The rector of the University of Klagenfurt, Oliver Vitouch, had already spoken out personally in the 1-Morgenjournal on Thursday for a 1G regulation. The rector of the University of Salzburg, Hendrik Lehnert, also pleaded for the 1G regulation in the “Salzburger Nachrichten” (Friday edition). This is easier to control. At least for courses with physical proximity – such as laboratory internships or sports units – only vaccinated people should have access in autumn at the University of Salzburg, according to the doctor in the 1-lunchtime journal.
Famann thinks this is a “courageous statement – no question about it”. In view of the desire to hold face-to-face classes at universities, “I fully understand this intention”. But he has doubts that this can be achieved at this point in time: “Because ‘recovery’ is epidemiologically a very useful condition to prevent further infections.” Replacing the “vaccinated” with a meaningful test “I consider a legitimate option. So I think a lot of a systematic 3-G rule”, said the minister.
This was seen in a similar way at the Leopold-Franzens-Universitt Innsbruck. “We will adhere to the 3-G rule at the University of Innsbruck for the time being, ie vaccinated, recovered or tested,” said Bernhard Fgenschuh, Vice Rector for Teaching and Students, when asked by the APA. This also corresponds to what was discussed on Friday as part of an information exchange between the representatives of the Tyrolean universities and the Minister of Education.
The Covid-19 University Act provides for the possibility that “proof of only a low epidemiological risk” may be required for participation in face-to-face courses and exams as well as aptitude, admission and selection procedures. How this should look like must be determined by the rectorates.
The H is ready to speak, but refers to people who cannot be vaccinated and foreign students who have been immunized with vaccines that are not recognized in Austria. The NEOS reject 1G at universities. “Those who have recovered must not be excluded. There is no dispute that the vaccination protects against a serious Covid disease. But those who have recovered are also little at risk of suffering a serious disease process,” said science spokeswoman Martina Knsberg Sarre in a broadcast. “Much more important than fantasizing about 1G at universities would be to strictly control the evidence.”
The background to the considerations is the currently low vaccination rate among the younger population. For this reason, a 1G regulation in night catering is also being considered.
