Austria: Authorities extend domestic COVID-19 measures through Feb. 7 /update 20

Austria extends and tightens domestic COVID-19 measures through Feb. 7; international measures remain.

Event

Authorities have tightened and extended domestic coronavirus disease (COVID-19) measures until at least Feb. 7. A 24-hour curfew is in effect, during which time 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. In addition, new measures include:

Social distancing requirements will increase from 1 meter (3 feet) to 2 meters (6 feet).
From Jan. 25, individuals must wear an FFP2 facemask or equivalent on public transport and in supermarkets and pharmacies; fabric coverings will longer be permitted.

International Restrictions
Authorities require all individuals entering the country to register with authorities prior to arrival. The required Pre-Travel-Clearance form is available online.

Travel is only permitted from EEA/EU countries in addition to Switzerland, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City, the UK, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and Uruguay. Limited exceptions are in place for nationals and residents of the permitted countries, health workers, freight workers, diplomats, individuals in transit, and urgent or essential reasons decided on a case-by-case basis. Flights with the UK are suspended until at least Jan. 24 due to a new variant of COVID-19 active in that country.

As of Jan. 17, all countries are considered risk areas, with the exception of Australia, Finland, Greece, Iceland, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, and Vatican City. All permitted travelers arriving from other countries are required to self-isolate for 10 days on arrival; however, this can be ended early by taking a COVID-19 test no sooner than five days after arrival. Cross-border 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.

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.