Omikron currently "no acute threat": Far-reaching corona easing in Austria

Created: 2022-02-09 13:54

By: Patrick Huljina

Austria's Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) announced new corona relaxations.

(Archive image) © Hans Punz/APA/dpa

Relief “appropriate to the epidemiological situation”.

This is what Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer calls the new relaxation of the corona rules in Austria.

Vienna – In Austria, Omikron is also currently responsible for high numbers of infections with the corona virus.

The authorities registered almost 27,000 new cases from Monday to Tuesday (February 8).

However, the stable and predictable situation in the hospitals offers the opportunity to initiate further opening steps.

This was stated by Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) and Minister of Health Wolfgang Mückstein (Greens).

Corona in Austria: Omikron is currently "no acute threat" - loosening on February 12

"The next opening steps will take place from February 12," announced Nehammer in a press release.

"In contrast to previous corona waves, Omikron does not currently pose an acute threat to our healthcare system. The development in normal and intensive care units is stable and does not overwhelm medical capacities," said the Austrian Chancellor.

The easing would bring relief “that is appropriate to the epidemiological situation”. 

The new corona loosening in Austria from February 12 at a glance:

• The 2G rule in general trade no longer applies.

  There is only one FFP2 obligation.

• The same applies to museums, art galleries, libraries, etc.

• The 2G rule does not apply to body-related services, such as a visit to the hairdresser.

  The 3G rule and an FFP2 obligation apply there.

• There are no longer any upper limits for people at events.

  However, the 2G rule remains in place.

Corona loosening in Austria: Nehammer and Mückstein warn of caution

Despite the easing, Nehammer appealed to the caution of the Austrian population.

"Do not only wear your FFP2 mask where it is mandatory anyway, but also when you are among many people," said the Chancellor.

He also called again for a corona vaccination.

Last Saturday (February 5th), the general vaccination requirement came into force in the Alpine Republic anyway.

Austria's Health Minister Mückstein explained: "Despite the high number of infections, our health system is currently protected against overload.

The current forecasts therefore enable us to relax the protective measures step by step.” However, he also continued to urge caution and asked “to continue to rely on the tried-and-tested safety net with FFP2 masks.”