Faced with a rise in contamination at Covid (an average of 14,000 cases per day over the last three days) and an relatively low vaccination coverage (66% of the population has a complete vaccination schedule), the the Austrian government has ordered a total lockdown of the country. It is due to run until 12 December, but will be reassessed on 1 December.
The population movements are now limited to the strict minimum while all the shops had to close their doors, with the exception of supermarkets, pharmacies and other essential shops. The famous Christmas markets, an important moment in the life of the country, were also shut down. However, everything is due to reopen on 13 December.
Theoretical travel still possible
For travel, Austria will be closed to visitors for the three-week period, as hotels will be closed.. Paradoxically, however, travel to and from abroad is not banned.
On the Austrian Airlines website, the airline states that the Austrian Federal Ministry of Health still authorises cross-border travel. Austrian's links will not therefore be discontinued in their entirety. They are, however, being "adjusted" according to demand. This should result in the cancellation of some flights. All airlines are therefore encouraging travellers to reconfirm their travel plans..
Vienna airport is therefore expecting a significant drop in passenger numbers during this period. " We adapt to this situation of brief confinement. All hygiene and distancing measures are being observed, particularly for transfer traffic. There are no major difficulties in enforcing the protocols, as our airport is only handling 50% of its usual traffic due to the pandemic." said an airport spokesman.
Trains, Austrian Federal Railways ÖBB confirms that it will be operating all its rail services during these three weeks of confinement. The operator also states that the launch of the new night train service Nightjet between Paris, Strasbourg and Vienna will continue on 13 December. The new route will operate three times a week as initially planned.
FFP2 mask and "2G" rule to be introduced after 12 December
Once the lockdown is lifted, health rules will be further tightened. FFP2 masks must be worn not only in all public transport, but also in shops and cultural institutions. The 2G rule (2G meaning vaccinated or cured) will now apply to all public places..
Only people with this status will be allowed in all these places - including markets and open-air terraces. People with a negative PCR or antigen test will therefore no longer be allowed in the above-mentioned places.
From 6 December, the validity of vaccination certificates will also be reduced from 12 to 9 months, from the date of full immunisation. Beyond that date, a new dose is required to obtain a valid vaccination certificate. The single vaccination with Johnson & Johnson is only recognised until 3 January 2022.. A reminder will then be required. More information is available at the Austrian Tourist Office website.
