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Tyrolean party ski resort Ischgl
Photo: Eibner-Pressefoto / EXPA / Groder / imago images / Eibner Europa
One and a half years after the Corona outbreak in the Tyrolean ski resort of Ischgl, the first lawsuit for damages has begun in Vienna.
The plaintiffs are the surviving dependents of an Austrian who was infected with the virus on a skiing holiday in March 2020 and who later died.
The widow and son are now demanding 100,000 euros in damages from the Republic of Austria in a so-called official liability suit. The trial at the Regional Court for Civil Matters, which was opened with great media interest from home and abroad, is just the beginning of a series of negotiations. In general, the plaintiffs accuse the Republic of warning about the coronavirus, which is also rampant in Ischgl, too late and reacting too hesitantly. A settlement was rejected by Austria.
In the winter sports resort of Ischgl, known for its party scene, which is also known as the »Ibiza« of the Alps, a corona outbreak occurred in March 2020 in the middle of the ski season.
Hundreds of Austrians and thousands of foreign holidaymakers, including many Germans, were probably infected in overcrowded après-ski bars, among other places.
The winter sports enthusiasts who returned to their home countries then spread the virus across Europe.
The place with its around 11,000 guest beds has since been considered one of the hotspots for the spread of the virus.
The judgment is made in writing
The focus of criticism are the Tyrolean health authorities, which, according to the consumer protection association (VSV), would have closed the ski operation too hesitantly, although there should have been warnings from Iceland about infected holiday returnees.
The association represents the plaintiffs legally and has filed the lawsuits.
However, the authorities had spread that the Icelanders had a high probability of being infected on their return flight home.
The Tyrolean authorities reject the allegations.
The judge in the Vienna Regional Court on Friday did not allow any further scientific reports and requests for the submission of official minutes, which the plaintiff's attorney had requested.
Since all relevant information about the actions of the authorities is known, the proceedings will be closed, said the judge and announced a written judgment.
mfh / dpa