Is the mask requirement throughout Austria about to make a comeback?
Will it come back, the obligation to wear masks indoors? After default Already reported on “final talks” in this regard on Friday morning, the Ministry of Health is – still – dampening expectations. Yes, any tightening and the reintroduction of protective measures are being negotiated, it said. But no, the revival of the mask requirement indoors is far from certain. At the moment there is only a mask requirement in vital areas throughout Austria. Also in the supermarket, in public transport, pharmacies and banks. The City of Vienna is taking stronger action, here the mask requirement applies in all indoor areas, i.e. also in shops or at concerts. And it is quite possible that the federal government will follow suit. After all, the number of infections is still exceptionally high.
The Ministry of Health said they were waiting for the meeting of the Gecko management team on Friday afternoon. At 6 p.m Health Minister Johannes Rauch announce whether and which tightening there are. The KURIER reports live.
Medical experts and members of Gecko have repeatedly stated that they think the easing is wrong and too generous. Some considered withdrawing from the committee, and Health Minister Rauch admitted in the KURIER interview that he was not entirely satisfied with the early opening (see here).