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A New Start for Tourism in Austria: Opening of Accommodation Facilities with up to 65,000 Corona Tests per Week
Austria now wants to present itself as a particularly safe travel destination and is therefore planning up to 65,000 corona tests per week for tourism businesses from the beginning of July. The aim is to give foreign guests a feeling of security. The Austrian National Tourist Office is also preparing intensive advertising campaigns and will have a budget of 40 million euros for this purpose.
May 26, 2020
Austria Becomes Self-sufficient in the Supply of Mouth and Nose Masks
Hygiene Austria LP GmbH, founded only 4 weeks ago by a cooperation of Lenzing AG and Palmers Textil AG with the aim of producing and selling protective masks for the domestic and European market, was made known to a wider public today by the visit of Federal Chancellor Kurz and Minister of Labour Christine Aschbacher, and two weeks ago by the visit of Federal Minister Margarete Schramböck.
May 19, 2020
COVID-19: Overview of the Current Measures of the City of Vienna
The coronavirus crisis has had Austria in its grip since mid-March. Now the measures are being gradually eased again. Current information on all measures and restrictions in Vienna. Restaurants, church services, outdoor animal parks, outdoor sports, etc. will be reopened from 15 May, hotels from 29 May.
May 14, 2020
Postcorona Future: American and Austrian Artists Engage in Virtual Dialogues
Austrian diplomatic institutions in the USA have joined forces under the auspices of the Austrian Cultural Forum Washington in order to give artists on both sides of the Atlantic, whose existence is threatened by the Corona crisis, the opportunity of a virtual vernissage "No-Place like the Future", because artists have to be connected with other people, with their artist colleagues and with the world as a whole in order to be themselves.
May 14, 2020
Corona Package of EUR 500 Mio to Relief the Catering Industry
The Austrian coalition government today introduced a bill in the National Council that specifies the tax relief for the catering and restaurant industry. The tax on sparkling wine will fall and the value added tax on non-alcoholic beverages will be reduced.
May 13, 2020
City of Vienna Gives Away 40 Million Euros for Gastronomy Consumption
This is how the second wave of the coronavirus will be boosted. After two months of corona lockdown, the gastronomy industry is opening up again this Friday, May 15. In order to boost the new start of coffee houses, pubs and restaurants, the City of Vienna is "giving" the 950,000 Viennese households gastronomy vouchers worth 25 or 50 euros (depending on the size of the household). Mayor Michael Ludwig (of the Social Democratic Party of Austria) declared on Wednesday "Yes, we can afford it!
May 13, 2020
Austria Invests 2.4 Billion Euro for School Development Programme
Over the next few years, 2.4 billion euros are to be invested in Austria's schools. This would serve a modernization push with new buildings, but also a digitalization push.
May 13, 2020
United Nations: How to Qualify for the Space4Youth Competition?
The Space4Youth competition for young people worldwide to share their ideas on space policy and exploration strives to elevate the voice of youth and to show how young people can contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
May 13, 2020
Viennese Public Transit Network: Normal Service Again from 18 May
The Viennese Lines (Wiener Linien) increased their operations further on 11 May. Normal service with peaks of up to two minutes is planned again from 18 May.
May 11, 2020
Coronavirus in Austria: Live-Ticker (Our live coverage has now concluded)
This live ticker has been terminated. Our live coverage has now concluded.
May 1, 2020
Coronavirus in Europe: Update
European coronavirus infections have passed 1,000,000. The number of deaths has now reached 166,007. According to the WHO World Health Organisation, the epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) is still in Europe, together with the US, where there are now more deaths than in the rest of the world. The number of infected and dead people is still doubling every four days in most European countries. Most of the 32 European countries presented in this study are under a state of emergency with curfews and border controls. There is also a lack of doctors, lung respiratory equipment and hospital beds. Following the situation update for the European Union, EEA, United Kingdom and Switzerland, as of April 21, 2020.
April 21, 2020
Coronavirus Tracing Apps: What is the EC's Position on this?
The European Commission has published a guidance on the development of new apps that support the fight against coronavirus in relation to data protection and intends to ensure full data protection standards of apps fighting the pandemic.
April 20, 2020
Contact Tracing: How Does Infection Chain Tracing Work in Austria?
