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Coronavirus in Austria: Live-Ticker

On this website you can find information and guidance in English from Vindobona.org regarding the current outbreak of the coronavirus pandemie (COVID-19) in Austria. Vindobona.org is being informed by local Austrian and global health authorities to rapidly disseminate information and knowledge on this new virus, and to provide advice to travellers and expats on measures to protect health and prevent the spread of this outbreak. Please visit this page for daily updates.

April 17, 2020 · Updated: Yesterday; 18:00

Coronavirus Worldwide Update

Worldwide deaths has exceed 360,000, according to data collected by the ECDC Centre in Sweden. More than 4 million people have been infected, while some 2.6 million have recovered. According to the WHO World Health Organisation, the epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) is now the USA, where there are already more than 100,000 deaths. The number of infected and dead people is still doubling every four to five days in most countries. Following is the situation update as of May 29, 2020.

May 29, 2020

Ryanair's Laudamotion to Close Vienna Base

Laudamotion closes its base in Vienna on 29 May, 300 people lose their jobs. The trade union Vida did not agree to an ultimatum by the airline, which would have brought a new collective agreement with significantly lower wages.

May 22, 2020

Austria and Germany Agree to Open Borders on 15 June

The gradual opening of the borders between Austria, Germany and Switzerland will begin as early as Friday. From May 15th onwards there will only be spot checks at the borders between Austria and Germany, both countries announced. From 15 June, the borders are to be opened completely. Opening to Italy is not an issue for the time being.

May 13, 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

Tyrol Lifts Coronavirus-Quarantine

Tyrol is still under massive criticism and threat of a class action lawsuit from Germany and some Scandinavian countries because the authorities in the Tyrolean ski resort of Ischgl took quarantine measures very late, although warnings from these countries had already been issued. Today Tyrol's Governor Günther Platter announced during a video press conference that Tyrol would end its self-isolation.

April 6, 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

German Embassy Vienna: Unusual Repatriation of 300 Germans from Tyrolean Ski Resorts

In an unusual repatriation operation, the German Embassy in Vienna has enabled more than 300 Germans to return home from Austrian quarantine areas.

March 30, 2020

Isolated Austria: 238 Border Closures Approved

Almost complete border closures to almost all neighbours, Germany (58), Italy (47), Switzerland (30), Liechtenstein (11), Slovenia (51) and Hungary (43), with the exception of Slovakia, have been approved by the main committee of the National Council and have already been implemented.

March 21, 2020

Again Border Controls between Germany and Austria

In the wake of the supposed corona danger coming from Germany, Austria has been further sealing itself off from its neighbours since today. According to Minister of the Interior Nehammer, this measure represents "one of many important ones to stop the spread of the corona virus". Medical certificate needed.

March 19, 2020

COVID-19 Fear: 750 Austrians Brought back Home by Plane

According to the Austrian Broadcasting Corporation (ORF), about 750 Austrians who were stranded abroad due to the coronavirus pandemic have been flown back to Vienna in cooperation with the Foreign Ministry and two airlines. It is not clear who will bear the costs.

March 18, 2020

Austria Suspends Travel also with Great Britain, Russia, the Netherlands and Ukraine

After Italy, Switzerland, Spain, France, Iran and parts of China, Austria is now also discontinuing air and rail traffic with Great Britain, the Netherlands, Russia and Ukraine.

March 15, 2020

COVID-19: Closure of Border Crossing Points with Italy Formally Adopted

Austrian National Council approves closure of 47 border crossings with Italy.

March 15, 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

Coronavirus Update: South Tyrol Confirms First Death

Now the first person infected with the coronavirus has also died in South Tyrol, reports South Tyrol.

March 12, 2020

COVID-19: Carinthia Seals Itself Off from Italy

Border controls and border health checks at Austria's southernmost border crossings. Carinthia sees itself as a "protective shield" against Italy.

