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Vienna International Health Guide
Find the best health-related facilities in Vienna and Austria: Medical centers, medical specialists, health services, doctors, hospitals
WKO Heads Demand Clear Plan for Path to Normality
The heads of Austria's Federal Economic Chamber demand a clear plan that shows a step-by-step path to normality. They demand regular mass testing, where negative test results are connected to more freedoms. According to them, the lockdown immediately after Christmas will hit many companies particularly hard.
December 18, 2020
Swiss National Council President Aebi Met Sobotka
The Swiss National Council President Andreas Aebi and his Austrian counterpart Wolfgang Sobotka met virtually for a first exchange. Aebi, who is in office since December 2019, and Sobotka talked about the ongoing Covid-19 crisis, vaccination strategies and the relations between the EU and Switzerland.
December 18, 2020
Third Lockdown Starts on December 26
The Austrian government has announced a third lockdown, starting on December 26 and lasting until at least January 18. Similar to the shutdowns before, all-day curfew will apply, stores and gastronomy will be closed, body-related services will not be open and distance learning will be implemented in the schools.
December 18, 2020
EUR 2.4 Million for Covid-19 Vaccine in Developing Countries
In the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, Austria will be supporting the distribution of Covid-19 vaccines in a total of 92 developing countries. Foreign Minister Schallenberg warns that the crisis has underlined the "inequalities and fragilities within the community of states" and therefore demands an international approach regarding Covid-19 vaccination.
December 17, 2020
City of Vienna Supports Aid for Moria
The City of Vienna has agreed on supporting the refugees in Moria and Lesvos with financial aid. EUR 300,000 will be distributed among three non-governmental organizations, which will then provide immediate assistance for those, who currently live under extreme conditions in the refugee camps.
December 16, 2020
Von der Leyen Hopes for Joint Start of Covid-19 Vaccinations
EU Commission President Von der Leyen wants a joint and rapid start of Covid-19 vaccinations for all EU member countries. After the likely approval of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), vaccines will be distributed among the member states and vaccination will start immediately.
December 16, 2020
Austria Helps: Covid-19 Accelerates Global Crises
The Austrian government has decided to increase its funding for the Foreign Disaster Fund and the Austrian Development Agency, which are both responding to ongoing crises in the world. In total, the two programs will be able to help people in need with over EUR 175 million in 2021, an increase of almost EUR 40 million compared to 2020.
December 15, 2020
2 Million Participants at First Covid Mass Testing
The first mass testing in Austria is in the books. Over the last two weeks, about two million people have been to one of the many testing facilities in Austria in order to find out about their Covid-19 infection status. Only 4,200 have been tested positive which is only about 0.2 percent of the participants.
December 14, 2020
New European Climate Target: Kurz and Gewessler Delilghted
The European Council has agreed on a new climate target for 2030. The member states want to decrease annual greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 percent and also take other steps on their path to climate neutrality until 2050. Austria's Chancellor Kurz and Minister Gewessler are pleased with the agreement.
December 11, 2020
European Council: Kurz Hopes for Rapid Approval of Vaccine
Prior to the European Council, Austria's Chancellor Kurz hopes for a rather fast approval process of a Covid-19 vaccine and is looking forward to a succession of close cooperation between the EU and the United States. Other relevant topics for the Council will be sanctions for Turkey, Brexit negotiations, EU climate targets, and the joint fight against terrorism.
December 10, 2020
Chancellor Kurz and Mayor Ludwig Promote Mass Testing
Participation in the Covid-19 mass tests is still possible and is further promoted by Chancellor Kurz and Mayor Ludwig. The two politicians had themselves tested at one of the three locations in Vienna and asked the Viennese population to take advantage of the opportunity the government provides.
December 7, 2020
Russia's and Austria's Health Minister Discuss Covid-19 Situation
Michail Muraschko, Russia's Minister for Health, and his Austrian counterpart, Rudolf Anschober, met virtually to discuss the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, which has had far-reaching effects on both countries. As a result of the meeting, the ministers agreed on the establishment of Covid-19 related working groups.
December 4, 2020
Austria Launches CoV Mass Testing: Vienna Tests at 3 Locations until December 13 - How does it work?
