SHARE
COPY LINK

AUSTRIA

Rising infection rates put Austria’s restaurant openings at risk

Infection rates are rising in Austria again, leading to fears the proposed opening of restaurants and cafes in March will be put on hold. The relaxation of pandemic measures is due to be discussed on Monday. 

Rising infection rates put Austria's restaurant openings at risk
Empty tables and chairs outside two restaurants in Vienna (ALEX HALADA / AFP)

Even in the past few days, the number of infections has risen rapidly.

On Thursday almost 2,400 new coronavirus infections were reported in a 24-hour period. The day before it was 2,000.

Anschober ‘longing’ for relaxation – but British mutation posing a threat

Health Minister Rudolph Anschober said on Friday while he is “longing” for relaxations to the rules, like everyone else, it was “worrying” the number of infections was rising sharply. 

Austrian Health Minister Rudolf Anschober  (Photo by JOE KLAMAR / AFP)

In an interview with Austria’s Der Standard newspaper, Anschober said the stronger the rise, the less likely it is that there will be openings in the short term. 

Anschober said it was unlikely the rise in infections was totally connected to the relaxation measures introduced at the beginning of February, and was more likely to be driven by the rise of the British mutation of the virus.

In Vienna, the British variant is now more dominant than known variants of the virus. 

READ MORE: British coronavirus mutation now dominant in Vienna

In eastern Austria this more contagious variant already accounts for well over 50 percent of new infections.

He also said some of the rise in reported infections could be down to more testing.

On Monday the government will know more about what is driving the rise in infections before it makes its decision. 

New infections on the rise in Lower Austria and Burgenland

The 7-day incidence, or  the number of new infections with the coronavirus in the past seven days per 100,000 inhabitants, rose to 145. 

The number of infections is highest in Lower Austria (178.2) and Burgenland (171.2) and lowest in Vorarlberg (62.2) and Tyrol (87.9).

Corona hotspots include Hermagor in Carinthia with a value of 670.

The British variant, which is particularly strong here, means people are being found to be contagious even after 10 days of quarantine, according to the Kurier.

Wiener Neustadt is another hotspot with a 7-day incidence of 436. However, in nearby Rust, no corona cases have been registered at all in the past week. Other low-incidence areas are Bregenz (35), Innsbruck (45) and Steyr (50). 

Member comments

Log in here to leave a comment.
Become a Member to leave a comment.
For members

COVID-19 TESTS

Reader question: Where can I get tested for Covid-19 in Austria?

Since the beginning of May, street testing sites have no longer been available - and free antigen tests are becoming harder to find in Austrian pharmacies. So, what should you do if you suspect you have Covid or need a test?

Reader question: Where can I get tested for Covid-19 in Austria?

In theory, the Austrian Health Ministry’s instructions for dealing with a possible Covid-19 infection are quite simple: stay at home, reduce contacts, wear an FFP2 mask if necessary, and call the health hotline 1450.

Then, an infection would be confirmed via a test sent by the health hotline or, according to the ministry, after using a test in one of the so-called Teststraße, specific locations dedicated to offering the free Covid-19 tests, either via a swab in the nose or mouth.

READ ALSO: Everything that changes in Austria in May 2023

However, in practice, implementing these guidelines is proving to be difficult in Austria. At the end of April, all test lanes and gargle boxes were discontinued, which has made it challenging for individuals to get tested for Covid-19. When calling the health hotline, many employees say they are overloaded and have no more testing capacity, according to Austrian media reports.

Even in pharmacies, the stocks of antigen or PCR tests are going down every day. The offer for five free antigen tests per person per month was extended until June 30th, but supplies have been low for weeks, according to Austrian pharmacists.

The demand for testing is high, given the current infection numbers. On average, around 650 new infections are reported every day, with the number of unreported cases increasing from day to day, as shown by a comparison with the figures from wastewater monitoring, Der Standard reported.

READ ALSO: Reader question: Do I still have to wear a face mask due to Covid-19 rules in Austria?

How can I get tested in Austria?

Despite the difficulties, every month, in addition to the five rapid antigen tests – if you can get hold of them at a pharmacy – each person is also entitled to five free PCR tests. However, how to get them varies from state to state in Austria.

In Vienna, as part of the “Everyone gargles!” campaign, Viennese citizens can pick up five gargle tests at all Bipa stores. The sample can then be returned to one of the collection points (including Rewe stores, gas stations, and participating pharmacies).

The free PCR tests can also be done in pharmacies all over Austria, which seems to work well. Viennese people can split the five free PCR tests, taking about two tests in pharmacies and doing three “Alles gurgelt!” tests, for example.

READ ALSO: Austria to drop all Covid restrictions by the end of June

To simplify the process of getting tested for Covid-19, registering for a PCR test at the pharmacy at oesterreich-testet.at can help shorten and streamline the process.

However, many testing sites also offer testing without pre-registration.

SHOW COMMENTS