Chancellor Sebastian Kurz (ÖVP) had promised such a further relaxation a good week ago, provided the situation continues to develop well. “I say it quite openly, I am not in favor of an end to the mask requirement,” said Reich on ORF.
- Video: ZIB 2: Katharina Reich on vaccination fatigue
The mask is simple and cheap, the population is well used to it. At the same time, Chief Medical Officer Reich emphasized that she understood that from July 1, in (most areas) one could switch from the FFP2 mask to the simple mouth and nose protection (MNS). The vaccination coordinator pointed out the high temperatures that would make wearing the FFP2 masks more difficult. If the infection numbers are low and the temperatures are high, then the MNS is a “good method”. But completely without mouth and nose protection in critical areas (such as in public transport or in retail) is currently “not the right time” for Reich.
“The pandemic is over when it’s over for the world,” she said. “That won’t be the case at the end of June.” She also referred to mobility: Austria was “not an island”.
The extensive openings that will come into force from July 1 – such as unlocking the night-time catering or the elimination of the requirement to wear a mask in numerous areas – defended the officer: It is a matter of making “things” possible now that the number of infections is good. “Now it’s the boys’ turn,” she repeated a quote from Health Minister Wolfgang Mückstein (Greens). You are also “prepared” and can do a lot against the Delta variant. It is better to allow celebrations in a controlled setting than to allow this to happen without an overview in the private area.
Yes to compulsory vaccination for high-risk professions
A clear yes came from Reich for compulsory vaccination in certain professions: Although this is a matter for the federal states, there is a recommendation from the Ministry of Health for high-risk professions in this regard. When asked about the population’s dwindling willingness to vaccinate, Reich held out the prospect of possible incentive systems without, however, being specific. But they will try to “get mobile” with the vaccination: For example, they are considering reaching “every corner of Austria” with vaccination buses. When asked how many people would have to be vaccinated by autumn in order to be able to be successful against the Delta variant, Reich said: “We prefer 80 percent” – or more. At present, a little more than 50 percent have received the first stitch in Austria; 32.7 percent of Austrians were already fully immunized at the beginning of this week.
