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Coronavirus: Austria classified ‘high risk’ by Slovenia amid rising infection rates

Arrivals from Austria will have to quarantine or provide a fresh negative coronavirus test from Monday.

Coronavirus: Austria classified ‘high risk’ by Slovenia amid rising infection rates
A crossing on the Austria-Slovenia border. Photo: RENE GOMOLJ / AFP

Neighbouring Slovenia has classified all of Austria as high-risk due to rising coronavirus case numbers. 

As of Monday, November 9th, all arrivals from Austria to Slovenia will need to present a negative coronavirus test which is no older than 48 hours or undertake a ten-day quarantine. 

There are however a number of exceptions to the quarantine and testing requirement, including for work, transit, school or family. 

Commuters, schoolchildren and anyone involved in the freight or transport of goods will be allowed to avoid the requirement. 

Additionally, anyone on an urgent personal or business trip can avoid the requirement, provided their stay is less than 48 hours. 

People who cross can stay with their family members for a maximum of 72 hours. 

Transit through Slovenia is accepted provided it takes less than 12 hours. 

Austrian landlords or tenants of real estate on the Slovenian side of the border are allowed to stay in the country for 48 hours.

 

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HEALTH

EU sees ‘troubling surge’ in sexually transmitted diseases

The European Union health agency on Thursday reported a "troubling" surge in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) across Europe, which could be just "the tip of the iceberg".

EU sees 'troubling surge' in sexually transmitted diseases

In 2022, gonorrhoea cases rose by 48 percent, with 70,881 reported around the EU and EEA area, compared to a year earlier. Cases of syphilis rose by 34 percent to over 35,391, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).

Cases of chlamydia rose 16 percent, reaching 216,508 across the 27 countries covered by the agency.

“This surge is staggering, as it is troubling,” ECDC director Andrea Ammon told a press conference.

“These numbers, as big as they are, most likely only represent the tip of the iceberg because surveillance data may underestimate the true burden.”

Ammon explained this was due to differences in testing practises and access to sexual health across the different countries.

Ammon said the majority of cases reported were among “men who have sex with men,” but the agency also saw increases among women and heterosexual men.

The agency also warned that while chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis, are treatable, they can lead to serious health complications if left untreated.

“These increases are a significant health concern and indicate an urgent need to strengthen prevention strategies and comprehensive health education,” Ammon said.

Ammon stressed that “testing, treatment and prevention” were key in order to meet the surge.

“Rising rates of STIs in Europe demand our immediate attention and concerted action. By prioritising testing, treatment and prevention efforts, we can turn the trend,” Ammon said.

The ECDC also warned that cases of lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) and congenital syphilis — which is caused by transmission from mother to child during pregnancy — have also “substantially increased”.

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