Today in Austria: A roundup of the latest news on Friday
Find out what's going on in Austria on Friday with The Local's short roundup of today's important news.
Warnings over Delta variant from Austria’s Covid-19 commission
Austria’s Coronavirus Traffic Light Commission is concerned about the spread of the delta variant and warns of a "systemic risk" in summer, broadcaster ORF reports. However the commission also stated on Thursday that the Covid-19 risk assessment for all of Austria and for all federal states was to be classified as low”.
The delta variant, or the virus mutation B.1.617.2, is not only more infectious than previous mutations, but also lead to more severe courses of the disease, especially in the non-vaccinated population.
Around 6.3 percent of cases in Austria involve the delta variant, which initially appeared on a large scale in India. The commission called for faster vaccination and more PCR testing.
READ MORE: What is Austria's new five-colour Covid traffic light system?
Seven day incidence is 15.5
The 7 day incidence, or the number of new infections with the coronavirus in the past seven days per 100,000 inhabitants, is 15.5. No federal state has a value more than 30, Styria (7.3), Salzburg (8.8) and Burgenland (8.5) are below, Carinthia at 10.0. Vienna has the highest value with 29.2.
Further easing of coronavirus pandemic measures in July
As The Local reported on Thursday, further easing of coronavirus pandemic restrictions are set for July, though the 3G requirement (showing proof that you have been vaccinated, have tested negative or have recovered from the virus) will stay in place.
Bars and restaurants will no longer have to close at midnight, while capacity and space restrictions will be dropped in almost all industries.
Drinking at the bar and dancing will be allowed again and clubs can open up again to 75 percent capacity. In addition, the FFP2 mask rules for shops and restaurants will be relaxed.
READ MORE:
- ‘3G Rule’: How to prove you have been vaccinated, tested or recovered from Covid in Austria
- ’Fun is back’: Austria announces further opening steps
Million pound cycle path project for Salzburg
The city of Salzburg will create a major cycle path costing one million euros. It will stretch for one kilometer along the Innsbruck main road between the Maxglaner junction and the airport underpass. Construction is to start in 2022.
Bonus for hospital and care staff
Austria’s National Council decided on Thursday on a bonus for employees in hospitals and care homes because of the coronavirus pandemic. It should average out at around 500 euros per person. The ruling coalition (ÖVP and Greens) said it meant the work of these people during the pandemic would be recognised, the opposition criticised a "wishy-washy motion" in which numerous employees had been forgotten. Cleaning staff will be included in the bonus scheme but not builders.
Individual states or institutions can decide what bonus is appropriate, for example in the case of a worker in intensive care or on a Covid-19 ward.
Tyrol Governor wants to shoot local wolves
Austria’s Agricultural Councillor Josef Geisler (ÖVP) is hoping to follow Finland’s example and make it legal to shoot "problem wolves" in Tyrol. Wolves should be shot there if herd protection measures do not work, Geisler told the APA. This year, there has been one wolf and four bear attacks which have led to farm animals being killed in Tyrol.
Last year there were 250 incidents in which sheep and goats were injured or disappeared due to large predators. Geisler said in nearby Italian Trentino, around 100 young wolves are born every year.
READ MORE: Seven hazards to avoid when you’re outside in Austria
Compulsory vaccination for new hospital staff in Styria
In Styria, new employees in hospitals must be vaccinated against Covid-19, following a meeting - this is the direction in which representatives of Med-Uni, hospitals and the state of Styria on Thursday afternoon. As The Local reported on Thursday, this is already the case in Vienna.
READ MORE: Covid-19 vaccinations compulsory for all new health and social workers in Vienna
See Also
Warnings over Delta variant from Austria’s Covid-19 commission
Austria’s Coronavirus Traffic Light Commission is concerned about the spread of the delta variant and warns of a "systemic risk" in summer, broadcaster ORF reports. However the commission also stated on Thursday that the Covid-19 risk assessment for all of Austria and for all federal states was to be classified as low”.
The delta variant, or the virus mutation B.1.617.2, is not only more infectious than previous mutations, but also lead to more severe courses of the disease, especially in the non-vaccinated population.
Around 6.3 percent of cases in Austria involve the delta variant, which initially appeared on a large scale in India. The commission called for faster vaccination and more PCR testing.
READ MORE: What is Austria's new five-colour Covid traffic light system?
Seven day incidence is 15.5
The 7 day incidence, or the number of new infections with the coronavirus in the past seven days per 100,000 inhabitants, is 15.5. No federal state has a value more than 30, Styria (7.3), Salzburg (8.8) and Burgenland (8.5) are below, Carinthia at 10.0. Vienna has the highest value with 29.2.
Further easing of coronavirus pandemic measures in July
As The Local reported on Thursday, further easing of coronavirus pandemic restrictions are set for July, though the 3G requirement (showing proof that you have been vaccinated, have tested negative or have recovered from the virus) will stay in place.
Bars and restaurants will no longer have to close at midnight, while capacity and space restrictions will be dropped in almost all industries.
Drinking at the bar and dancing will be allowed again and clubs can open up again to 75 percent capacity. In addition, the FFP2 mask rules for shops and restaurants will be relaxed.
READ MORE:
- ‘3G Rule’: How to prove you have been vaccinated, tested or recovered from Covid in Austria
- ’Fun is back’: Austria announces further opening steps
Million pound cycle path project for Salzburg
The city of Salzburg will create a major cycle path costing one million euros. It will stretch for one kilometer along the Innsbruck main road between the Maxglaner junction and the airport underpass. Construction is to start in 2022.
Bonus for hospital and care staff
Austria’s National Council decided on Thursday on a bonus for employees in hospitals and care homes because of the coronavirus pandemic. It should average out at around 500 euros per person. The ruling coalition (ÖVP and Greens) said it meant the work of these people during the pandemic would be recognised, the opposition criticised a "wishy-washy motion" in which numerous employees had been forgotten. Cleaning staff will be included in the bonus scheme but not builders.
Individual states or institutions can decide what bonus is appropriate, for example in the case of a worker in intensive care or on a Covid-19 ward.
Tyrol Governor wants to shoot local wolves
Austria’s Agricultural Councillor Josef Geisler (ÖVP) is hoping to follow Finland’s example and make it legal to shoot "problem wolves" in Tyrol. Wolves should be shot there if herd protection measures do not work, Geisler told the APA. This year, there has been one wolf and four bear attacks which have led to farm animals being killed in Tyrol.
Last year there were 250 incidents in which sheep and goats were injured or disappeared due to large predators. Geisler said in nearby Italian Trentino, around 100 young wolves are born every year.
READ MORE: Seven hazards to avoid when you’re outside in Austria
Compulsory vaccination for new hospital staff in Styria
In Styria, new employees in hospitals must be vaccinated against Covid-19, following a meeting - this is the direction in which representatives of Med-Uni, hospitals and the state of Styria on Thursday afternoon. As The Local reported on Thursday, this is already the case in Vienna.
READ MORE: Covid-19 vaccinations compulsory for all new health and social workers in Vienna
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