The trade showed the way a week ago – from today there will be a relaxation of the 2G restriction in many other areas such as gastronomy or tourism: Then – except in Vienna – unvaccinated people with a current one will also be allowed PCR or antigen test Visit local or stay in hotel.
The easing steps, i.e. 3G everywhere where 2G was previously required, also affect other areas, such as cable cars, bus trips, excursion boats, body-related services (e.g. hairdressers), sports facilities, events as well as trade and public fairs.
There is one change in the validity of the PCR tests in the catering trade: as of today, this will be reduced from 72 to 48 hours. For all other areas, the tests remain valid for 72 hours. In Vienna, on the other hand, the PCR tests are still only valid for 48 hours.
It is questionable whether the change from 2G to 3G will have a major impact in the catering industry, because those who have not been vaccinated still have to put up with the additional effort of the PCR test and many will possibly wait for the general expiry of the access restrictions on March 5th.
Mouth and nose protection in schools
Since February 14, elementary schools have no longer had to wear a mask as long as they are in their seat. From next Monday (February 21st) this will fall at all schools. However, as soon as the seat is vacated, mouth and nose protection (MNS) must be worn.
For teachers and administrative staff, the MNS obligation at schools will remain in place until further notice. “For the summer semester, I wish, like many others, that we will slowly get out of the clutches of the pandemic,” said LH deputy and state education minister Christine Haberlander (VP).
The entry requirements for Austria will only be adapted to the relaxed measures next Tuesday (February 22nd), and the 3G rule will then apply. However, entry from virus variant areas is exempt from the relaxation.
The curfew at midnight and the ban on night gastronomy will remain in place for the time being, and the general obligation to wear masks in closed rooms will continue to apply. A corresponding regulation as a legal basis for the easing does not yet exist.
There are no relaxations in areas with particularly vulnerable people, such as in old people’s and nursing homes. The 3G rule in the workplace also still applies.
The next major relaxation step will follow on March 5th, when – with the exception of Vienna – all 2G/3G access restrictions and the early curfew should fall, and night gastronomy will then be allowed to open again.
Source: Nachrichten
