Austria's Covid Situation: An Update

COVID-19 has had a significant impact on Austria, with the country experiencing strict government measures, vaccine mandates, and even a unique court case. The far-right Freedom Party, led by Herbert Kickl, has capitalised on public anger over these COVID-related restrictions, winning the first far-right national election victory in post-World War II Austria. Kickl's anti-restriction stance and conspiracy theories, such as his embrace of ivermectin, have fuelled his rise, tapping into anxieties about immigration, inflation, and the war in Ukraine.

COVID-19 restrictions in Austria

Austria has had some of the strictest COVID-19 restrictions in Europe. In September 2020, the Austrian government maintained existing restrictions while updating the list of countries with which travel was restricted. These included mandatory negative PCR tests for travellers from certain countries and prohibiting entry to Austria for third-country nationals from outside the EU, Schengen Area, and the UK. Most businesses and facilities were allowed to resume operations, provided they implemented strict hygiene and social distancing requirements. Face coverings were mandatory in all public spaces, and social distancing of 1 meter (3 feet) was required.

In September 2020, indoor events with up to 500 attendees and 750 attendees in outdoor areas were permitted. However, authorities could grant permits for specific events to exceed these limits.

In March 2020, the Austrian government banned gatherings of more than five people. In June 2020, Austria lifted travel restrictions for most European countries, including reopening its border with Germany. However, in July 2020, Austria made face masks compulsory in shops.

In September 2021, the Austrian government tightened COVID-19 restrictions nationwide due to an increase in cases. Indoor gatherings were limited to ten people, except in private residences. Outdoor events were restricted to 100 people, while events with seating were permitted to hold up to 3,000 people outdoors and 1,500 indoors. Restaurants and bars were required to seat a maximum of ten people per table, only serve seated customers, and close by 01:00. Face coverings were also mandatory in restaurants, bars, and open markets unless seated.

In November 2021, Austria implemented a nationwide lockdown and a nighttime curfew. In February 2022, Austria eased some restrictions, including ending lockdown restrictions for unvaccinated individuals and extending the restaurant curfew to midnight. However, proof of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19 was still required to enter restaurants.

COVID-19 vaccine mandates in Austria

In November 2021, Austria became the first Western democracy to announce a general coronavirus vaccination mandate, with plans to fine unvaccinated adults up to €3,600. The mandate was approved by parliament in January 2022 and came into force the following month.

The mandate was met with protests, with 40,000 people demonstrating against the measures in Vienna shortly after they were announced. The populist Freedom Party, the third-biggest in parliament, also opposed the mandate, with party leader Herbert Kickl claiming it "opens the door for totalitarianism in Austria".

However, early research suggests that announcing a vaccine mandate can increase the number of people getting vaccinated. A study by economists at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia found that, in Canada, the number of people getting their first dose increased by 42% in the week following a province announcing new proof-of-vaccination mandates.

In March 2022, Austria abandoned its sweeping vaccine mandate, with Karoline Edtstadler, the minister responsible for constitutional affairs, citing milder symptoms of the Omicron variant as the reason.

COVID-19 testing in Austria

Austria has lifted its COVID-19 travel restrictions, and travellers are no longer required to provide proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19, or a negative test result. However, there are still some requirements and recommendations in place for testing and quarantine. This document will outline the current rules and guidelines for COVID-19 testing in Austria.

Testing Requirements for Entry into Austria

When entering Austria, travellers are not required to provide proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19, or a negative test result. However, there are specific stipulations for travellers from certain countries or areas with a high epidemiological risk. For travellers entering from these countries or areas, the following requirements apply:

• Proof of vaccination, recovery, or a negative test result is required.
• Completion of the pre-travel clearance form is mandatory.
• Self-isolation for 10 days is mandatory and can be shortened with a negative test after 5 days.

National Health Measures and Recommendations

While COVID-19 testing is no longer required for entry into Austria, there are still some national health measures and recommendations in place:

• FFP2 masks or equivalent must be worn in taxis, public transportation (including stations), and places offering essential services such as supermarkets, banks, post offices, pharmacies, etc.
• For events with more than 500 people, the organiser must formulate a COVID-19 prevention concept, and restrictions may apply for larger gatherings.
• Persons who test positive for COVID-19 must self-isolate for at least 5 days and follow the recommended safety measures.
• Close contact persons, even if asymptomatic, should get tested.

While COVID-19 testing is no longer mandatory for entry into Austria, it is still important to stay informed about the latest guidelines and recommendations. The measures in place aim to protect the health and safety of all individuals in Austria. For the most up-to-date information, it is recommended to refer to the official sources and guidelines provided by the Austrian government and health authorities.

COVID-19 infections in Austria

Austria has had its fair share of COVID-19 infections since the pandemic began. In March 2020, the country experienced its first wave of infections, with a peak of 1,050 cases. Fast forward to March 2022, and the country reported a record-breaking 58,583 new COVID-19 infections in a single day. This was the first time daily cases had surpassed 50,000, and it put a strain on the healthcare system, with 3,033 people hospitalized and 221 in intensive care units.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on Austria, with the far-right Freedom Party capitalizing on the crisis to gain support. The party's leader, Herbert Kickl, campaigned against COVID-19 restrictions, which helped revive its fortunes after a 2019 scandal. The party tapped into anxieties about immigration, inflation, and the war in Ukraine, becoming the first far-right party to win a national parliamentary election since World War II.

Austria's COVID-19 infection rates have fluctuated over the years, with a second wave of infections from September to November 2020. During this period, the country recorded a relatively low re-infection rate, with a study finding a 0.27% re-infection rate among COVID-19 survivors of the first wave. This suggests that natural infection provides protection comparable to the highest vaccine efficacy estimates.

The pandemic has also influenced Austria's politics, with the centrist government collapsing over the weekend due to disagreements over forming a coalition. Chancellor Karl Nehammer's conservative party came in second in the September 2024 election, and he has since resigned due to his refusal to form a coalition with the far-right. The future of Austria's government is now uncertain, with the far-right Freedom Party in a strong position to influence policy.

COVID-19 deaths in Austria

As of January 2023, Austria had confirmed a total of 21,661 deaths from COVID-19. The federal states with the most deaths were Vienna and Lower Austria. The risk of death increases substantially with age, and the mortality rate among men is higher than among women.

On December 17, 2020, Austria reported a record number of 218 daily COVID-19 deaths. The number of deaths per day is not the same as the infection fatality rate, which is the proportion of fatalities among those infected. Estimating the infection fatality rate is complex, as it is difficult to determine the number of undetected cases.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on Austria, with the government implementing various measures to control the spread of the virus, including lockdowns and vaccine mandates.

Frequently asked questions