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Nov 23, 2023By Laura Kabelka | EURACTIV.de
25-05-2022
For the rest of Austria, the suspension of the mask requirement is set to last for three months as Rauch expects the obligation to return. [Shutterstock/Maria Junge Fotografie]
Languages: Deutsch
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Austria further relaxed COVID-19 measures on Tuesday, while Vienna chose to keep its obligation to wear FFP2 masks on public transport and in shops.
At a press conference on Tuesday (24 May), Health Minister Johannes Rauch from the Green party and EU and Constitutional Minister Karoline Edtstadler from the conservative ÖVP said, while the pandemic was not over, it was providing "a space to breathe."
As of 1 June, wearing FFP2-masks will not be obligatory anymore in public transport or shops. In vulnerable settings, such as hospitals, doctors’ practices, or care facilities, facemasks continue to be mandatory.
Rauch still recommended wearing the mask in busy areas hoping that citizens will make responsible risk assessments. "We have to leave the crisis mode and learn to live with the pandemic," Rauch added.
On Tuesday evening (24 May), Vienna's Social Democrat mayor Michael Ludwig announced that Vienna is choosing a stricter path, keeping the mask obligation for public transport and shops. "We were always on the safe side in Vienna throughout the Corona crisis," Ludwig said.
For the rest of Austria, the suspension of the mask requirement is set to last for three months as Rauch expects the obligation to return.
The opposition, as well as scientists, were quick to express their discontent.
Microbiologist Michael Wagner from the University of Vienna criticised the lack of solidarity with vulnerable groups.
The right-wing Freedom Party (FPÖ) and the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) strongly criticised the new rules. At the same time, the liberal party Neos considered the suspension of the mask requirement as positive but pointed out that preparations for the autumn are needed.
Since the mask requirement was supposed to have remained in place until 8 July, SPÖ health spokesperson Philip Kucher called the government's new announcements an "unreasonable confusion."
Apart from the mask requirements, the planned mandatory vaccination is still suspended and will be reconsidered after the summer. Daily PCR tests at schools will also be discontinued from 1 June, according to Education Minister Martin Polaschek from the ÖVP.
Languages: Deutsch
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