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COVID-19 RULES

How will Austria enforce 2G checks in shops?

Officially, non-essential retail has been off-limits to unvaccinated people since November in Austria as part of the country's lockdown for the unvaccinated, and now the government has stepped up the requirement for checks.

Published: 7 January 2022 13:33 CET
'Access only with 2G' is seen on a sign that indicates the so-called 2G rule (vaccinated or recovered from Covid-19) at the entrance of a store
People without 2G proof have been banned from non-essential retail for over a month, and now Austria is stepping up its checks of this law. Photo: Thomas Kienzle/AFP

The increased checks for proof of 2G (full vaccination or recovery from Covid) were announced as part of a package of new Covid measures on Thursday, and starting next week shops will be required to check customers’ 2G proof.

The full text of the law has not yet been published so it’s not clear exactly how this will happen — and it poses a challenge for businesses, especially smaller ones.

According to what we know so far, it will be possible to carry out the checks either at shop entrances or at the checkout.

EXPLAINED: What are the Covid-19 rules in Austria now?

The 2G requirement only applies to non-essential retail, so supermarkets and pharmacies are excluded.

The obligation for retail businesses to check 2G proof was already brought in in Salzburg from January 3rd, but next week will be expanded across the whole country. 

Some shopping centres, including Murpark in Graz and ATRIO in Villach, will introduce 2G service points within the centre where people can have their vaccination certificates checked and receive a stamp allowing them to enter shops.

This will relieve shop staff from having to carry out checks at their entrances, though some will also check for 2G proof at checkout.

READ ALSO: Where to find the latest Covid-19 information for your region of Austria

The Head of Retail at Vienna’s Chamber of Commerce told ORF that the rule change posed a financial challenge, noting that some shops have several entrances and that solutions of using a wristband or stamp to show 2G has already been checked do not work for smaller businesses away from the centre.

However, she said that on the whole she supported the change, noting that for the businesses and customers who have been through four nationwide lockdowns, “anything is better than another lockdown.” 

2G checks are already obligatory in gastronomy businesses (restaurants, cafes and bars) and at events including Christmas markets. Most of these venues introduced checks at entry, and these can be done using an app called Green Check to scan the QR code of the customer’s vaccination certificate. Staff can also ask for a photo ID to make sure people are using their own proof of vaccination. Businesses that fail to carry out these checks can face fines of up to €3,600.

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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?

Published: 3 May 2023 14:38 CEST
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.

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