In Germany, corona tests will usually be chargeable from October 11th.
Austria is now taking a different path in this regard.
Vienna - The rules and measures to contain the coronavirus were often similar in Germany and Austria.
In one important point, however, the Alpine republic is now taking a different path.
While corona tests will usually be subject to a charge in Germany from October 11th, they will now remain free in the neighboring country.
Corona in Austria: Free tests extended until the end of March 2022
Early on in the pandemic, an important route in Austria was called: "Testing, testing, testing".
Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz (ÖVP) emphasized this again and again.
Contrary to the original plans to let the financing of the free corona tests run out in October, the health committee in Vienna decided on an extension on Tuesday (October 5).
Until the end of March 2022, the federal states and municipalities will receive grants for measures to cope with the corona pandemic.
This includes costs for vaccinations, for rescue missions, for protective equipment and also for tests.
Corona in Austria: Free "living room tests" end in October
Only the Corona self-tests for at home, the so-called "living room tests", will be chargeable in Austria from the end of October.
So far these have been given out in pharmacies.
According to Health Minister Wolfgang Mückstein (Greens), total costs of 360 million euros can be expected by the end of October.
In Germany, from October 11, corona rapid tests, which unvaccinated people often need to access restaurants or events, are usually to be paid for themselves.
This should motivate people to get vaccinated.
The prices for the tests vary.
The seven-day incidence in Austria on Tuesday was 143.3.
In Germany it was 62.3 on Wednesday, according to the RKI.
Health Minister Jens Spahn (CDU) and RKI boss Lothar Wieler are preparing for the upcoming Corona autumn in a press conference.
(ph / dpa)