March 11, 2020

Slump in Passenger Numbers at Vienna International Airport

While Vienna International Airport (Flughafen Wien Schwechat) recorded an increase of 8.3% in the number of passengers to 2 million in February, the coronavirus crisis led to a decline of roughly 30% in the number of passengers in March 2020, and this trend is expected to continue.

March 11, 2020

Crisis Between Athens and Ankara: Greek Prime Minister in Vienna

Thousands of refugees still hope to enter the EU from Turkey. Athens is therefore strengthening its border management, seeking support from the EU and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis travelled to Vienna.

March 11, 2020

Austrian Government Announces Drastic Measures on Coronavirus

In the fight against the coronavirus, the government has announced drastic measures for the first time. Entry ban from Italy, partial suspension of air and train traffic, cancellation of events, suspension of teaching at universities and technical colleges.

March 10, 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

Coronavirus: Air Travel via Vienna International Airport - Latest Update

Total and gradual restriction of air traffic to countries and territories severely affected by coronavirus is currently being implemented. On this website, Vindobona.org provides information on questions and answers regarding the current status at Vienna International Airport (Flughafen Wien-Schwechat) and the international airlines operating from there, as the relevant websites often contain hardly any updated information on the recently enforced flight bans and flight connection suspensions of individual airlines.

March 8, 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

Travel between Austria and Italy: Security Levels 3 to 5

Due to the current situation of the increasing number of confirmed cases of infection with the coronavirus (COVID-19), the Foreign Ministry advises against unnecessary travel to Lombardy. However, air and rail traffic are also affected as follows.

March 3, 2020 · Updated: March 4, 2020; 17:12

Austrian Airlines Cancels Further Flights to Italy, China and Iran Still Suspended

Due to falling demand for flights to Italy as a result of the corona crisis, Austrian Airlines is cancelling 40 percent of its flights to Italy in March and April. Flights to Tehran (Iran) will continue to be suspended until 30 April 2020 and flights to Beijing and Shanghai (China) until 24 April 2020.

March 3, 2020

Corona-Crisis: Greatest Danger since the Financial Crisis

The OECD is sounding the alarm about the coronavirus and warned of the possibility that global economic growth could be halved this year.

March 2, 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

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

Austrian Chancellor Kurz at 10 Downing Street

Chancellor Kurz met with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in London today. The discussion with Johnson focused on London's future relations with the European Union.

February 25, 2020

Austria Reports Its First Two Coronavirus Cases as Outbreak Widens

In the Austrian province of Tyrol, two people have been proven to be infected with the coronavirus. A second test was also positive. These are the first two confirmed cases in Austria. The infected persons are two 24-year-old Italians from Lombardy who live in the Tyrolean capital Innsbruck.

February 25, 2020 · Updated: February 25, 2020; 14:25

Coronavirus: Emergency Meeting of Central European Health Ministers in Rome

At the invitation of the Italian Government, the Health Ministers of Austria, Italy, Slovenia, France, Switzerland and Germany are meeting today.

February 25, 2020

Austria is Arming itself against the Coronavirus

The Austrian Federal Government today presented a package of measures against "all" upcoming scenarios, with the aim of ensuring transparency, information and protection for the population. The next 2 to 3 weeks will be decisive in determining how the coronavirus situation develops.

February 24, 2020

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 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

Portrait: New Permanent Representative of Andorra to the International Organizations in Vienna

The new Permanent Representative of Principality of Andorra to the United Nations (Vienna), who is also the new Ambassador to Austria, Jaume Serra Serra, presented his credentials to the Deputy Director-General for the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Dennis Thatchaichawalit.

February 21, 2020

Meet the New Ambassador of Andorra, H.E. Mr. Jaume Serra Serra

The new Ambassador of the Principality of Andorra to Austria, H.E. Mr. Jaume Serra Serra presented Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen with his letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.

January 18, 2020 · Updated: February 21, 2020; 17:00

New Permanent Representative of Monaco to the United Nations Office at Vienna

The new Permanent Representative of Monaco to the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Mr. Frédéric Labarrère, presented his credentials to the Director-General of UNOV, Ms. Ghada Waly.

