Coronavirus: new infections in Austria at their highest level

A high of 9,943 new corona infections and a seven-day incidence of 566.8: The pandemic situation in Austria is worsening. The nationwide 2G regulation, which will apply from Monday, is intended to remedy the situation.

Shortly before the introduction of a nationwide 2G rule in Austria, the number of daily new corona infections climbed to a high. According to the official statistics from Saturday, 9943 infections were counted within 24 hours. The previous high was 9586 and was reached in November of the previous year.

The seven-day incidence rose to 566.8, according to the Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES). Regionally, Upper Austria has the highest incidence (872.6), followed by the state of Salzburg (869.3). The value is lowest in the capital Vienna (347.3) and in Burgenland (430.4).

Tourism industry for 2G

In view of the rapidly increasing number of cases and the filling intensive care units, the government increased the pressure on unvaccinated people on Friday and announced that from Monday only those who have been vaccinated or those recovered from Covid-19 (2G rule) will have access to bars, events and hotels. The tourism sector and ski areas are therefore also affected by this partial lockdown for unvaccinated people. The rule also applies to service providers such as hairdressers, massage parlors or nail salons. The Austrian federal states support this step without exception.

The hospitality and tourism industries also showed understanding for the move: The government had no other choice because of the contagion dynamics, said Robert Seeber, who represents the division in the Chamber of Commerce. “In addition, the responsible handling of the infection rate is an important signal to our markets of origin, especially to Germany.” Everything must now be done to prevent travel warnings during the ski season.

Third-party vaccinations should also progress

In Austria, 64 percent of the total population have been fully vaccinated so far – slightly less than in Germany, where 67.1 percent received the second dose of vaccine. The Austrian government now hopes that those who are hesitant or indecisive will decide to vaccinate as a result of the tightening. Third-party vaccinations are also to be promoted: The Green Pass, the “entry ticket” to places where the 2G rule applies, loses its validity nine months after the second vaccination. It can be extended with a booster vaccination.