Austria: Authorities maintain COVID-19-related measures as of Jan. 6 /update 18

Austria maintains COVID-19-related measures as of Jan. 6; significant business and travel disruptions continue.

Event

Authorities in Austria are maintaining measures imposed to combat the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) until at least Jan. 24. 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.

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. As of 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 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. Flights with the UK are suspended until at least Jan. 10 due to a new variant of COVID-19 active in that country.

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.