Austria: Anti-COVID restrictions protest planned in Vienna Jan. 16

Event

Activists are planning to protest in central Vienna Jan. 16 to denounce restrictions related to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Participants will gather at 1300 on Stephansplatz; the event is scheduled to end at around 1800. Participation could reach the hundreds.

Although the gathering will probably breach current guidance on social distancing, authorities are unlikely to disperse the event if it remains peaceful. However, police will likely prevent participants from marching away from the demonstration venue; related security measures could prompt localized traffic and public transport disruptions. While the event will probably transpire without major incident, isolated scuffles between police and protesters are possible.

Advice

Remain alert in central Vienna Jan. 16 and avoid the demonstration as a routine security precaution. Allow additional travel time in the vicinity of Stephansplatz. Leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Adhere to all social distancing requirements.