If the numbers in the intensive care units continue to rise, further tightening could occur.
The concept, which was presented by Chancellor Sebastian Kurz (VP) and Health Minister Wolfgang Mckstein (Grne) in a press conference, is based on the utilization of intensive care units.
The following step-by-step plan will apply from September 15th:
Stage 1: 10 percent utilization of intensive care units (200 beds)
- In future, the results of the antigen test are no longer valid for 48 hours, but only for 24 hours
- FFP2 mask requirement where an MNS is currently required
- For those who have been vaccinated, a recommendation applies to wear an FFP2 mask even in shops that do not meet everyday needs, such as fashion stores. From then on, unvaccinated people will be required to wear an FFP2 mask in all stores. This should be checked on a random basis.
- 3G for events from 25 people
Stage 2: utilization of the intensive care units of 15 percent (300 beds)
- The 2G rule applies to night-time catering and events without assigned seats for 500 people or more, i.e. access only for vaccinated or convalescent people.
- Antigen living room tests are then no longer valid as 3G evidence.
Stage 3: 20 percent utilization of intensive care units (400 beds)
- Wherever 3G evidence is currently required, a vaccination, proof of recovery or a valid PCR test must be proven. An antigen test is then no longer valid.
Levels 1 and 2 come into effect seven days after the respective capacity of the intensive care units has been exceeded. September 15th was set as the start date, because at this point in time the 10 percent capacity utilization should be reached.
Kurz emphasized that the answer to the pandemic would not have to be lockdown but vaccination. The majority of the people who would have to be treated in the hospital are not vaccinated. “What we are currently experiencing is a pandemic of the unvaccinated. Those who do not get vaccinated will become infected, sooner or later. No state in the world can protect people from it.”
Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz’s speech:
Mckstein added that the virus differentiates between vaccinated and unvaccinated people. Of five million people vaccinated, only 215 ended up in intensive care units. At the same time he appealed to the common: “There is no unvaccinated Austria, also no vaccinated Austria, there is an Austria: We take care of each other. That is why the most important goal in autumn is to protect those who have not yet had a vaccination.”
Hope for the “third trick”
The government also relies heavily on the “third trick”, which means that the possibility of a booster vaccination is taken. This additional immunization is absolutely necessary, because otherwise one would be defenseless against the virus again, said Kurz. Mckstein emphasized that without this vaccination especially the elderly and people with previous illnesses would be at risk. Regarding the planned measures, he said they were necessary “to contain the numbers and protect the intensive care units”. If a federal state wants to take more stringent measures, there is this possibility. The federal government basically only stipulates minimum standards.
Regarding the FFP2 obligation for unvaccinated people in the trade, the minister said that he also “expressly” recommends vaccinated people to take this measure there. It should be checked by means of a random sample. At the same time, however, Kurz appealed for personal responsibility.
Health Minister Wolfgang Mckstein:
When asked when he was expecting level three, Mckstein did not want to respond. “The best way to ensure that we don’t have to go out level 3 at all is by sticking to the rules,” he appealed to the population to “pay attention”. The most important goal is to keep the intensive care units free and to avoid school closings across the board. Incidentally, the shortening of the test duration will not apply to the students, but the school test three times a week will be sufficient.
Tourism Minister Elisabeth Kstinger (VP) appealed to actually comply with the applicable 3G rules and also to monitor them. Because the declared goal is to “keep it open so that there will be no further lockdowns”.
Wagner with a vaccination appeal
On behalf of the federal states, Tyrolean governor Gnther Platter (VP) emphasized the great agreement with all federal states and municipalities. “The decisions are supported, we pull together. We expressly welcome the paradigm shift from the seven-day incidence to ICU occupancy.” The current chairman of the governor’s conference also made it clear that there should be no major restrictions for tourism in winter: “The coming winter season will take place.” A coordination meeting with the tourism industry should take place in the coming days.
In addition to the members of the government, the Vice Rector of the Med Uni Wien, Oswald Wagner, urged those who were still vaccinated to immunize: “Weigh that up. My urgent appeal: Get vaccinated. The vaccination is not only very effective, it is also very sure.” He also emphasized the need for a booster vaccination: “The third bite leads to very high antibody levels being generated.” The expert expects vaccinations for children under the age of twelve by the end of the year.
The government does not believe that the pandemic will end anytime soon. Kurz said that the fourth would be followed by a fifth and a sixth wave. You will have to live with the virus.
Stelzer welcomes nationwide measures
The Upper Austrian Governor Thomas Stelzer (VP) welcomed the nationwide protective measures after the Lnder Round, “because the virus knows no borders”. Furthermore, he repeated the demand for individualized reminders from the social security agencies to their insured persons for a booster vaccination. This could be done quickly and easily.
With the current measures, it is particularly important to him that those who have already been vaccinated are no longer burdened in the fight against the corona virus. At the same time, those who cannot be vaccinated – such as sick people and children – should be protected. The step-by-step plan that was agreed today meets these requirements and focuses on the utilization of the intensive care beds.
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