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Coronavirus
Bottleneck for Influenza Vaccine Is Expected
This year the higher demand in Influenza Vaccine is causing a bottleneck and not everyone who wants to get vaccinated will be. As a result of the COVID-19 crisis, Austrians are more aware of the importance of a vaccine.
August 20, 2020
Austria on the Advance of Early COVID-19 Detection in Sewage
In Austria a research group is analysing sewage in order to find genetic material from the Coronavirus. The data can be used for a regional early warning system and the identification of new clusters.
August 20, 2020
Austrian Universities Should Use Traffic Light System as Orientation
Minister Faßmann presented a COVID-19 orientated traffic light system for universities to provide them with recommendations on how to react on rising Coronavirus cases. It is comparable to the system which will be implemented in schools.
August 20, 2020
Austria Introduces Travel Warning for Balearics
The government announced a travel warning for the Balearics and therefore reacts on the increasing number of Corona infected returners. The travel warning is valid since Monday, August 24 onwards and a negative PCR-test or a home quarantine is necessary to enter Austria.
August 19, 2020 · Updated: August 19, 2020; 18:37
Comprehensive COVID-19 Tests for High-Risk-Country-Travelers Should Bring Back Freedom to Travel
AUA Austrian Airlines calls for comprehensive COVID-19 testing to replace general landing and entry bans.
August 19, 2020
Corona Infected People Are Getting Younger
The number of Corona cases is rising in Austria. However, the average age of the infected people is lowering and Minister Anschober is appealing to young people to consequently stick to all measures.
August 18, 2020
Sick Notification via Phone May Be Extended
Due to the Corona Pandemic, the possibility to receive a sick notification via mobile phone was introduced. This regulation will end in August, but the Medical Chamber is pleading for an extension. The Health Ministry is thinking about it.
August 18, 2020
Austria Introduces Traffic Light System as Schools are Reopening
Minister Faßmann presented the new concept for schools as they will reopen soon. The "traffic light system" will be introduced to provide a guide for schools on how to react on rising COVID-19 cases. The range goes from green with classroom teaching to red with distance learning.
August 17, 2020
Austria Introduces Travel Warning for Croatia
On 17 August 2020, the Austrian Government introduced a travel warning for Croatia as the COVID-19 cases among the returning Austrian Citizen are constantly rising. From today on, they are required to provide a valid PCR-Test which should not be older than 72h to cross the border to Austria.
August 17, 2020
Austria Lifts Landing Bans for Airplanes from All 18 Countries that were Previously Banned
The previous landing bans for aircraft from 18 countries expired on 1 August 2020. From now on, new entry regulations will apply, requiring a mandatory Covid 19 test. There are exceptions for diplomats and some other groups.
August 1, 2020
What British Nationals Travelling to Austria Need to Know
The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office currently advises British nationals against all but essential international travel, with Austria being one of the exceptions. If you’re a British national and you’re planning travel to Austria, find out what you need to know about travel regulations and coronavirus in Austria in the article below.
July 30, 2020
Austrian Chamber of Commerce Promotes Business with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh
The WKO Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce offers the opportunity to participate in a webinar on the opportunities for Austrian and European companies in the two countries Sri Lanka and Bangladesh with and after COVID-19.
July 27, 2020 · Sponsored Content
Austria Reintroduces Comprehensive Masks Obligation
In Austria, the obligation to wear masks to contain coronavirus is again in force in a comprehensive form. Since Friday, nose-mouth protection must again be worn throughout the food trade, in post offices and bank branches, in bakeries, in shops in petrol stations, as well as on public transport, in pharmacies and when visiting health care facilities. The Islamic Religious Community has also tightened rules for mosques.
July 24, 2020
Coronavirus in Austria: Update
The coronavirus pandemic has also hit Austria, and deaths and infections caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are still on the rise. New officially confirmed cases of disease are constantly being added. Despite this outbreak in Austria, the situation looks much worse elsewhere. In contrast, however, there are more than 610,797 deaths worldwide due to the Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). The Austrian health authorities are networked with the relevant bodies within the framework of WHO and EU membership and are in permanent coordination. The international authorities monitor current developments and address the member countries with the following recommendations.
July 20, 2020
Coronavirus Worldwide Update
Worldwide deaths has exceed 610,000, according to data collected by the ECDC Centre in Sweden. More than 14.7 million people have been infected, while some 8.6 million have recovered. According to the WHO World Health Organisation, the epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) is still the USA, where there are already more than 140,000 deaths. The number of infected and dead continues to rise sharply in most countries. Following is the situation update as of July 22, 2020.
July 20, 2020
Coronavirus in Vienna: Update - July 20, 2020
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has also hit the metropolis of Vienna hard and the number of infected cases and unfortunately also deaths is constantly increasing. It must also be assumed that an unknown number of people who do not suspect this has already been infected. Medical science does not yet know the virus exactly. What is known so far is that in 80 percent of the cases the infection is mild. The mortality rate is currently three per cent, compared with just under one per cent for influenza. What is the Vienna Pandemic Plan? What is the situation in Vienna and what can be done individually? Questions and answers on the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) below.
