Damon Mcknight
Austria plans to reopen shops and cafes in May 2020, as part of a gradual reopening strategy following the coronavirus pandemic. The country acted early in its outbreak to close restaurants, bars, theatres, non-essential shops, and other gathering places. Austria's interior minister Karl Nehammer, vice chancellor Werner Kogler, and health minister Rudolf Anschober have warned that acting too quickly could enable the virus to come back.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | May 21, 2020 |
| Country | Austria |
| Event | Reopening of shops and cafes |
| Status | Confirmed |
| Source | National Post, Red Deer Advocate, Abbotsford News, Surrey Now-Leader |
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What You'll Learn
Cafes and restaurants to reopen from May 15
Austria has been taking steps to gradually reopen the country amid the coronavirus pandemic. On April 21, 2020, Austria's interior minister Karl Nehammer, vice chancellor Werner Kogler, Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, and health minister Rudolf Anschober announced that the country would be moving towards reopening.
In a press conference held in Vienna, Austria, on April 21, 2020, Chancellor Kurz announced that Austria would further loosen its COVID-19 lockdown on May 15 by allowing restaurants and cafes to reopen and religious services to resume. He added that "gastronomy businesses," a term that often includes bars, would be permitted to operate until 11 pm. This reopening comes after the country allowed DIY stores, garden centers, and shops of less than 400 square meters to reopen a week prior to the announcement. Shopping centers, larger shops, and hairdressers were also scheduled to reopen on May 1.
On March 2, 2021, the Austrian government announced that cafe and restaurant terraces could reopen in March, starting with the small, mountainous province of Vorarlberg, which has the lowest infection rate in the country. The rest of the country was expected to follow on March 27, 2021. Vienna Mayor Michael Ludwig also stated that sports in schools would be allowed from March 27. The government aimed to take further steps to ease restrictions in the culture and tourism sectors in April, depending on the development of the situation.
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Shops must limit customers and enforce face masks
As Austria gradually reopens its economy, shops must adhere to specific guidelines to limit the spread of COVID-19. One critical measure is limiting the number of customers allowed inside at any given time. For instance, in shopping centres or market halls, the customer areas of all shops and the connecting building must be calculated, ensuring only one customer per 10 m2. This rule also applies to individual shops within these complexes. This strategy helps maintain social distancing and reduces the risk of overcrowding.
In addition to customer limits, shops must also enforce the wearing of face masks. Face masks are mandatory for both staff in contact with customers and customers themselves. However, exceptions are made for children under six and individuals who cannot wear masks due to health reasons. The requirement to wear masks extends to outdoor markets, where customers and employees must wear face coverings when interacting. This measure is crucial in preventing the spread of the virus, as it can reduce the transmission from infected individuals to others.
Shops should also implement other safety protocols to complement customer limits and face mask enforcement. Regular disinfection of frequently touched surfaces, such as POS terminals and shopping carts, is essential. Providing hand sanitiser dispensers at entrances and exits can also encourage proper hand hygiene for customers and staff. Additionally, shops should assess whether certain services require close contact or violate the minimum distance rule. If so, alternative protective measures should be determined, such as providing protective gear for employees or limiting the duration of close interactions.
By following these guidelines, shops in Austria can effectively limit the number of customers and enforce face mask usage, contributing to a safer shopping environment for everyone. These measures are part of the country's gradual approach to reopening, ensuring that economic activities can resume while also prioritising the health and safety of the public.
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Schools to reopen in a step-by-step process from May 15
On April 21, 2020, Austria's interior minister Karl Nehammer, vice chancellor Werner Kogler, Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, and health minister Rudolf Anschober announced that Austria would gradually reopen. This included the reopening of shops in May, with Turkey aiming for a similar reopening in June. However, it is unclear if most shops and cafes will be open by May 21, 2021.