From today, December 4 to December 13, comprehensive corona mass tests will take place in Vienna. The free quick test can be taken at 3 locations. Anyway, the mass tests are generating great interest.
December 4, 2020
Update: Lockdown in Austria - What applies from Monday 7 December?
Starting next Monday, the all-day exit restriction will be relaxed and rescheduled back to 8pm to 6am. Shops, all services providers and museums are allowed to open again. Kindergartens and compulsory schools will resume regular classes. Restaurants will remain closed. Delivery services, with the exception of the delivery or "pick-up" of alcoholic beverages will be prohibited. Cross-border arrivals from an area categorized as a risk area must be quarantined for ten days, after five days a PCR test may be performed. Outdoor sports, including skiing, will be allowed from 24 December. Restaurants, hotels and cultural institutions will not be allowed to reopen until 7 January.
December 2, 2020
Red Ribbon at Austrian Parliament Draws Attention to World AIDS Day
In order to draw attention to World AIDS Day on December 1, the Austrian Parliament has installed a Red Ribbon on Vienna's Hofburg. National Council President Sobotka points out the recent research, treatment and therapy successes and demands tolerance for and the inclusion of people infected with HIV.
December 1, 2020
Vienna Prepares for Mass Testing
The City of Vienna prepares to test its population for Covid-19. The responsible city departments, emergency organizations, and the Austrain Armed Forces have taken measures to provide test capacities for the period from December 4 to December 13. Within this period, every Viennese resident above the age of 10 is eligible for testing.
November 30, 2020
Von der Leyen and Kurz: Light At the End of the Tunnel
After a virtual meeting between EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Austria's Chancellor Kurz both assured that there is a light at the end of the tunnel of the Covid-19 pandemic. The two politicians have discussed EU's vaccine strategy and other topics regarding the ongoing pandemic.
November 27, 2020
Austria's Top Managers Launch Economy4Future Initiative
Some of Austria's top managers have launched the economy4future initiative, which focuses on the fight against climate change. The campaign wants to promote dialogue between big companies and young people in order to better shape the economic future in harmony with the resources of the planet.
November 26, 2020
UN Campaign Orange the World: Parliament Shines in Orange
The UN campaign Orange the World is the reason for the Austrian Parliament shining in orange from November 25 to November 29. The Parliament is one of 130 buildings in Austria that want to draw attention to the fight against violence against women - the topic of the UN campaign.
November 25, 2020
Schallenberg: "Compliance With International Humanitarian Law Is a Duty"
Austria's Foreign Minister Schallenberg emphasizes that "compliance with international humanitarian law is a duty, not a freestyle" before the Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions. The UN Convention prohibits, among others, the use and production of cluster munitions.
November 25, 2020
Violence Protection Summit Welcomes International Guests
The Violence Protection Summit organized by Austria's Federal Chancellery and the Federal Ministry of the Interior will be supported by international participation. UN Special Rapporteur Dubravka Simonovic and EU Commissioner for Equality Helena Dalli will be participating in the summit.
November 23, 2020
COVID-19 Mass Testing in Austria: All Details
The 50 million Euro project of Austria's +240,000 mass tests will start after the lockdown on December 5. The mass tests will be started with the teachers, followed by the police officers and then the population, the government announced.
November 20, 2020
The Vienna Service Office - The Embassy of the City of Vienna inside the Vienna International Centre
The Vienna International Centre hosts a branch office of the City of Vienna, whose sole purpose is to offer the staff of the UN organizations and their relatives rapid and individual assistance with questions of daily life and to provide them with urgently needed information.
November 19, 2020
Over 100 COVID Deaths in Austria within 24 Hours for the First Time
For the first time since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been more than 100 deaths within one day in Austria. With almost 7100 new infections, the infection level remains too high. Meanwhile, the number of patients in hospitals continues to rise. 4,592 patients are hospitalized, 682 of them in intensive care. The total number of fatalities has risen to 2054. To date, 221,688 cases have been diagnosed, of which 2,054 have died and 142,738 have recovered.
November 18, 2020
#RedWednesday: Austrian Parliament Participates For First Time
The campaign #RedWednesday which is organized by the relief organization "Aid to the Church in Need" will be supported by the Austrian Parliament for the first time. The campaign is supported by many countries and raises awareness for persecuted and threatened Christians all around the world.
