Even stricter measures soon ?: Austria is now a 2G country
Monday, November 8th, 2021
More stringent measures soon?
Austria is now a 2G country
Unvaccinated people and in Austria forego some of their freedoms: restaurants, sporting events and hairdressing salons are now taboo for them. The 2G era starts in the Alpine republic. This already seems to have a certain effect on the willingness to vaccinate.
In Austria, people without vaccination are no longer allowed to eat in restaurants, attend sporting events or use ski lifts. Today, Monday, the so-called 2G rule comes into force for many leisure activities, so only those who have been vaccinated and those who have recovered from Covid-19 have access. So far, more than a quarter of people aged 12 and over in Austria do not have a vaccination certificate
The 2G rule applies in bars, events, hotels and so-called body-hugging service providers such as hairdressing salons or massage studios. “We already believe that this can make a strong contribution to containment,” said Vice Chancellor Werner Kogler on Sunday in an ORF television interview on the regulation. “Additional measures can be taken regionally, IF it is necessary,” he said in reference to the high number of infections in some federal states, of course. Regional lockdowns could only die “of the last resort,” he said – but Kogler did not want to completely rule out such a scenario.
The seven-day incidence in Austria was last at 599.6 – well above the German value of just over 200. In Upper Austria and the Salzburg region, the incidence has already exceeded the 900 mark. The two federal states on the border with Bavaria have the lowest vaccination rates in Austria.
Increasing vaccination numbers reported
At the weekend, increasing vaccination numbers were reported from all over Austria. There is a transition period as an incentive for late decision-makers: For four weeks, the first vaccination, together with a negative PCR test, counts as 2G detection. Afterwards, the complete vaccination protection must be proven. There is currently also great interest in booster vaccinations, because together with the 2G rule, the period of validity of the second vaccination dose was limited to nine months.
Children under the age of 12 are generally exempt from the 2G rule. A negative test is sufficient for 13 to 15 year olds. Even those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons can continue to participate in public life with a medical certificate and a PCR test. Rapid and PCR tests are free in Austria.