To ensure the safety of students and staff, schools should implement several measures before reopening. Firstly, schools should be made into vaccination centers for students and staff, with thermal screening and oxygen level checks made mandatory at the entrance. Close-contact sports should be avoided, while individual sports like running and cycling can be encouraged. To distinguish students from different clubs or groups, face masks with unique colors or designs can be used, adding functionality and safety. Morning assemblies can include educational jingles about COVID protocols, with banners and posters displayed across the campus to constantly remind students about safety precautions.
Additionally, schools should adopt staggered timings and reduce schooling time, aiming for 50% attendance on any given day. This means each student attends school for three days a week, allowing for a phased restart. Online teaching should be continued, especially for students without access to technology, and schools should tie up with dedicated hospitals with well-equipped ICUs. By following these steps, schools can gradually reopen while prioritizing the health and safety of the school community.
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DIY stores, garden centres and small shops reopened in April
Austria plans to reopen most shops in May 2021. The country was one of the first European countries to impose a strict lockdown, and the government has said it has managed to flatten the curve of new infections. In April 2020, Austria reopened thousands of shops as it sought to ease restrictions. This included DIY stores, garden centres, and small shops. Strict social distancing rules were put in place, and people were urged to stay at home as much as possible. It was also made compulsory for people to wear masks in supermarkets and pharmacies.
Austria's interior minister, Karl Nehammer, vice-chancellor Werner Kogler, chancellor Sebastian Kurz, and health minister Rudolf Anschober addressed a press conference in Vienna on April 21, 2020, regarding the gradual reopening of shops. Nehammer assured the public that the DIY shops would remain open, but people did not have to rush to the stores immediately. The government's decision to reopen shops was criticized by some, who felt that it could accelerate the spread of the virus.
Larger shops, shopping centres, and hairdressers were due to reopen from May 1, 2020, while restaurants and hotels could reopen from mid-May if health conditions allowed. Chancellor Kurz unveiled plans for the gradual lifting of restrictions, emphasizing the importance of a slow and steady approach based on the experiences of other countries. Each week of lockdown cost Austria's economy 0.53% of its yearly gross domestic product, or 2.1 billion euros, according to the country's central bank.
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Chancellor Kurz warns of a potential COVID-19 surge
On April 21, 2020, Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, along with the interior minister Karl Nehammer, vice chancellor Werner Kogler, and health minister Rudolf Anschober, announced that Austria is planning to reopen shops in May. However, there is no specific mention of cafes opening on May 21.
Chancellor Kurz has previously warned of the potential for a second wave of COVID-19 and the need to prevent a second lockdown. He urged Austrians to become more cautious and take the situation seriously. Chancellor Kurz also emphasised the importance of adhering to measures such as mandatory masks and reduced spectator numbers at events.
In addition to his focus on Austria's domestic response to the pandemic, Chancellor Kurz has also been vocal about the need for equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines within the European Union. He has warned that uneven distribution could cause lasting damage to some member states and has criticised Brussels' vaccine policy. Chancellor Kurz's administration has also been accused by its political opponents of failing to purchase as many vaccine doses as Austria was permitted to buy.
While Austria moves forward with its plans to reopen, it is important to note that the situation with COVID-19 is constantly evolving, and the government may need to adapt its response accordingly. Chancellor Kurz has demonstrated his commitment to managing the pandemic through his warnings about a potential second wave and his advocacy for equitable vaccine distribution within the EU.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Austria will allow shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants to reopen from May 15.
Yes, shops must limit the number of customers they let in, and shoppers must cover their mouth and nose with a mask or fabric. Cafes, bars, and restaurants will have to follow distancing rules, access restrictions, and restricted hours of operation.
Religious services and schools for school leavers will be allowed to resume from May 15. Shopping centers, larger shops, hairdressers, and other service providers will be open from May 1.
Austria acted early in its outbreak to close restaurants, bars, theaters, non-essential shops, and other gathering places. The government has been gradually reopening the country since April 21, 2020, with DIY stores, garden centers, and shops of less than 400 square meters already open.