November 18, 2020
City of Vienna And Global 2000: Clean Drinking Water for Children From Chernobyl
The City of Vienna together with the environmental protection organization Global 2000 will provide another 15 drinking water purification systems that will be installed in the eastern Ukraine. These installations will provide fresh drinking water for thousand of children and their families.
November 17, 2020
Lockdown: Public Church Services Suspended Until Further Notice
In addition to the measures put in place by the federal government, Austria's Minister of Cultural Affairs together with representatives of churches and religious communities have agreed to suspend all public church services until further notice. Places of worship will, however, stay open for personal prayers.
November 17, 2020
Austria's Second Hard Lockdown: So what applies now? - Live Updates
The new COVID-19- emergency measure regulation brings beyond the already existing measures intensified exit regulations and an extensive closing of business. The retail stores for basic supplies (food, pharmacies, post office, banks, etc.) will remain open. The Ordinance came into force on 17 November 2020 and is valid up to and including 6 December 2020.
November 16, 2020
Virtual Meeting Between Czech Republic, Slovakia and Austria
The Czech and Slovak Foreign Ministers met with Austria's European Affiars Minister to discuss cooperation during the Covid-19 pandemic and the joint fight against terrorism. Other topics on the agenda were the EU's migration policy, the current budget negotiations and the conference on the future of Europe.
November 16, 2020
WKO Heads: "Lockdown Hits Companies With Full Force"
The new lockdown will once again shut down Austria's economy in its entirety. The heads of the Austria Federal Chamber of Commerce (WKO) emphasize the importance of financial support for companies by the government and of a well functioning education for children despite school closings.
November 16, 2020
Austria's Hard Lockdown: So what applies now?
The details of new COVID-19 measures were announced today. For the next two and a half weeks up to and including December 6, Austria will have a second respectively third full lockdown as in spring. What will now apply with regard to curfews, contacts, shopping, hospitals and health services, sports, professional activities, body related services, education, schools and kindergartens?
November 14, 2020 · Updated: November 14, 2020; 17:25
Austria Faces Hard Lockdown
Due to rapidly rising Covid-19 infection rates in Austria, the government will most likely implement a hard lockdown starting at the beginning of next week. The new restrictions might include the closing of schools and kindergartens as well as shutting down all stores that are not providing goods to cover basic needs.
November 13, 2020
Macron, Merkel, Von der Leyen and Kurz on the Fight Against Terrorism
At a video conference, Macron, Merkel, Rutte, Von der Leyen, Michel and Kurz have agreed that the EU needs to act decisively and jointly against a terrorism and extremism. Following the recent terrorist attacks in France and Austria, the politicians demand further discussions about the future procedure of the fight against terrorism.
November 11, 2020
Austria Supports Syrian Refugees in Lebanon and Jordan
The Austrian government has decided to support Syrian refugees in Jordan and Lebanon with EUR 1 million. The Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor and Foreign Minister are sure that by supporting Austrian NGOs, the aid will "be helping directly in the crisis regions of the Middle East".
November 11, 2020
French Secretary of State for Europe Beaune Meets Austrian Counterpart
Clément Beaune, the French Secretary of State for Europe, visited Minister for European Affairs Edtstadler to discuss closer cooperations in the fight against terrorism. Both politicians agreed on intensifying developments against radical Islam and other forms of terrorism, also on an European level.
November 10, 2020
Integration Minister Raab: "Increasing Radicalization Tendencies Need More Determined Cooperation"
At a video conference with her European counterparts, Austria's Integration Minister Raab demanded even more determined cooperation at the EU level to fight extremism and terrorism. She emphasizes the fact that this fight can be only battled together and that it is important to detect the breeding ground for ideologies that stand against common European values.
November 9, 2020
EU Council President in Vienna
EU Council President Michel came to Vienna to commemorate the victims of the Vienna terror attack and to discuss measures that could enhance the fight against terrorism. Chancellor Kurz and Michel both agreed on the fact that the EU needs to find joint solutions for Political Islam and the terror that is often a result.
