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COVID-19
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
Voestalpine: Short-time Work in 50 European Subsidiaries
The biggest economic challenge of the past decade represented by the coronavirus pandemic has hit the Austrian technology group Voestalpine hard. Short-time work in Austria and other European countries such as Germany, Belgium and France is unavoidable due to the slump in demand.
March 24, 2020
Austrian Government to Boost Coronavirus Testing Capacity
The government announced on Tuesday that it would greatly increase the capacity for coronavirus testing, apparently after the WHO had asked European countries to do so the day before.
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
Austrians Should Come Home - 3,500 So Far Repatriated in Emergency Flights
According to the magazine "Kurier" and the Austrian Broadcasting Corporation (ORF), about 3,500 Austrians who were stranded abroad due to the coronavirus pandemic have meanwhile been flown back to Vienna in cooperation with the Foreign Ministry and three airlines.
March 22, 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
Vienna International Centre: Second COVID-19 Case - Staff Stay at Home Until April 13
In the meantime, there is a second confirmed case of coronavirus infection at the Vienna International Centre (VIC). In addition, the safety measures taken are being extended. All employees of the organizations located at the VIC are to work from their home offices until Monday April 13, 2020.
March 21, 2020
Austria's Federal State Tyrol Under Total Quarantine
The province of Tyrol with 1.8 million inhabitants has issued a quarantine regulation for all 279 Tyrolean communities. Governor Platter: "That Tyrol isolates itself is absolutely necessary."
March 19, 2020
UN Vienna at the Home Office: Instead of 5000 Staff, only 250
The VIC Vienna International Centre informed today that the order that the staff of the four major UN agencies stationed at the VIC should work from home is bearing fruit, and that only about 250 would come to the VIC. Further measures to reduce attendance are planned.
March 18, 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
Austrian Government Says It is Prepared to Pump Virtually Unlimited Money into Economy
The Federal Government announced today that an aid package of up to 38 billion euros is being prepared to deal with the consequences of the coronavirus.
March 18, 2020
Coronavirus Prohibitions in Austria - Where Can I Still Fly To?
Expats and internationals in Austria have to make the sometimes difficult decision these days whether to stay, or to return to their countries of origin, or maybe even to escape somewhere else entirely. Our report and the collection of links answer the questions, where can I still travel from Vienna by plane, which countries are already blocked and how can I best handle cancellations, rebookings and refunds.
March 17, 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
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
Biggest Health Crisis of the Last Decades - Current Legal COVID-19 Measures in Detail
The next four weeks will decide on the health of many, says the Austrian Minister of Health. What legal bans are in force as of today...
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
Austrian Airlines Terminates Flight Operations
Austrian Airlines is temporarily suspending its regular flight operations from Wednesday night. The last flight will arrive in Vienna on Thursday morning from Chicago. All further flights until at least March 28, 2020, or "until further notice" are cancelled. The airline is aware of its responsibility, will cooperate with the Austrian government and try to bring home as many Austrians as possible. One long-haul and one medium-haul aircraft will remain in use for emergency and relief flights.
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
Austria: Green Light for Comprehensive Coronavirus Bill
The COVID 19 crisis management fund has been granted €4 billion. What specific measures are included in this package?
March 15, 2020 · Updated: March 15, 2020; 14:37
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
Austrian Province of Tyrol Orders Curfew
The province of Tyrol, which is particularly hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic, is imposing a curfew.
March 15, 2020
Austria Reports Second Death from COVID-19
In Vienna, the second person died from the consequences of the coronavirus.
March 15, 2020 · Updated: March 15, 2020; 12:06
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
American International School in Vienna Moves to Distance Learning
Vienna's school for children of expats, the "American International School", will close both the High School and Elementary and Middle Schools and move to distance learning, following the WHO's statement, which classifies the spread of COVID-19 as a global pandemic. The school informs, that there are currently no confirmed cases at AIS Vienna.
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
Austria is Concerned, but Federal President Remains Silent
In Austria - as in the rest of the world - there is also the danger of a coronavirus pandemic, but Federal President Van der Bellen, who ran the election campaign with a ticket from the Green Party, and who comments on the climate crisis almost weekly, remains silent, instead of informing the population and calling on them to take preventive measures. (Updated on March 13, 2020. See below.)
February 29, 2020 · Updated: March 13, 2020; 20:30
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
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: Profit Warning Issued by Vienna International Airport - Reduced Working Time Planned
Travel restrictions and the resulting massive reduction in the number of scheduled flights at Vienna International Airport severely depress revenues and annual results for 2020.
March 12, 2020
Vienna International Airport: What Arriving Passengers Should Know
Numerous measures and precautions are currently in place or under implementation at Vienna International Airport (Flughafen Wien-Schwechat) in connection with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. For updated details and Viennese specifics see below.
March 12, 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
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
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
Vienna International Airport: What Departing Passengers Should Know
If you want to leave Vienna by plane, you must of course arrive in time at Vienna International Airport, called Flughafen Wien-Schwechat by locals. This is followed by check-in and possibly baggage check-in, boarding pass control, security control and possibly passport control. For details and Vienna differences see below.
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
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
Rebookings: Austrian Airlines Responds to Customers' Needs
Since the number of cancellations and rebookings has risen sharply as a result of the coronavirus crisis, AUA Austrian Airlines is forced to be flexible in accommodating existing customers when rebooking. In the case of higher ticket prices, however, the differences must be borne by the customer himself.
March 9, 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
COVID-19: Travel Between Iran and Austria Declines Sharply
Iran Air has suspended all flights to Vienna. Additionally Austrian Airlines has suspended its flights to Tehran and the Austrian Foreign Ministry has issued a security level 6 travel warning and recommends leaving the country as soon as possible.
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
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
Law Firm Wolf Theiss: Update on the Corona Virus Tests
The complete results of Wolf Theiss' corona virus testing of the employees in Vienna are now available: 3 employees positive, 293 employees negative.
March 4, 2020
Coronavirus: Vienna Law Firm Tests Three Employees Positive
The renowned law firm Wolf Theiss announces that three of more than 280 examined employees have become infected with the coronavirus.
March 3, 2020 · Updated: March 4, 2020; 19:10
Red Cross Austria on Corona: Situation is Stable
The Austrian Red Cross has already carried out more than 500 infection transports and 800 coronavirus sample collections.
March 4, 2020
Coronavirus: Austria's "Containment Strategy"
The latest developments concerning the coronavirus were the dominant topic of today's debate in the Health Committee of the Austrian Parliament.
March 3, 2020
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