The new 5-step plan up to the “lockdown for the unvaccinated”

The new 5-step plan up to the “lockdown for the unvaccinated”

The measures currently remain the same, phase 1 of the plan, which has now been expanded to five levels, continues to apply.

The following is an overview:

STEP 1:

Stage one of the set of rules, which was first presented at the beginning of September, has been in force since September 15, when the ten percent capacity utilization in the intensive care units (ICU) with Covid patients was reached (or 200 occupied beds). Most recently, a good 220 corona patients were on Austria’s ICUs (or 11 percent utilization). In view of the rapidly growing number of infections, however, politicians fear an imminent increase towards level two.

In phase one, the higher-quality FFP2 mask is to be worn wherever a simple face protection had to be put on before the introduction of the “step-by-step plan”. This applies, for example, in supermarkets and other grocery stores, pharmacies, tobacconists and in public transport. In other trade (e.g. clothing or electronics stores) vaccinated and convalescent people are allowed to go into stores without a mask, while unvaccinated people have to wear an FFP2 mask. Stricter regulations already apply in Vienna and Salzburg, where the FFP2 mask is mandatory in all retail outlets.

Video: Virologist Steininger on the new step-by-step plan

With the entry into force of level one, the 3G rule was extended from the usual settings (e.g. gastronomy or events) to events of 25 people or more (previously 100 people). In level one, antigen tests are only valid for 24 hours for 3G detection (instead of 48 hours previously). Like before, PCR tests can be used for 72 hours. In Vienna, however, there are stricter requirements in this area than in the rest of Austria: Antigen tests are not valid (except for children under 12 years of age). The PCR test is only valid for 48 hours (72 hours for children under 12).

LEVEL 2:

Level two remains unchanged: seven days after an intensive care unit occupancy rate of 15 percent (300 beds) is exceeded, a 2G rule applies in night catering (and “similar settings”) as well as for events without assigned seats with more than 500 people, i.e. only more Those who have been vaccinated or have recovered have access. In addition, in level two antigen tests with self-acceptance (“living room tests”) are no longer valid as evidence for areas with a 3G entry rule. In the federal capital Vienna, exactly these tightenings have already been put into effect outside of the “phased plan”.

Video: Nowotny and Filzmaier on CoV measures

LEVEL 3:

If the occupancy rate is 20 percent (400 beds), step three follows. In areas with 3G, the antigen test then loses its validity throughout Austria. This means that only those who have been vaccinated, those who have recovered or who have a current PCR test would have access everywhere. What has been new since Friday is that this measure takes effect immediately when the limit value is exceeded. The seven-day waiting period previously envisaged is no longer applicable.

LEVEL 4:

The new phase four of the plan will take effect when the occupancy rate is 25 percent or 500 ICU beds are occupied. A “2G” rule is then planned in all “3G” areas: Unvaccinated people are prohibited from entering restaurants, hotels, events, cultural institutions, leisure facilities or sporting events. This also applies if a negative test is presented – regardless of whether it is antigen or PCR. According to the Ministry of Health, exact details are still being worked out, but body-hugging service providers such as hairdressers, for whom 3G evidence is currently required, could also be affected.

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LEVEL 5:

Should the intensive care unit occupancy even exceed 600 beds (or 30 percent), then phase five occurs, in which the 33 percent utilization of the intensive care capacities with Covid patients, which is considered “critical”, would almost be reached. This level brings “exit restrictions” for the unvaccinated – the lockdown known from earlier pandemic phases. This would mean that for all those who have neither a vaccination nor an upright convalescence status, leaving their own private living area would only be permitted in exceptional cases. Basic supplies (such as shopping) or the way to work are then allowed.

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