July 20, 2020
COVID-19: Current Key Figures from Vienna
In Vienna there are 4,572 positive coronavirus test results so far. As of today, 202 people in Vienna have died of the corona virus and 3,921 have recovered. Throughout Austria there are 19,670 confirmed COVID-19 infections, 711 deaths and 17,659 patients have recovered.
July 20, 2020
Coronavirus in Lower Austria: Update
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has also hit Austria's largest federal state in terms of area, Lower Austria, hard and the number of infected cases is constantly increasing. Below we look at the official data of the Office of the Provincial Government of Lower Austria, and analyze the structure of deaths and infections both provincially (Bundesland) and by district (Bezirk). Questions and answers on the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) below.
July 20, 2020
Landing Ban at Austrian Airports Extended from 10 to 18 Countries
In the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, Austria will reinforce the landing bans for aircraft from COVID-19 risk areas as of Thursday, 16 July. Thus, landing bans will apply to aircraft from the following countries: Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, China, Egypt, Iran, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Sweden, United Kingdom and Ukraine.
July 14, 2020
Austria's Foreign Minister: Hagia Sophia To Be Turned Into a Mosque Is the Latest Link in a Chain of Provocations
Turkey is moving further and further away from European values and is simply not a reliable partner for Europe. The EU must conduct a policy towards Turkey with a strong edge and clear language, based on a solid foundation of values. The EU should also make a clear cut when it comes to accession negotiations.
July 13, 2020
Indo-Austrian Trade and Investment Opportunities Post Covid-19
The FIEO - Federation of Indian Export Organisations is organising an interactive video conference session on “Trade & Investment Opportunities between India & Austria - Post Covid-19” with H.E Mr. Jaideep Mazumdar, the new Ambassador of India to Austria on Tuesday, 29th July, 2020.
July 13, 2020 · Sponsored Content
Stricter Border Controls and Travel Warning for Western Balkans, Romania, Bulgaria and Moldova
Due to the high infection rates in these countries, Austria declares the highest security level. Anyone who travels to Romania, Bulgaria, the Republic of Moldova or, for example, to the countries of the Western Balkans, despite an upright travel warning, must undergo a 14-day home quarantine or a negative covid test upon returning to Austria. This is not a recommendation, but a legal regulation. Fines of up to 1,450 euros will be imposed.
July 8, 2020
United Nations Charter Day: "75 Years After Its Foundation, We Need the UN More Than Ever."
The United Nations family in Vienna commemorated United Nations Charter Day at UN Headquarters in Vienna and pledged to work to address the shortcomings revealed by the COVID-19 crisis in our systems and social safety nets.
June 26, 2020
Director-General of the UN Office at Vienna Committed to Fixing Failings Exposed by COVID-19
On the occasion of the commemoration of the signing of the UN Charter 75 years ago, the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Ms Ghada Waly, praised Austria's reasonable approach to the COVID-19 situation and presented the new UN Action Plan for COVID.
June 26, 2020
ABA - Invest in Austria: 270 Attendees at Austrian Business Agency Event
According to "ABA - Invest in Austria: Austrian Business Agency", 270 companies interested in investing in Austria took part in the first virtual open day to learn about new business models and general conditions for foreign companies in Austria during and after the Corona crisis.
June 25, 2020
COVID-19 and the Situation of Refugees in Austria
A research project at the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW - Österreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften) reveals the situation of refugees in Austria in the midst of the Corona crisis.
June 25, 2020
Arab - Austrian Expert Forum on the Economic Challenges in Light of Corona Pandemic
The economic obstacles that the Arab world faces due to the wide spread of the coronavirus, the enormous medical efforts that are being made to find a cure for this virus, and the challenges that the economic and trade relations between Arab countries and Austria in particular face in times of the coronavirus, were the main topics that centered around the geneticist and molecular immunologist Prof. Dr. Josef Penninger.
June 22, 2020
Another COVID Casualty: Austrian Airline Discontinues Flight Operations
The Austrian low-cost airline "Level" and subsidiary of British Airways (IAG International Airlines Group) has discontinued flight operations with immediate effect. The airline was hit hard economically by the consequences of the Covid 19 pandemic in Europe. A continuation of flight operations is not planned. About 200 employees in Vienna are affected by the bankruptcy.
June 19, 2020
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas Visiting Vienna
In preparation for Germany's EU Presidency in the second half of 2020, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas visited Austria and met Foreign Minister Schallenberg, among other things to restore normality in the area of freedom of travel as quickly as possible.
