be accepted upon entry.

Validity of Vaccination/Recovery Certificates

In line with the rules that the country has, a vaccination pass should prove that the holder has received the last vaccine dose within the last 270 days (nine months) to be considered fully vaccinated. Travellers who have completed their primary vaccination more than 270 days ago need to receive a booster shot for their pass to remain valid.

As for those who plan on presenting a recovery certificate when reaching Austria, the latter’s authorities have explained that this type of certificate is valid for 180 days for entry to Austria.

Entry Rules for Children

Children under the age of 12 do not need proof of vaccination/recovery or a PCR test if accompanied by fully vaccinated or recovered adults. Teenagers (12 or over and born on or after 1 September 2006) can use the first PCR test of their Holiday Ninja Pass to enter Austria.

Pre-Travel Clearance

Fully vaccinated and recovered travellers and their accompanying children do not need pre-travel clearance. Pre-travel clearance is needed when entering with “2-G” status but without a PCR test or booster.

Austria's COVID-19 support for businesses

Financial Support and Subsidies

The Austrian government implemented a range of financial support measures to help businesses stay afloat during the pandemic. This included:

• An emergency support package of €15 billion in guarantees and direct subsidies for companies affected by the crisis. This included €2 billion in export credit support and a guarantee scheme for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
• A €2 billion hardship fund was established to specifically support small businesses, providing liquidity support in the form of guaranteed loans and subsidies.
• Together with its €9 billion guarantee regime, these support measures formed the basis of the government's €38 billion COVID-19 rescue package for the Austrian economy.

Tax Relief

• Tax-compliant businesses with a turnover of less than R50 million were allowed to delay a portion of their tax liabilities and payments without penalties or interest.
• A tax subsidy of up to ZAR 500 per month for four months was provided for private-sector employees earning less than ZAR 6,500 per month through the Employment Tax Incentive.

Unemployment Support

The Austrian government introduced the "National Disaster Benefit," where the Unemployment Insurance Fund compensated affected workers through existing illness, reduced work time, and unemployment benefits.

Travel and Import/Export Support

• The Austrian government provided travel law advice and support through the Association for Consumer Information (VKI), offering free legal advice on questions related to booked trips and cancellations.
• Regarding imports and exports, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) issued a notice and measures of control for importers and exporters to follow during the pandemic.

These measures aimed to provide financial relief, assist with tax and unemployment concerns, and support businesses in navigating the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Frequently asked questions