February 17, 2020

Austrian Airlines Extends China Flight Ban as Coronavirus Toll Climbs

AUA Austrian Airlines extends its flight suspensions to mainland China (Beijing and Shanghai) until the end of the winter flight schedule on 28 March 2020. Most recently the flights had been suspended until 29 February.

February 16, 2020

Counter-Terrorism: Challenges Posed by Foreign Fighters Returning from Conflict Areas

Security conference in Vienna calls on countries to address challenges posed by foreign terrorist fighters in respect of international law.

February 12, 2020

Brexit: Global Research Institute IIASA Gratified that UK Remains Member

The UK, which is one of 23 member countries and which has been a member of the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) in Laxenburg near Vienna since 2015, has confirmed funding for a further five years of UK membership of the institute.

February 10, 2020

UNWG International Festival - Charity Bazaar 2020 at the Austria Center Vienna

Once again this year, 20,000 visitors from all nations are expected at the 52nd Bazaar of the United Nations Womens Guild Vienna (UNWG) at the Austria Center Vienna. With the sale of culinary delicacies, products and handicrafts from over 80 countries, the UNWG collects money for needy children. The proceeds will again be donated to charitable organizations.

February 4, 2020

Inaugural Visit: Kurz Meets Merkel in Berlin

The multi-year financial framework, the EU's future process and climate protection in focus at meetings with Chancellor Merkel. There is broad agreement on the financial framework, but on many other issues the chancellors are far apart.

February 3, 2020

Reception of Austria-Accredited Ambassadors in the Federal Chancellery

The new Austrian Federal Government is in favour of continuing multilateral cooperation, especially in cooperation with the European countries.

January 31, 2020

Sobotka in Rome Promotes EU Enlargement Towards the Western Balkans

Meetings with top Italian politicians, but also the commemoration of the Shoah were the focus of a visit by Wolfgang Sobotka to Rome.

January 30, 2020

Corona Virus: Austrian Airlines Suspends Flights to Mainland China

AUA Austrian Airlines will suspend its flights to and from Beijing and Shanghai. Also its parent company Lufthansa, and Swiss International Air Lines will suspend their flights to and from Mainland China until February 9th.

January 29, 2020

Traditional New Year Reception for the Diplomatic Corps in Vienna

The Federal President's Reception for the Diplomatic Corps annually gathers all diplomatic representatives in Vienna in the Ceremonial Hall of the Hofburg.

January 17, 2020

Another Electric Rental Scooter Has Arrived in Vienna

"Emmy", a Berlin-based start-up and electric scooter sharing company is rolling into Austria. The scooters are now also available for short-term rental in Vienna in addition to major German cities. Further Austrian cities are to follow.

November 15, 2019

Security Gaps in the Austrian Secret Service

The security safeguards of the Austrian secret service BVT (Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution and Counterterterrorism) were reviewed by their British (MI5) and German (BfV) peers and serious deficiencies were identified (Security assessment of BVT), as reported by the local media ORF, "Österreich" and Ö1. Specifically, this involves four security risks.

November 12, 2019

Paris Peace Forum: "Protecting Civilians in Populated Areas"

At the Peace Forum, Austrian Chancellor Brigitte Bierlein met French President Emmanuel Macron, several Heads of State and Government and directors of international organisations. She also presented the initiative "Protecting Civilians in Populated Areas".

November 12, 2019

Repatriation: Round-Table with Representatives of African Embassies at the Ministry of the Interior

Embassy representatives from French-speaking African countries, representatives of the French Office for Immigration and Integration and representatives of the Austrian Ministry of the Interior met in Vienna to strengthen cooperation in the field of return and reintegration.

November 12, 2019

Reopening of the Vienna Office of the Konrad-Adenauer Foundation

200 guests celebrated the opening of the new office of the Konrad-Adenauer-Foundation in Vienna at the Grand Hotel on Kärtner Ring. The presence in Vienna should strengthen multilateralism and strengthen functioning partnerships with serious democracies. Claudia Crawford becomes head of the Vienna office.

November 7, 2019