Curfew In Austria: What Time Restrictions Are In Place?

Austria has had several curfews in the past few years, mostly as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In November 2020, a curfew was imposed between 8 pm and 6 am, with people only allowed to leave their homes for work, essential supplies, exercise, or to help those in need. In December 2020, a 24-hour curfew was imposed, with similar exceptions. In 2021, a curfew was in place for unvaccinated persons, and there was an 11 pm curfew for restaurants. Additionally, in 2018, a curfew for refugees was proposed by Vice Chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache, though it faced heavy criticism and was not implemented.

COVID-19 curfew in Austria

Austria has implemented several measures to curb the spread of COVID-19, including a nighttime curfew. The country's response to the pandemic has evolved over time, with the government introducing and adjusting restrictions as necessary.

On October 31, 2020, Austrian authorities announced a nighttime curfew between 8 pm and 6 am, starting from Tuesday, November 3, and lasting until the end of the month. This decision was made to curb the rising number of COVID-19 cases, with Austria reporting its highest daily number of cases (5,627) on Friday, October 30, 2020. The curfew allowed people to exercise or go for walks. However, gatherings were limited to a maximum of six people indoors and 12 people outdoors. Face coverings were also made mandatory in all public spaces.

During this period, cafes, bars, and restaurants were closed, except for takeaway and delivery services. Theatres, museums, and indoor sports facilities were also shut down, and hotels were only open to business travellers. While factories, shops, kindergartens, and primary schools remained open, secondary schools and universities transitioned to distance learning.

The Austrian government recognised the impact of these measures on social life and aimed to gradually ease the restrictions in December. The curfew and associated restrictions were implemented to protect the country's healthcare system and intensive care capacity from being overwhelmed.

As of June 2022, Austria continued to grapple with surging COVID-19 infections, and the government once again imposed a curfew and other measures. This response included a nighttime curfew from 8 pm to 6 am, the closure of restaurants and bars to in-person dining, and the transition to distance learning for secondary schools and universities.

Austria's nighttime curfew

In 2020, Austria introduced a curfew to curb the spread of COVID-19. The nighttime curfew was announced on 31 October and came into effect on 3 November. It was initially set to last until the end of the month. However, the curfew was extended, and on 14 December, the Austrian government announced further measures, including a curfew from 8 pm to 6 am. The curfew was part of a second mass shutdown aimed at reducing the rising number of coronavirus infections in the country.

The Curfew Rules

During the curfew, people were banned from leaving their homes except for essential reasons. These included work, buying essential supplies, exercising, and assisting people in need. Meetings between people from more than two households were not allowed. The curfew rules were enforced by the police.

Impact of the Curfew

The curfew had a significant impact on daily life in Austria. Non-essential businesses, such as restaurants, cafes, and bars, were closed. Universities and high schools switched to distance learning, while kindergartens and primary schools remained open. Face coverings were made mandatory in all public spaces, including shops, schools, and public transportation. The curfew also affected sports, cultural, and leisure events, which were not allowed to take place.

Criticism of the Curfew

The curfew and other lockdown measures faced some opposition. On 12 January 2021, a demonstration by anti-lockdown activists in Vienna drew around 200 people. However, there was no widespread popular opposition to the measures.

In June 2023, Austrian Vice Chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache proposed a separate curfew for refugees, suggesting they should be housed in military barracks and subject to a night curfew while seeking asylum. This idea faced heavy criticism from civil society groups and opposition parties.

Curfew exceptions in Austria

Austria has had a few periods of curfew since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Here is a breakdown of the curfews and their exceptions:

November 2020 Curfew

On October 31, 2020, the Austrian government announced a nighttime curfew from 8 pm to 6 am, starting on November 3 and ending on November 30. This curfew had several exceptions:

• Factories, shops, kindergartens, and primary schools remained open.
• Secondary schools and universities switched to distance learning.
• Exercise or walks were allowed during the curfew.
• People could leave their homes for work, basic needs, to help those in need, or to go outside for a walk or sport, but only alone or with household members.

Eastern Austria Curfew

At an unspecified date, the eastern part of Austria reintroduced a lockdown. People could only leave their homes for specific reasons, including:

• Personal danger
• Supporting people in need
• Family obligations
• Work and education, if necessary
• Physical activities
• Public appointments, such as court visits, that couldn't be postponed

Other Exceptions

Austria has also implemented other measures to control the spread of COVID-19, with the following exceptions:

• Transit through the country without stopping is generally allowed.
• Commuters need a 3-G certificate for work, school, study, or family purposes.
• People under 12 years old are exempt from the 3-G proof requirement.

Austria's second virus shutdown

On October 31, 2020, Austria's government announced a second mass shutdown and a curfew starting the following week until the end of November. The curfew, in place from 8 pm to 6 am, aimed to curb the rising coronavirus infection numbers. Chancellor Sebastian Kurz admitted that the measures represented "dramatic interventions in our social life".

The second lockdown was enforced to prevent the country's intensive care capacity from being overwhelmed. While Austria's population of 8.8 million was largely spared the worst of the first wave of the pandemic, the number of positive test results had surged in recent weeks, far exceeding the levels recorded in the spring. The number of those admitted to hospital after contracting the virus had also been rising, with 64 more admissions recorded on Saturday, bringing the total to 1,867.

The curfew could only be broken for specific reasons, such as care responsibilities or essential work travel. All events, including sports, cultural, and leisure activities, were prohibited. Hotels, restaurants, and cafes were closed, except for delivery and takeaway services. Unlike the first lockdown, shops remained open, but Christmas markets were closed as they fell under the category of events. Universities and high schools moved to distance learning, while kindergartens and other schools remained open.

The Austrian government urged all offices to switch to remote work where possible. The public was also asked to reduce their physical social contacts to a minimum. Face coverings were made mandatory in all public spaces, including shops, schools, government buildings, and public transportation. Measures limiting gatherings to a maximum of six people indoors and 12 people outdoors also remained in effect.

Refugee curfew proposal

Background

Austria has implemented several measures to curb the spread of COVID-19, including nighttime curfews for its citizens. In 2018, the country's right-wing Vice Chancellor, Heinz-Christian Strache, proposed a similar curfew for refugees. This proposal sparked controversy and was met with opposition from civil society groups and politicians.

Proposal Details

The refugee curfew proposal suggests that refugees seeking asylum in Austria should be subject to a nightly curfew while their asylum claims are processed. This measure is intended to maintain order and control during the asylum process.

Implementation

To implement this proposal, refugees would be required to stay in designated accommodations, such as military barracks, instead of private flats. The curfew would be in effect from a specific time in the evening until the morning, likely mirroring the general nighttime curfew hours of 8 pm to 6 am.

Exceptions and Considerations

The proposal emphasizes the need for order during the asylum procedure, suggesting that exceptions may be made for refugees with specific responsibilities or needs. However, it is important to note that this proposal has faced criticism for potentially restricting the freedom and integration of refugees.

Public Reaction

The refugee curfew proposal has received mixed reactions. Civil society groups and opposition parties have criticized the idea, arguing that it represents a shift from integrating refugees to detaining them. They have described the proposal as "shocking" and reflective of the government's "unbelievable incapacity."

On the other hand, supporters of the proposal believe that it is necessary to maintain control and order during the asylum process. They argue that housing refugees in designated accommodations ensures a more manageable and organized approach to addressing refugee claims.

The refugee curfew proposal in Austria is a controversial topic. While some argue that it is essential for maintaining order, others believe it restricts the freedom and integration of refugees. As the debate continues, it is crucial to consider the balance between effective asylum procedures and the rights and well-being of refugees seeking safety in the country.

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