Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz promised in a press conference on Friday that lockdown measures in the areas of culture, sport, gastronomy and tourism would be relaxed in May. 

“We are at the last meters in dealing with this pandemic. Freedom is within one’s grasp,” Kurz said optimistically after meeting with state leaders and health experts in Vienna on Friday. 

Kurz said the deliberations were “swift and harmonious”, despite divergent opinions on which path Austria should take out of lockdown. 

Kurz however declined to give specifics of the measures that would be relaxed in May, except to say that the relaxations would come into effect at the same time across the entire country. 

Vaccinations are set to play a major role in the reopening, with all teachers and police officers to be fully vaccinated by the end of April. 

Kurz also told the media that Austria’s “green pass” – the immunity card which gives vaccinated people certain privileges such as attending events and travelling – would play a “massive role”. 

The Chancellor did however promise that measures would be relaxed carefully and according to expert advice. 

“We already have a lot behind us, but there is still a crucial time ahead of us,” said the Chancellor.