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COVID-19 ALERT

Vienna announces stricter Covid rules in hospitals to protect the ‘vulnerable’

After consultation with experts, the mayor of the Austrian capital has announced stricter measures to contain rising Covid-19 infections.

Published: 7 July 2022 14:15 CEST
Vienna announces stricter Covid rules in hospitals to protect the 'vulnerable'
Vienna city Mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ). (Copyright: C.Jobst/PID)

Vienna will bring back an FFP2 mask mandate for workers in hospitals and care homes and reduce the number of visitors allowed, Mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ announced on Thursday.

“We have a new situation; this is the first time that we have a wait in July”, said the mayor.

He added that this new wave had put particularly more pressure on employees in the health sector who need to deal with high infection numbers, getting Covid themselves and the high season of holiday.

“We are in a sensitive phase. The travel events have two implications. On the one hand, the Viennese will come back from holiday countries, and on the other hand, many holidaymakers from abroad would also come to Vienna.”

READ ALSO: Travel: What Covid rules are in place when visiting Austria this summer?

The Vienna way

During the pandemic, the capital often kept stricter measures than the rest of Austria. Vienna has a mask mandate for public transport – a restriction that no longer applies elsewhere.

From now on, workers in hospitals and care homes will have to wear an FFP2 mask and fewer visitors are allowed at once, he added. According to the mayor, the limit will be three PCR-tested visitors per patient per day.

READ ALSO: Is Austria heading for a summer Covid wave and could face masks return?

The Viennese mayor reiterated the importance of the Covid-19 vaccination, especially booster shots and the fourth dose ahead of the next wave. He said Vienna would bring more capacity for vaccination centres. In the Austrian capital, people older than 12 can have a fourth dose four months after the third.

“We have seen an increase in demand for the vaccine in the last days”, he added.

“I believe that the federal government should also adapt to the given conditions. Testing should be rolled out again widely, and the fourth dose should be advertised extensively.”

Rising Covid-19 cases

On Wednesday, Vienna has 3,352 new infections with the coronavirus. In total, the federal capital currently records 46,530 active cases.

According to the authorities, Vienna has higher Covid numbers compared to the rest of Austria partially because it tests more than the other regions.

On Thursday, 11,971 new infections were reported throughout Austria. There are 1,024 hospitals with Covid-19 and 63 in intensive care units.

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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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