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COVID-19 RULES

Covid-19 rules: Tyrol expands outdoor mask requirement

In addition to the existing nationwide FFP2 mask requirement, masks must now be worn outside on busy streets in some Tyrolean towns.

Published: 13 January 2022 11:32 CET
FFP2 mask sign
The new rules apply to particularly busy areas in two towns with high rates of Covid cases. Photo: Christof Stache/AFP

As Covid-19 cases in the state of Tyrol continue to increase due to the Omicron variant, additional mask requirements are being introduced in the province of Landeck.

From midnight on Thursday January 13th, FFP2 masks will have to be worn outside on some busy streets and public areas in Ischgl and St. Anton am Arlberg.

In Ischgl, the mask mandate applies to Dorfstrasse, Silvrettaplatz and on the Fimbabahnweg.

In St. Anton am Arlberg, it applies to the pedestrianised zone, on large parts of the Dorfstraße, at the Rendlbahn forecourt, the underpass and forecourt at Galzigbahn and at bus terminals. 

FOR MEMBERS: What are the Covid rules in place at ski resorts across Europe?

The mandate will be in effect between 8am and midnight and expires on January 20th, although the regulation could be extended if needed.

On Wednesday, the seven-day incidence in the Landeck district was 2,893 – the second highest rate after the Kitzbühel district with 3,381, according to AGES. The statewide incidence rate was 1,388 and the national rate was 841.

Hospitalisation rates throughout Tyrol remain stable with 80 Covid-19 patients on normal wards and a further 32 in intensive care units (ICU). This represents 17 percent of Tyrol’s ICU capacity.

Additionally, the armed forces in Tyrol are providing assistance with soldiers deployed at test centres, at Innsbruck Airport and in contact tracing services.

What is the current nationwide mask mandate in Austria?

In Austria, FFP2 masks are required on public transport (including at stops and stations), in all shops and other indoor areas including hairdressers, museums, workplaces and at events. 

Since January 11th, FFP2 masks are also required outdoors when it is not possible to maintain a distance of two-metres from people from another household.

READ MORE: EXPLAINED: How exactly does Austria’s new rule for masks outdoors work?

Situations where the two-metre distance is only broken for a short amount of time, for example when passing someone on a pavement, are excluded from the rule. But regions have the power to introduce additional outdoor mask mandates in areas that are often busy, as Tyrol has now done.

The national requirement to wear a mask outdoors in these situations is initially in place until January 20th.

Useful links

Overview of current Covid-19 measures in Tyrol

Nationwide Covid-19 restrictions in Austria

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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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