Austria: Authorities to tighten international coronavirus disease-related entry restrictions from Dec. 19 /update 17

Event

Health officials will tighten international entry restrictions from Dec. 19 through at least Jan. 10 as part of efforts to limit the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Travelers arriving from a designated “risk area” will be required to self-isolate for 10 days; however, those in quarantine can end after five days if the traveler presents a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test result. Crossborder commuters and those in transit are exempt from this requirement; business travelers are also exempt if they can provide proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival. From Dec. 19, all countries will be considered risk areas, with the exception of Australia, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, South Korea, Uruguay, and Vatican City.

Non-EEA/Schengen/UK nationals will be prohibited from entry, apart from nationals of designated “safe areas”, which currently comprise only Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and Uruguay; exceptions are in place for health workers, freight workers, diplomats, individuals in transit, and urgent or essential reasons decided on a case-by-case basis.

In addition, authorities will reimpose domestic restrictions from Dec. 26 in response to relatively high case numbers. The following new measures will apply:

A 24-hour curfew will be introduced, during which residents may only leave home for limited essential purposes.
Nonessential retailers, cultural sites such as museums and libraries, and personal care services, including hairdressers, must close.

These restrictions will apply until at least Jan. 18. Thereafter, people in possession of a recent negative PCR test result will reportedly be permitted to leave their residences; those not in possession of such a result will be required to remain at home for a further week.

The following measures remain in effect as of Dec. 18:

A curfew is in effect from 2000-0600, during which residents may only leave home for limited essential purposes.
Individuals may gather in groups of six adults and six children for up to two hours during non-curfew hours.
Nonessential retail must close at 1900 each day.
Restaurants, bars, and cafes must remain closed, except for takeaway and delivery services.
Fitness and leisure facilities as well as entertainment venues must remain closed.
Social events such as birthdays and weddings are prohibited; funerals may take place with up to 50 participants.

All businesses and services permitted to reopen must adhere to strict hygiene and social-distancing requirements. Protective facemasks are mandatory in all enclosed public spaces and outdoor public spaces where social distancing of one meter (three feet) cannot be maintained. Officials intend to relax restrictions slightly for the Christmas holiday period Dec. 24-25, when up to 10 people from 10 different households will be permitted to gather.

Authorities could amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.