Christmas is a clearly defined period this year. The festival started today at midnight and ends on December 26th at 11:59 p.m. During this period, up to ten people can meet at the same time, regardless of whether they have been vaccinated, recovered or not immunized. The 2G proof otherwise required for meetings is not required.
Because on these three Christmas days there will be relaxations for unvaccinated people, who are still in lockdown and are only allowed to leave their apartments in exceptional cases. However, unvaccinated persons are not allowed to use the catering, hotel, leisure facilities etc. With 2G proof, you can celebrate in restaurants at Christmas until 11 p.m. For larger family meetings of eleven to 25 people on the three Christmas holidays, you need a 2G certificate.
From Monday, December 27th, the statutory curfew will be at 10 p.m. As of yesterday, there is no exception for New Year’s Eve either. The nationwide rules have not yet been fixed, it said on Thursday from the state’s crisis team. For New Year’s Eve parties, but also for other gatherings such as birthday parties, which are to take place indoors without permanently assigned seats, 2G and FFP2 mask requirements apply – a maximum of 25 people are allowed to participate.
The same conditions apply to outdoor meetings without fixed seats, for example for ice stock sport.
Rules for church services
Safety regulations also apply to church services. The FFP2 obligation applies to both churches and outdoor liturgies. Children under the age of six are exempt. Children up to 14 and pregnant women are also allowed to wear simple mouth and nose protection. People who do not live in the same household must be kept at least one meter away. “Because of the distance rule, some parishes have introduced a registration system,” says Michael Kraml, press spokesman for the Diocese of Linz. 2G is compulsory for participation in church choir singing.
Separate rules apply to larger events with permanently assigned seats. Indoor and outdoor access is only permitted with 2G proof, FFP2 masks are mandatory. Up to 500 people can participate if only 2G proof is mandatory. Up to 1000 participants are admitted, provided that everyone has a 2G test plus a PCR test. Up to 2000 visitors are allowed if everyone has a booster vaccination and a PCR test.
Restricted entries
The entry regulations will also be tightened: from December 25, Great Britain, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, South Africa and a number of other African countries will be considered virus variant areas. Entry from these countries is then only allowed to Austrian citizens, EU citizens and people with a permanent residence in Austria.
Those arriving from these countries must be quarantined for ten days. The day of arrival is considered “day zero”, after five days free testing (PCR) is possible. People who have been vaccinated three times and can present a PCR test that is no longer than 48 hours old do not have to be quarantined. People who have been vaccinated twice with Johnson & Johnson enjoy the same benefit. Anyone entering from other countries that are not virus variant areas needs 2G detection plus a negative PCR test. People who have been vaccinated three times save the PCR test. Without a booster and without PCR test evidence, you have to be in quarantine until the PCR test is available. Those who do not have 2G proof must be in quarantine for at least five days.
Source: Nachrichten
