Austrian Ministry Of Tourism And Health Draws Up Rules For Safe Winter Tourism
To enable a safe and successful winter season, the Ministry of Tourism and Health have drawn up specific winter rules.
The existing 3-step plan already provides the legal framework in part:
- 1st stage: Currently
- 2nd stage: From 7 days after the intensive care bed occupancy rate has exceeded 15% (300 beds)
- 3rd level: From 7 days after the occupancy rate has exceeded 20% (400 beds)
Cableways
- 85 percent of the cable cars are open vehicles with a lower risk of infection and a journey time of less than 15 minutes. To secure the winter season, the cable car companies are taking additional measures for safe winter holidays in Austria.
- Level 1-3: For visitors to the cable car operations, it has been mandatory to wear an FFP2 mask in closed rooms since September 15, 2021.
- Introduction of the 3-G rule from the start of the season:
- If entry certificates are introduced, they must be checked when tickets are sold.
- Work is being carried out on a practical implementation for operators and visitors (e.g. linking the online sale of tickets for automated control).
- Visitors must always carry the valid 3-G certificate with them and present it as part of random checks.
- The obligation to wear an FFP2 mask remains.
- If the epidemiological measures are not observed by visitors, the cable car companies should be released from their transport obligation.
- Measures going beyond level 3 - in particular restrictions for the unvaccinated - will be carried out in line with the general measures.
Gastronomy and accommodation
- Level 1: the 3-G rule has been in effect since September 15: guests must present a valid negative test result, proof of vaccination or proof of recovery. It should be noted that the period of validity of the antigen tests has been shortened from 48 to 24 hours.
- From level 2 , antigen tests with self-acceptance ("living room tests") are no longer permitted as evidence of admission.
- If level 3 comes into force, rapid antigen tests (e.g. test street or pharmacies) are no longer valid as proof of access. Therefore, a valid negative PCR test result, proof of vaccination or proof of recovery is now considered as proof of entry.
- Measures going beyond level 3 - in particular restrictions for the unvaccinated - will be carried out in line with the general measures.
Après-ski and night gastronomy
- In general, the same rules apply to après-ski as to night-time gastronomy. At level 1 , guests must show a valid negative PCR test result, proof of vaccination or proof of recovery. An antibody detection or antigen test is not sufficient.
- For night gastronomy and après-ski establishments, the 2-G rule (vaccinated and convalescent - no more tests sufficient) will be introduced from level 2 .
- Regulations for unvaccinated employees: it is compulsory to wear an FFP2 mask and regular testing using a PCR test - but at least 3 times a week.
- In the future, reduced curfew and break curfew will be made possible for après-ski. In the future, in addition to the federal states and district administrative authorities, the municipalities should also be able to take stricter measures via the Covid-19 Measures Act or the Epidemic Act. Details are being checked.