The debate about the advantages and disadvantages of how COVID-19 risk patients can be quickly located and suspected cases isolated has erupted. The Austrian Federal Ministry of the Interior now gave an interesting insight into how "contact tracing" has worked in several hundred cases in Upper Austria and Styria.
April 20, 2020
COVID-19: A New Insight into the Number of Unrecorded Cases
Based on new data, the previous spread of the COVID 19 epidemic in Austria was reassessed. This allows new deeper insights into the time development of the number of unreported cases. "We must proceed cautiously in this, because we would not immediately recognize a second wave of infection from the officially confirmed figures, but only after a delay" says Niki Popper, head of the research team.
April 20, 2020
Review of the Austrian Repatriation and Emergency Flights Programme
A total of more than 7,500 persons were brought back safely to Austria in 39 flights organised by the Foreign Ministry.
April 13, 2020
India and Slovak Republic Rejoin Global Research Institute IIASA
The two former member countries India and Slovak Republic have rejoined the international Research Institute "IIASA - International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis" in Laxenburg near Vienna in recognition of their mutual benefits of scientific collaboration in a broad field of activities of global concern and interest.
April 8, 2020
In an Age of Global Disasters: What is the Task of the Incident and Emergency Centre?
The coronavirus pandemic has probably made it clear to everyone that people and countries should protect themselves better against unforeseeable or potentially fatal dangers, be they virus pandemics or nuclear and radiological incidents and emergencies, regardless of whether they arise from accident, negligence or deliberate act. The Incident and Emergency Centre in Vienna as part of the IAEA is the global focal point for international emergency preparedness, communication and response to precisely such incidents and emergencies.
April 8, 2020
The Corona Crisis has the City in a Stranglehold, but Meanwhile You Can Experience Vienna Through Virtual Tours
Even though their doors are closed, Vienna's countless attractions are still worth a virtual visit. The portal wien.info, a project of the Vienna Tourist Board (WienTourismus) has compiled an up-to-date link collection of virtual guided tours and exhibitions in Vienna's most beautiful and important institutions. Worth to be viewed.
April 7, 2020
Explosive Corona Papers: Tens of Thousands of Additional Deaths in Austria
An internal study prepared for the government by a commission of experts on the COVID19 crisis shows a gloomy forecast for Austria. The paper states that under the realistic assumption of a replication factor of 1.7 (i.e. 1 person infects 1.7 people), the Austrian health system will collapse. If it is not possible to push the replication factor below the value of 1, tens of thousands of additional deaths and a collapse of the health care system can be expected in Austria by mid-April.
April 1, 2020
Vienna International Centre: Meanwhile Nine COVID-19 Cases Among VIC Personnel
The VIC Medical Service reports, that there are three more confirmed cases of COVID-19 involving VIC personnel. Still, all employees of the organizations located at the VIC are to work from their home offices. Update: As of March, 31, the cumulative total of COVID-19 among VIC personnel is 10 cases. Update: As of Tuesday, March 31, the cumulative total of COVID-19 among VIC personnel is 10 cases.
March 30, 2020 · Updated: March 31, 2020; 22:30
The US Perspective on the Coronavirus Situation in Austria
With 160.00 COVID-19 infected, the United States already took over the sad lead of the list of countries with the most infected. With almost 3,000 deaths, the USA is still in fifth place. But what is the official standpoint of the USA or the State Department towards Austria and what stay-related actions are recommended to US citizens in Austria?
March 30, 2020
UN Secretary General: "COVID-19 Threatens All Humanity"
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres launches a worldwide UN emergency appeal for help to combat the pathogen of the lung disease Covid-19 in the poorest countries of the world. The war chest is to be filled with two billion US-dollars by the end of the year.
March 26, 2020
Climate Change - Austrian World Summit Postponed
Arnold Schwarzenegger's ambitious climate project in Vienna falls victim to the coronavirus and has to be postponed until autumn.
March 24, 2020
Vienna Rainbow Parade and Vienna Pride 2020 Cancelled
The most important event of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender movement in Austria, the Viennese version of the Rainbow Parade, a political demonstration and a colourful parade, which is held annually on the Ringstrasse and promotes equal rights for gays and lesbians, had to be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
March 24, 2020
COVID-19 Measures in Vienna: Impact on Public Life
Nothing's the way it was. In order to contain the spread of the coronavirus, the freedom of movement in public spaces has been massively restricted. There are new rules for social contacts, sports fields, events, gastronomy, food supply, municipal supply, public transport, driving cars and dog owners. What remains allowed? What am I still allowed to do, what is no longer allowed?