June 19, 2020
Austria's Contribution to the "Conference on the Future of Europe"
Minister for European Affairs Karoline Edtstadler started her Austria Dialogues on the Conference on the Future of Europe (Konferenz zur Zukunft Europas) with a series of talks with representatives of the Federal Provinces, mayors and EU municipal councils.
June 9, 2020
Austrian Airlines Deal: EUR 450 Million for Vienna Hub Guarantee
The Lufthansa subsidiary will receive EUR 450 million from the Republic of Austria, EUR 300 million of which as a loan guarantee and EUR 150 million as equity.
June 9, 2020
Opening of Borders between Austria and Italy from 16 June
As of next Tuesday, complete freedom of movement will once again apply at the Austrian-Italian border. The decision will be officially announced on Wednesday.
June 9, 2020
Coronavirus in Austria: Live-Ticker (Our live coverage has now concluded)
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: June 9, 2020; 17:35
Austria: No more Border Controls with Neighbouring Countries except Italy
Restrictions on freedom of travel due to the Corona pandemic will be discontinued. The only country for which restrictions remain in place for the time being is Italy. A further evaluation is planned next week.
June 3, 2020
Museums of the City of Vienna Open Again
After eleven weeks of closure, the museums of the City of Vienna have reopened their doors. These include the Kunsthalle Wien, Wien Museum MUSA and Hermesvilla as well as the Architekturzentrum Wien, Kunst Haus Wien, Jewish Museum, Haus der Musik and Mozarthaus Vienna. Only from July onwards will the Beethoven Museum, the Roman Museum, the Virgil Chapel and the Neidhart Festival Hall be open again.
June 1, 2020
Life in Vienna Has Awakened again - The Giant Ferris Wheel Is Turning again
The Giant Ferris Wheel - a symbol for Vienna and tourism - has been turning without interruption since the end of the Second World War and had to be switched off for the first time in over 70 years due to the Corona pandemy. After 80 days, the wheel turns again.
May 31, 2020
Corona Measures: Further Relaxation in Austria - Mandatory Masks Largely Removed from 15 June
From 15 June, the current obligation to protect the mouth and nose will be abolished. What is now permitted and what is not?
May 29, 2020
Austrian Airlines to Resume Flight Operations on 15 June
After an interruption of almost three months, Austrian Airlines will resume flight operations to selected destinations in Europe and Tel Aviv from mid-June onwards. Since no neighbouring seats will be kept empty in case of demand, bold passengers will again be able to fly to up to 40 destinations by the end of June. For specific destinations, see below.
May 28, 2020
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
Austrian Summer Tourism: Total Dependence on Germany
A recent study shows the great dependence of Austrian summer tourism on Germany, especially in the western federal provinces. The situation, which has been further intensified by the corona pandemic, will further increase this certainty.
May 25, 2020
Investing: Why Your Company Should Establish a Branch in Austria
Every crisis also opens up opportunities e.g. to revise your current strategy and to develop a new one - and time to consider new markets to expand to. Austria stands out in Europe as a highly developed business location and has weathered the crisis well so far.
May 22, 2020
Croatia to Open Its Borders for Austrians
As of 29 May Croatia will open its borders for Austrian, Slovak, Czech and Hungarian citizens, Croatian Tourism Minister Gari Cappelli said in a statement. Additionally, the Croatian Ministry of Interior Affairs gave detailed information on requirements for entry in Croatia.
May 22, 2020
Drastic Drop of over 99% in Passengers at Vienna International Airport
The worldwide travel restrictions and flight cancellations resulting from Covid-19 have had a major impact on the development of traffic and earnings AT Vienna International Airport (Flughafen Wien Group). In April, the Group recorded a decline of 99.6% in the number of passengers and 99.5% at Vienna International Airport. Revenues for Q1/2020 fell by -9.0% to € 161.4 million.
May 20, 2020
COVID-19 Drug Made in Austria
Austrian biotech company Apeiron Biologics AG, which is currently working on a drug to treat the coronavirus, announces financing round for the further development of the COVID-19 drug APN01.
May 19, 2020
Corona Short-time Work in Austria: Funds to be Increased to 12 Billion
Minister of Finance Gernot Blümel announced that the budget for coronavirus short-time work will be increased from ten billion to twelve billion euros.
May 19, 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
Austria Agrees to ESM Pandemic Crisis Support
The National Council has given its approval for financial aid within the framework of the ESM. Specifically, Finance Minister Blümel was authorized to approve a decision in the ESM Board of Governors to grant corona financial aid to all applicant ESM member states within the framework of the ESM Pandemic Crisis Support.
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
Vienna International Centre Prepares to Return to Work
In the last two months, i.e. since Monday, 16 March, most of the Vienna International Centre staff have been working from home. From Friday, May 15th, the VIC will start the gradual return to "normal operation". A long-awaited step that will take place gradually and carefully, with the health and well-being of everyone at the VIC remaining the top priority.
May 13, 2020