A recovery is just as inadequate as an antigen test. The government has agreed on this. In addition, from August 15, the “Green Pass” is only valid if the second immunization has been completed. Ultimately, the obligation to register at events and in the catering trade remains in effect, contrary to original planning.
The agreement was announced by Health Minister Wolfgang Mckstein (Greens) and Tourism Minister Elisabeth Kstinger (VP) by broadcast on Thursday evening. This was preceded by the meeting of a task force with representatives of several ministers and the governor of Tyrol.
On Thursday, Mckstein also sent a letter – available to the APA – to the state health councils with the request to provide additional vaccination options for young people: Mobile vaccination boxes, focus points in communities with low vaccination rates or offers at popular meeting places are recommended by the head of department. From the minister’s point of view, speed is necessary because the experts said “that the window of time we have left to keep the pandemic in check with milder means is beginning to close,” the letter said.
The urge for stricter measures was consequently the result of an initiative by the health department. In one of the papers available to the APA in the morning, there was already talk of a currently “very worrying scenario”. It was stated that the increase in the numbers was recently underestimated. If this continues, “we will find ourselves in a threatening scenario in the foreseeable future”.
Dominance of the delta variant
The main reasons for the increase are the opening steps and easing of July 1, such as the opening of night-time restaurants, the dominance of the delta variant, which should already account for around 90 percent of infections, and travel-related cases. The effects could be dramatic. It starts with school operations in autumn, goes through the consequences for tourism if Austria is assessed as a risk area up to a higher number of breakthroughs in vaccination, i.e. of people who fall ill despite being immunized.
According to the health department, an increase in vaccination coverage and a timely and targeted withdrawal of opening steps or refraining from further easing steps could probably still slow down the threatening development. In the case of hesitant behavior, on the other hand, it is to be expected that serious containment measures, such as partial or real lockdowns, would be necessary.
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The proposals included maintaining the registration requirement and access to night-time catering only after vaccination, which was ultimately weakened by the option of PCR tests. One of the proposals, which at least for the time being will not be implemented, is that there should be a PCR test requirement for people entering from high-risk countries, and the list of these countries should be expanded.
To this end, consideration was given to extending the 3G rule. At best, it could also have been used in companies, had been considered in the health department. What is certain, however, is that only those who are fully immunized will receive the Green Passport, i.e., with the exception of Johnson & Johnson, who have been vaccinated twice. This means that any QR code issued after the first stitch will no longer be valid from mid-August. A second vaccination should therefore not be dispensed with if you want to save yourself a test.
Mask requirement in retail falls on July 22nd
Kstinger emphasized that they do not want to withdraw opening steps: “Therefore, we are now taking precautions in those areas from which we notice an increasing development of infection.” Mckstein stated in a broadcast that the spread of the Delta variant was cause for concern for him and a clear mandate to act. The Minister of Health was pleased about the quick communication and especially appealed to the boys to accept the vaccination offer.
In the “ZiB2”, Mckstein emphasized that, in view of the increasing numbers, one had to react early in order not to repeat the mistakes of the previous summer. Now there is still the possibility of “turning small screws”. If the intensive care units were to fill up again, it would be too late. The minister confirmed that on July 22nd, the mask requirement in ffis and supermarkets would remain in place, but would otherwise cease to exist in retail. Compulsory vaccination for teachers is currently not up for debate. Mckstein also announced that he was in talks with the federal states to expand the possibilities for PCR tests, as is the case in Vienna.
The Socialist Youth demanded free PCR tests all over Austria. SJ chairman Paul Stich pointed out that outside of Vienna, PCR tests are sometimes associated with high costs and demanded: “Celebrating must not be dependent on money.” Medical Association President Thomas Szekeres and the microbiologist Michael Wagner from the University of Vienna again pleaded for mandatory masking in indoor areas.
Video: Analysis of the tightening
Tyrolean governor Gnther Platter (VP), currently also chairman of the governor’s conference, described the night gastronomy measures at APA’s request as “necessary” because of the inadequate vaccination progress among the boys. At the same time, however, Platter clearly warned against an “overreaction” with increasing incidence figures. It is important “not to create insecurity by overreacting, but to convey confidence and optimus”. Because the most important message is: “The vaccination is working”. This is proven by the vaccinated district of Schwaz. One has to “move away from staring at the incidence and towards closer observation of hospitalizations and intensive care units”, affirmed the state chief of the statements made in his inaugural address in the Federal Council. “It is very clear that the vaccination protects against the virus and a severe course. It is therefore important that as many people as possible get vaccinated and protect themselves and others,” said the Platter.
The Chamber of Commerce showed understanding for the concern about the increasing numbers, but appealed to those responsible to “take necessary measures with a sense of proportion and caution”. Because night gastronomy is one of those industries that has been extremely affected by the effects of the corona pandemic in recent months and continues to be. The greatest possible security for all people is still important, just as it is important not to jeopardize the economic upswing that has just begun, according to the WK. That is why the business community is calling on young people in particular to make use of the wide range of vaccinations available.
