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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
What Does the Austrian Government Propose Against the Virus?
The Federal Chancellery is now addressing the public with information and advice on prevention against the coronavirus.
March 2, 2020
American International School in Vienna Strengthens Security Measures
After the announcement of quarantine measures at VIS - Vienna International School, the situation at the AIS - American International School Vienna is also tense and the school management has modified its position on COVID-19. Currently there are no suspected cases at AIS Vienna.
March 2, 2020
Corona Virus: Public Information Campaign Receives Good Response
So far there have been 2,120 tests in Austria, 16 of which have been positive. In addition, there are 350 isolation cases which are in quarantine.
March 2, 2020
Coronavirus Alert at the Vienna International School
The VIS Vienna International School, an English-speaking private school mainly for children of United Nations employees and diplomats, which is organised as a non-profit organisation, will remain closed due to the corona virus. 17 VIS staff members have been placed in house quarantine for a period of 14 days.
March 1, 2020
Four New Cases of COVID-19-Infection Confirmed in Vienna
The task force of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of the Interior of the Federal Ministry of the Interior has confirmed 4 new cases of Coronavirus-infection in Vienna. From 1,826 tests in Austria, 14 of them proved positive.
March 1, 2020 · Updated: March 1, 2020; 13:07
Because of Coronavirus Fear: First Hoarding Purchases in Austria
Politicians warn against overreaction, but more and more people are making big purchases to be on the safe side. Durable products such as noodles, rice, instant soups and beans are in particularly high demand. Respirators are already sold out.
February 29, 2020
Austria - China Travel Warning: High Security Risk
The Austrian Foreign Ministry has raised its travel warning level for Mainland China to "security level 4", in other words "high security risk". Austrian Airlines offers rebooking and refunding options.
February 29, 2020
Austrian Coronavirus Summit: Population to Participate in Containment
In a meeting of Federal Chancellor Kurz, Health Minister Rudolf Anschober and Interior Minister Karl Nehammer with the state governors in the Federal Chancellery, agreement was reached on uniform nationwide guidelines for dealing with the coronavirus. The Chancellor appealed to the population to actively participate in the containment of the virus.
February 28, 2020
COVID-19: Risk Assessment on Travel and Visits to Austria
The coronavirus outbreak has now reached Austria and the disease is spreading further. What is the risk of infection when travelling in and to Austria?
February 28, 2020
Coronavirus: City of Vienna Sets Up Mobile 24/7 First Aid
The Vienna authorities have presented an emergency plan for Vienna in dealing with the corona virus. From now on, the medical radio service (Ärztefunkdienst) will be on duty 24 hours a day. The doctors will take over the initial diagnosis and initial care at home.
February 28, 2020
Coronavirus-Infected Person has been in Hospital for Several Days
The 72-year-old who tested positive for the coronavirus today has already been in hospital for ten days. This was announced by the Health City Councillor at a press conference early this afternoon. In another case, he said, there is a very high suspicion of infection.
February 27, 2020
Coronavirus: First Confirmed Case in Vienna
In Vienna there is a first confirmed case of infection with the novel coronavirus. The victim is a 72-year-old man. At noon it became known that the patient who tested positive today has already been in hospital for ten days. For safety reasons, three departments in the hospital have been closed. In another case there was a very high suspicion of infection.
February 27, 2020 · Updated: February 27, 2020; 14:45
Suspicion of Coronavirus: Holidaymaker in Austria Died
In the Austrian province of Carinthia a 56-year-old Italian holidaymaker from Friuli died in the night to Wednesday. The Carinthian authorities have reported that she is suspected of being infected with the coronavirus. A curfew has been imposed on the woman's apartment complex. On Wednesday afternoon it became known, that the suspected coronavirus case in Bad Kleinkirchheim in Carinthia has not been confirmed. The woman did not die of coronavirus.
February 26, 2020 · Updated: February 26, 2020; 15:08
First Suspected Case of Coronavirus in Upper Austria: All-Clear
A suspected case of coronavirus occurred today in the Upper Austrian city of Linz. The all-clear was given in the late afternoon. The tests for COVID-19 were negative.
February 25, 2020 · Updated: February 25, 2020; 17:20
Italy-Austria: Coronavirus Emergency Measure Caused Chaos and Panic
A false coronavirus alarm paralysed train traffic between Italy, Austria and Germany. Meanwhile the far right Freedom Party demands that the National Security Council should discuss the situation and that travel to Austria from the affected regions should be restricted.
February 24, 2020 · Updated: February 24, 2020; 11:57
Coronavirus: Temperature Checks Effective Immediately at Vienna Airport
Following a decision by the Austrian health authorities, the body temperature of passengers on direct inbound flights from China are being measured at Vienna International Airport (Flughafen Wien Schwechat) with respect to coronavirus.
February 6, 2020 · Updated: February 24, 2020; 09:31
Coronavirus Alert Level in Austria: "Forced Measures" are Not Excluded
The situation in Italy is being closely monitored, and Austria is well prepared for any eventuality. In Austria there was "no reason to panic". Border controls could be "ramped up" within minutes or within an hour, according to the Minister of the Interior.
February 23, 2020
Coronavirus Outbreak in Austria: Current Risk Assessment
The opposition demands the highest alert level and border controls for Austria. Minister of the Interior: "Coercive measures not excluded". What is the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection for Austria's population and for travellers travelling in and out of Austria?
February 23, 2020
Austria: 1.5 Mio Foreigners out of 8.9 Mio Population
1,487,020 people or 16.7% of the population in Austria are foreign nationals. Read which are the 15 largest foreign nationalities in Austria?
February 20, 2020
Coronavirus: Infopoint for Affected Companies
The Austrian Federal Economic Chamber has set up a central contact point in Vienna for companies that have requests in connection with the coronavirus. The "Coronavirus Infopoint" brings together all information from Austria and abroad on this topic.
February 19, 2020
Cyber Attack on the Austrian Foreign Ministry: Update
A targeted attack with the intention of gathering information was launched against the Austrian Foreign Ministry at the beginning of the year. Since then, a large team of experts from the Foreign Ministry, Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Defence and the Federal Chancellery has been working around the clock to fend off this attack. The immediate attack has been stopped, but the investigation is still ongoing.
February 13, 2020
Austrian Measures against the Novel Coronavirus
At a press conference at Vienna International Airport (Wien-Schwechat) on the coronavirus, Minister of Health Anschober and Minister of the Interior Nehammer provided information on the measures taken by Austria and the airport as follows..
February 7, 2020
Is Vienna Prepared for the Novel Coronavirus?
In the meantime, there are four suspected cases of the coronavirus in Austria, which is suspected to be derived from snakes. Vienna has drawn up its own influenza pandemic plan for the city based on the federal pandemic plan.
January 31, 2020
Der Immigrant Beethoven wird 250 Jahre alt
Die Stadt Wien feiert in 2020 den 250. Geburtstag des Wahlwieners Ludwig van Beethovens, der am 17. Dezember 1770 in Bonn geboren wurde.
December 16, 2019