November 9, 2020
Vienna Is the Sixth Largest City in the European Union
After London pulled out and Bucharest moved up, Vienna has consolidated itself in sixth place among the largest cities in the European Union. But who is the new European leader, and who are the other cities ahead of Vienna in the ranking? What are the reasons why living in Vienna is so popular with other Austrians, expats, migrants and refugees?
November 9, 2020
EU Increases Funding for Austrian-Lead Covid-19 Research Projects
Through the Horizon 2020 research program, the EU has increased its funding for 23 Covid-19 related research projects. Two of the funded projects are lead by Austrian companies and four more rely on important Austrian partners to further their research efforts.
November 6, 2020
Second Coronavirus Lockdown: Which Rules Apply for your Business in Austria?
The exponential increase of the Austrian COVID-19 infection numbers has made drastic measures necessary. On November 3, 2020, the new COVID-19 Protection Measures Ordinance will come into force and remain in force until at least November 30, 2020. In order to cushion the economic impact, short-time working will be upgraded and loss of sales compensated. The new rules and economic measures for the gastronomy, tour operator, tourism and leisure industry can be found below.
November 2, 2020 · Updated: November 6, 2020; 10:13
COVID-19 Hinders the Achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals
The COVID-19 pandemic is disrupting the implementation and achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. At the same time the pandemic serves as a strong wake-up call for the international community to build a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable future as summarised under the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
November 5, 2020
Worldwide Expressions of Solidarity After Terror Attack in Vienna
Many international organizations and presidents of other parliaments are shaken by the terror attack in Vienna and offer their condolences to the President of the National Council Sobotka. According to Sobotka, this shows the "international dimension" of the attack.
November 4, 2020
Day Against Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists: Schallenberg Commits to Safety
On the occasion of the International Day against Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, Foreign Minister Schallenberg calls for more decisive action by the international community. He demands an increase in effort by every country to protect journalists around the world.
November 3, 2020
Von der Leyen: "European Family Stands With Austria"
The EU Commission President Von der Leyen and many other European politicians have offered their condolences to the Austrian population following the horrible attacks in Vienna. The European family is united in their response by expressing their commitment to freedom, democracy and the fight against terrorism.
November 3, 2020
Austrian Corona Measures Explained in 17 Languages
Integration Minister: "We must ensure that all people living in Austria are aware of the new regulations".
November 2, 2020
What Is the Role of Aerosols in the Transmission of SARS-CoV-2?
According to current knowledge, the Coronavirus is transmitted by direct contact, e.g. by speaking, coughing or sneezing. Both droplets and aerosols (very fine airborne liquid particles and droplet nuclei), which can float in the air for a long time, play a role in transmission, although the transition between the two forms is fluid. Which measures can reduce exposure to aerosols?
November 2, 2020
Getting COVID-19 Infection in Austria: What Should Expats Do If Symptoms Occur?
Foreigners in Austria who feel flu-like symptoms or who have had or may have had contact with someone infected with the coronavirus may themselves have been infected with the novel virus SARS-CoV-2. What should expatriates, tourists and other foreigners in Austria do if they suspect that they have been infected with the virus themselves?
November 2, 2020
Second Coronavirus Lockdown in Austria: Which Rules Apply?
The Austrian government has announced the Second Coronavirus Lowdown and presented stricter measures against the virus, which will apply from Tuesday, November 3 starting at 0:00 am. From then on, night-time exit restrictions will apply in Austria between 20.00 and 6.00 hours. Most events will be cancelled, restaurants will no longer be allowed to serve guests, and most leisure facilities will have to close for a month for the time being.
October 31, 2020 · Updated: November 2, 2020; 09:29
How Long Will the Second Lockdown Last?
If the tightened corona measures take effect and the population participates, the Austrian federal government expects that "first opening steps" can be taken in December "to return to a halfway normal life". Is further tightening of the measures an option?
October 31, 2020
What Does the Second Lockdown Mean for Sports Activities in Austria?
While professional sport is allowed to continue, albeit without spectators, amateur sport will stand still. While it will continue to be possible to run or play tennis outdoors, any form of indoor training will be prohibited. The only exceptions are for top athletes. Outdoor sports facilities may still be used by amateur athletes, but only if there is no physical contact with others.
October 31, 2020
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