March 18, 2020
Wieder Grenzkontrollen zwischen Deutschland und Österreich
Im Zuge der "vermeintlich" aus Deutschland kommenden Corona-Gefahr, schottet sich Österreich seit heute weiter von seinen Nachbarn ab. Laut Innenminister Nehammer sei die Maßnahme „eine von vielen wichtigen zur Eindämmung der Ausbreitung des Corona-Virus".
March 18, 2020
Coronavirus Prohibitions in Austria - Which Shops and Services are still Open?
Many people are confused due to the short-term decision to prohibit access to the customer area of business premises of retail and service companies as well as leisure and sports businesses, and wonder which essential items and services of daily life are still available. Below is a current list in force since Monday, 16 March 2020.
March 17, 2020
By Car in Vienna: City Suspends Short Term Parking Zones
The City of Vienna is lifting the existing short-term parking zone regulation for a limited period of time because many people are increasingly using their cars again for fear of infection with the coronavirus. Garage spaces will also become cheaper.
March 17, 2020
Erster COVID-19 Fall in der Wiener UNO-City bestätigt
Das Vienna International Centre bestätigt den ersten Fall einer Infizierung, wonach eine Person die bereits am 2. März vermeintlich an Influenza erkrankt ist, nun doch am Coronavirus erkrankt ist. Keiner der Ersthelfer habe aber in den letzten 14 Tagen irgendwelche Symptome entwickelt.
March 17, 2020
First COVID-19 Case at Vienna International Centre Confirmed
The VIC Vienna International Centre (UNO-City) confirms the first case of coronavirus infection, according to which a person who was thought to have contracted influenza as early as 2 March is now infected with coronavirus after all. According to the VIC, none of the first responders have developed any symptoms in the last 14 days.
March 17, 2020
COVID-19: "How do we get through this, Mr. President?"
Alexander Van der Bellen spoke to the "Kronen Zeitung" about an unprecedented threat: "In Austria we want to avoid a situation in hospitals where doctors have to decide who gets the oxygen, the 70-year-old or the 60-year-old."
March 16, 2020
Information Campaign on Coronavirus in 11 Foreign Languages
As part of an information campaign for people with a migration background on how to contain the coronavirus (COVID-19), extensive information is now available in 11 foreign languages, including Arabic, Chinese, Dari/Farsi, English, French, Pashto, Polish, Russian, Somali, Turkish and Bosnian-Serbian-Croatian.
March 16, 2020
COVID-19 Bill Adopted by National Council and Upper House of Parliament
Both the National Council and the Federal Council today approved the major legislative package to deal with the coronavirus crisis. The signing by the Federal President took already place this evening.
March 15, 2020
Corona: How do I tell my kid, and all those guys who do not want to hear it?
A simple but entertaining video by the City of Vienna, explains to children and adults alike what Corona is all about and clearly explains the measures that are now necessary for developing a sense of responsibility for one's fellow human beings.
March 15, 2020
Austrian Embassies and Consulates Suspend the Issue of Visas
In view of the coronavirus crisis, which has also erupted in Austria, and the related efforts to restrict travel and visits, the Austrian diplomatic missions, i.e. embassies and consulates worldwide, saw themselves forced to suspend the processing of visas.
March 14, 2020
COVID-19: Further Drastic Measures - Reduction of Social Life to a Minimum
In order to slow down the spread of the virus, it is necessary for the Austrian population to continue to take consistent measures, in particular to reduce social contacts to a minimum in the near future.
March 13, 2020
State of Emergency in Austria: Federal Government Appeals to Population
The Federal Government informed about further necessary steps and the current situation regarding coronavirus. From Monday, March 16, 2020, social life will be reduced to a minimum. Air and train traffic to Switzerland, Spain and France will be suspended. Many shops will be closed, with the exception of those necessary for basic services. Public transport will be maintained. With a few exceptions, cafés, restaurants and bars will only be open until 3 p.m. from Monday onwards. Visitors are prohibited in all hospitals.
