SHARE
COPY LINK

COVID-19 ALERT

Austria to ‘pause’ Covid mask mandate from June 1st

The Federal Government has announced the next steps regarding the remaining coronavirus restrictions still in place in the country.

Could the relaxation of Covid measures in Austria be behind the spike in infections? Photo: Christof STACHE / AFP
Austria "paused" its FFP2 mask mandate Photo: Christof STACHE / AFP

Austria’s federal government has announced a “pause” to the mandatory FFP2 masks in essential trade, such as supermarkets, and public transport from June 1st.

Masks will still need to be worn in health and care facilities, the turquoise-green federal government announced in a press conference this Tuesday, 24th.

“The number of new infections has fallen, as well as the number of people in hospitals due to Covid-19, for several weeks now. This is good news”, Health Minister Johannes Rauch (Greens) said.

READ ALSO: Austria extends Covid regulations as experts warn of autumn resurgence

Since the last major easing step in mid-April, the FFP2 obligation has only been in force in enclosed spaces of hospitals and homes, public transport and taxis, in the customer area of vital trade, in party traffic of administrative authorities and in institutions for the practice of religion outside trade fairs.

Rauch stated that the mask requirement will be “paused”, as the pandemic is not over yet, and that people should be prepared for a resumption of the rules after summer.

Vienna to “evaluate the situation”

On his social media, Vienna Mayor Michael Ludwig stated that the capital’s crisis team would meet to evaluate the situation before deciding on whether or not they’d maintain the mask mandate for the city.

The federal government in Austria can make a minimum standard of the Covid regulations, but it is up to the states to decide if they want to keep stricter measures. Vienna has on several occasions announced it wouldn’t not follow federal easing, most notably keeping a 2G (only vaccinated or recovered people) rule in the gastronomy for weeks after those rules fell in the rest of the country.

“Based on the committee assessment, we will make a decision for Vienna, which we will communicate promptly”, the SPÖ mayor said.

Vaccination mandate is still suspended

Minister of the Constitution Karoline Edtstadler (ÖVP) said that the compulsory vaccination law would remain suspended due to the lowering numbers of Covid-19 infections in Austria.

“A focus on the vaccination obligation is currently not justified”, she said during the press conference. Still, Edtstadler reiterated a request for the population to get vaccinated: “the vaccine works”.

The minister mentioned that she tested positive for Covid-19 after being three times vaccinated, saying that the vaccine protects against the severe courses of the disease.

BACKGROUND: EXPLAINED: How Austria’s compulsory vaccine mandate could be back in June

Still, Health Minister Rauch reminded people to get the vaccine and get a booster before the autumn months, to protect against possible new variants and hospitalisation. “We will have refresher campaigns from August to prepare for winter”, he stated.

No more corona tests in schools

Since the number of positive corona tests is decreasing, all measures are also lifted in schools. From June, there will be no more corona tests for students in schools, stated Minister of Education Martin Polaschek (ÖVP). A weekly PCR test is currently mandatory for class attendance.

In the case of new Covid cases in the a specific class, antigen tests can continue to be carried out,” added Polaschek. The epidemiological situation will determine if the testing capabilities will be resumed again in autumn. 

Member comments

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

STRIKES

LATEST: Austrian Airlines cancels 400 flights ahead of Easter strike action

Austrian Airlines announced on Tuesday it has had to cancel around 400 flights after cabin crew confirmed a strike action this week. Some 50,000 passengers are likely affected.

LATEST: Austrian Airlines cancels 400 flights ahead of Easter strike action

Austrian Airlines (AUA) cabin crew workers have announced a 36-hour strike starting midnight on Wednesday night until midday on Friday, as The Local reported. Around 50,000 passengers will be affected, the company said.

Both the company and the trade union representatives have said they are still willing to negotiate to avoid planned strike action.

But, talks show no signs of reaching a deal, and there are no signs a compromise will be made in time to prevent the strike on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.

So, AUA decided to “preemptively” cancel the flights that would be affected by the strike, said AUA spokesperson Sophie Matkovits.

“After a total of 17 rounds of negotiations, the vida union and the works council still do not want to discuss our offer of a pay increase of up to 18 percent for flight attendants and pilots, and even up to 28 percent for co-pilots. With this offer, the company has already moved beyond the economically feasible threshold”, the spokesperson said.

“No further talks have taken place since last Sunday, so the employee representatives have decided against finding a joint solution,” she added. 

“We cannot leave our passengers in uncertainty until the last minute. That is why we have just had to decide to cancel around 400 flights on March 28th and until midday on March 29th. We are proactively informing the approximately 50,000 passengers affected. Passengers are also asked to check their flight status on the austrian.com website. “

AUA had also announced a “one-off” option of rebooking to flights operated by Lufthansa Group airlines (the company’s parent company) or cancelling their flight free of charge. “This can be done simply and easily via the profile under “My bookings”, via our Austrian App or the Austrian Chatbot”, AUA said on its website.

READ ALSO: What are your rights if your trip is delayed or cancelled in Austria?

Typically, either choice would incur fees with values depending on the fare type and itinerary.

Why is there no deal?

Details on the pay negotiations are scarce, with the company and union representatives often contradicting each other. 

“We are ready to negotiate at any time,” Vida trade unionist Daniel Liebhart told Kurier newspaper on Monday. 

“We have told AUA that they just have to come here”, he said.

READ ALSO: Everything that changes in Austria in April 2024

Both sides appear to be far from an agreement over pay rises.

For example, according to Kurier, the Vida union is demanding a pay rise starting at 16.94 percent for certain employees (such as senior flight attendants) and up to 49.48 percent for co-pilots. An industry expert consulted by the newspaper said that the average salary increase for foreign airlines was 9.52 percent.

Other demands by union members include more paid leave (42 calendar days from the sixth year of employment) and specifics regarding the hotels the crew stays, such as a requirement that they have a pool and fitness area and be located near the airport for waiting times of up to 12 hours otherwise in the city centre.

SHOW COMMENTS