Mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ) announced this on Tuesday. In addition, customers will have to wear an FFP2 mask again in all retail outlets.
In addition, a PCR test must be carried out in all areas where a corona test is still valid. Antigen tests are no longer valid there – for example in gastronomy. The regulation will apply from October 1, initially for one month, as Ludwig emphasized.
The mayor of Vienna met with experts again on Tuesday to decide how to proceed in Vienna. When presenting the measures, he referred to the increasing number of patients in hospitals and emphasized that in countries with a high vaccination rate, measures could already be relaxed – for example in Denmark.
The medical director of the Vienna Health Association, Michael Binder, reported that nine out of ten intensive care patients were not vaccinated. The – comparatively few – vaccinated people with severe courses mostly had previous illnesses. In the hospitals, the infection process is already having an impact on other patients. Planned interventions are being postponed again, said Binder.
Measures are intended to increase vaccination coverage
The measures that have now been decided are intended to further increase the vaccination rate in Vienna, emphasized Ludwig. In addition, the rules should become more uniform and understandable. This means that where 3G was previously valid, it is reduced to “two and a half G”. Only PCR test certificates are allowed.
There is no test option at all in night restaurants and bars, as well as in meetings of 500 or more people. However, there is one exception in these areas: PCR detection is also sufficient for employees. There is no distinction between the events as to whether they are an open-air event or an indoor location. The question of whether or not seats have been allocated is also irrelevant.
The fact that the FFP2 mask is returning throughout retail is also standardization. Because in the food trade or in drugstores it must already be worn in accordance with federal regulations. A special Vienna regulation also provides that mouth and nose protection must at least be used in other shops. This is no longer allowed from October 1st.
Ludwig justified the fact that the measures would only come into effect at the beginning of the next month by saying that they wanted to give the companies time to implement them. Incidentally, the new rules apply to people aged twelve and over. Nothing changes for younger kids.
Ludwig also spoke out today in favor of more restrictive rules in the workplace, such as the introduction of a 3G certificate. “A two and a half G solution would be even better,” he added. However, this must be implemented by the federal government, said Ludwig – who recommended involving the social partners here.