March 13, 2020
Highest Security Level: Austria also Suspends Travelling with Switzerland, Spain and France
In addition to Italy, air and rail traffic to Switzerland, Spain and France will now be discontinued. Alongside the existing border controls, checks are now also carried out at the border to Switzerland. The highest travel warning (security level 6) applies to all 4 countries (incl. Italy). As a result of recent decisions, security level 6 now applies to 6 countries: Italy, Iran, parts of China, Switzerland, Spain and France. The Austrian government's "goal is to prevent a situation like that in Italy with all democratic possibilities".
March 13, 2020
Hohes Sicherheitsrisiko - Reisewarnung an Österreicher zurückzukehren, solange noch möglich
Aufgrund der Coronavirus-Krise hat Österreich's Außenminister Schallenberg die Reisewarnung für alle Länder weltweit auf "Hohes Sicherheitsrisiko" (Sicherheitsstufe 4 von 6) hinaufgesetzt. Er ruft dazu auf, nach Österreich zurückzukehren, solange noch Rückreisemöglichkeiten bestehen.
March 13, 2020
High Security Risk - Travel Warning for Austrians to Return as Long as Still Possible
Due to the coronavirus crisis, Austria's Foreign Minister Schallenberg has raised the travel warning for all countries worldwide to "high security risk" (security level 4 of 6). He is calling for citizens to return to Austria as long as there are still opportunities for return travel.
March 13, 2020
Coronavirus: VIC schickt Mitarbeiter zur Heimarbeit
Das Vienna International Centre (VIC) verstärkt seine Sicherheitsmaßnahmen gegen das Coronavirus. Alle Angestellten der, im VIC ansässigen Organisationen, sollen von Montag, dem 16. März bis Freitag, dem 3. April von Zuhause aus arbeiten.
March 12, 2020
Austria Reports First Death from COVID-19
The first death in Austria due to the coronavirus was reported from Vienna today. A 69-year-old man died last night in the Kaiser-Franz-Josef Hospital.
March 12, 2020
Vienna International Centre Adopts Security Measures against the Coronavirus
In order to ensure the security of the approximately 5000 international diplomats, scientists and support staff working at the VIC, the heads of the 4 largest organizations UN in Vienna/UNODC, IAEA, UNIDO and CTBTO PrepCom have today decided on a number of the following measures.
March 11, 2020
Vienna International Centre ergreift Sicherheitsmaßnahmen gegen das Coronavirus
Um die Sicherheit der ca. 5000 im VIC arbeitenden internationalen Diplomaten, Wissenschaftler und Support Staff zu gewährleisten, haben heute die Leiter der 4 größten Organisationen UN in Vienna/UNODC, IAEA, UNIDO und CTBTO PrepCom eine Reihe folgender Maßnahmen beschlossen..
March 11, 2020
Neubesetzung von 24 österreichischen Diplomatenposten weltweit beschlossen
Heute hat der Ministerrat des BMEIA Federal Ministry for Europe Integration and Foreign Affairs die Besetzung mehrerer österreichischer diplomatischer Leitungsfunktionen im Ausland beschlossen.
March 11, 2020
Coronavirus: Austria Declares Entry Ban for Persons from Italy
Austria's federal government has today passed a travel ban for people from Italy. The primary objective is to prevent the exchange of persons and thus the spread of the COVID-19 disease into our society, said Federal Chancellor Kurz at a press conference with regard to the situation in Italy.
March 10, 2020
Air Travel to Austria: Further Flights Stopped Due to COVID-19 Spread
To contain the coronavirus, direct flights from Austria to Iran, South Korea and the northern Italian airports of Bologna and Milan will be discontinued in the next two weeks. Passengers from third countries require a medical certificate. This was announced by the Federal Government during a press conference broadcast nationwide. Details as follows.
March 7, 2020
Town Charter of Vindobona Discovered
A sensational accidental discovery in the form of a small piece of bronze with 41 letters confirms that Roman Vienna was granted a town charter about 1800 years ago. Therewith, this oldest municipal law of Vienna is approximately 1.000 years older than the previously known municipal law of the Middle Ages.
March 5, 2020
Can the Coronavirus be Transmitted through Food and Toys?
After the occurrence of infections in Austria due to the respiratory disease COVID-19 caused by the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), the question repeatedly arises whether the virus can also be transmitted through food and toys?
March 4, 2020
Corona Virus: City of Vienna Established Tourist Care Centre
In the case of positively tested patients who do not have the possibility of a suitable home quarantine in the Vienna area (e.g. tourists, trade fair and conference visitors), 58 care places are now available for them.
March 2, 2020
