Austria: Authorities extend COVID-19 lockdown in Lower Austria until May 2 /update 32

Austrian authorities extend COVID-19 lockdown in Lower Austria until May 2. Other restrictions remain in place.

Event

Local authorities in Lower Austria plan to extend the state's existing lockdown in an effort to prevent a spike in the spread of the UK variant of COVID-19. The measure, which was originally slated to expire on April 18, will remain in force until at least May 2. Nonessential businesses will remain closed for the duration of the lockdown. In addition, the nightly curfew is replaced with all-day restrictions on movement; residents may leave their homes only to purchase essential goods and get physical exercise. The same measures were also extended in Vienna until May 2 and are in force in Burgenland until April 18.

Nationwide, as of April 14, a 20:00-06:00 curfew remains in effect, during which residents may only leave their homes for limited essential purposes. Outside of curfew hours, up to four adults from a maximum of two different households are permitted to meet socially. Nonessential retailers are permitted to operate between the hours of 06:00-19:00 subject to strict social distancing protocols. In addition, individuals must keep at least 2 meters (6 feet) away from members of other households. The use of FFP2 or equivalent facemasks is required on public transport and in supermarkets and pharmacies; fabric coverings are not permitted.

International travel restrictions
Travel to Austria is generally only permitted from EEA countries, as well as Andorra, Australia, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, San Marino, Singapore, Switzerland, South Korea, and Vatican City. Exceptions are in place for nationals and residents of the permitted countries arriving from third countries, as well as for health workers, freight workers, diplomats, individuals in transit, and those traveling for urgent or essential reasons decided on a case-by-case basis.

Travelers arriving in Austria from designated "risk areas" must produce a negative result from a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test taken within the 72 hours prior to arrival, or an antigen test taken within 48 hours prior to arrival. Such travelers must also self-isolate for 10 days on arrival, though they can end self-isolation early by taking an additional COVID-19 test after five days. Cross-border commuters and those in transit are exempt from this requirement; business travelers are also exempt from the quarantine requirement if they can provide proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival. As of April 14, all countries are considered risk areas with the exception of Australia, Iceland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, and the Vatican City. All travelers, regardless of point of origin, must register with authorities prior to arrival; the required Pre-Travel Clearance form is available online.

Austria's existing ban on flights from Brazil and South Africa will remain in effect until at least April 18 in an effort to spread of variants of COVID-19 active in those countries. Cargo, repatriation, humanitarian, and medevac flights are exempt.

Additional restrictions may be imposed by local authorities based on localized case numbers. 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.