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Today in Austria For Members

Today in Austria: A roundup of the latest news on Thursday

Emma Midgley
Emma Midgley - [email protected]
Today in Austria: A roundup of the latest news on Thursday
It's looking gloomy and rainy out there today. (Photo by ALEXANDER KLEIN / AFP)

Every weekday, The Local brings you an English-language summary of the news you need to know in Austria.

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Austria takes first steps towards gas rationing

Austria has triggered the first phase of its emergency plans to deal with possible gas supply disruption due to a possible payments stand-off with Russia. The reason is Russia's announcement that future gas deliveries will need to be paid for in roubles, the climate ministry said on Wednesday. However, gas deliveries from Russia are currently continuing without restrictions.

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The domestic gas storage tanks in Austria are 13 percent full, which corresponds to the average in recent years, broadcaster ORF reports. In Austria, 80 percent of gas deliveries come from Russia.

On Wednesday, the Russian President Vladimir Putin also assured German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) that European companies can continue to pay their bills for Russian gas in euros,  news agency Reuters reports. 

Nehammer to travel to Berlin to discuss Ukraine with German Chancellor 

Austria’s Chancellor Karl Nehammer  and Integration Minister Susanne Raab (both ÖVP) are traveling to Berlin today to mee the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD), Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) and Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP). 

Nehammer wants to discuss how to bring about de-escalation and dialogue in Ukraine with Scholz. Both Austria and Germany are heavily dependent on Russian gas supplies and reject an energy embargo against Russia that Ukraine has called for.

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Infections are falling across all states in Austria but risk level is still high

There are a decreasing number of infections in Austria, meaning the risk number assigned by the Covid-19 traffic light commission has decreased in all states this week. Nevertheless, all federal states and the state of Austria as a whole will remain red (the highest risk level) in the latest assessment from the commission.

Vienna has the best risk number at 189.4. This figure takes into account case numbers along with factors such as patient age and vaccination status. Last week it was 229.8. To go into the high-risk orange zone, the number will have to sink below 100. Carinthia has the worst value with 337.3. As far as the number of Covid-19 cases is concerned, Tyrol has the best numbers and Lower Austria the worst.

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Who can get unlimited Covid-19 tests in April in Austria?

More details have been revealed about who will be eligible for unlimited Covid-19 testing once the offer is reduced to the general public in Austria in April. From Friday, April 1st, it will only be possible for most people to get five PCR and five antigen home tests per person per month. However, in hospitals, nursing homes and kindergartens, unlimited free testing can continue. Free testing will also remain for residents and staff at care facilities and health resorts. People who are 24-hour carers or assistants to disabled people are also exempt from the restriction, as are employees of rescue services. 

If you have a stash of Covid-19 tests stored away at home, these can still be used in April.  People with Covid-19 symptoms can also receive tests free of charge by calling the health hotline 1450.

READ MORE: Everything that changes in Austria in April 2022

Chair of anti-corruption committee accused of corruption

Yet another political scandal has been revealed in Austria. The Kronen Zietung reports the President of the National Council, Wolfgang Sobotka (ÖVP), who is also overseeing a committee looking into corruption within the ÖVP party, is being investigated for abuse of office. The reason for this is the discovery of phone messages from ex-polician Michael Kloibmüller which appear to show he interfered in the appointment process to a job in the Vienna Deputy State Police Headquarters in 2017. Andrea Jelinek applied to take on the job, but was prevented because she was believed to be too close to the rival SPÖ party, it is alleged. Sobotka has now resigned from chair of the committee looking into  corruption in Austrian politics. However, he says the accusations against him are politically motivated. SPÖ parliamentary group leader Jan Krainer pointed out an  ÖVP politician who is being investigated for corruption could not stay as chairman of a corruption investigation committee. 

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Funds to help pets and animals of people fleeing Ukraine

Austria’s Ministry of Social Affairs is providing 65,000 euros to help animals which have accompanied displaced people coming from Ukraine. The Kronen Zeitung reports animal protection organisations have been in crisis mode since the beginning of the pandemic, and the war has exacerbated this situation. The money will be given to animal shelters, clubs and animal welfare organisations which are supporting  Ukrainian refugees in caring for their pets.

Covid-19 pandemic has led to more time spent doing housework 

Austrians are using the time they have saved on commuting during coronavirus pandemic to do more cleaning  according to a survey from ImmoScout24. The survey found 57 percent of Austrians use the time gained for housework, and people aged under 30 are doing the most extra cleaning, the Kronen Zietung reports.

Change to upper limit for Ukrainian earnings

Refugees from Ukraine will be allowed to earn up to 485 euros a month, instead of the usual 110 euros. The decision was announced by the Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) after a conference with the refugee state councillors in Austria. There will also be an increased payment of 60 euros per month for people who are housing refugees. This means that a total of 180 euros per person is available to pay for private accommodation, broadcaster ORF reports. This extra payment will also be available for anyone housing asylum seekers.

According to Karner, 40,000 people from Ukraine have already been registered so far, and around 7,000 are now available for the job market. Vienna City Councillor Peter Hacker estimates that 200,000 to 250,000 people from Ukraine could seek shelter in Austria in future.

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