COVID-19: Relaxation measures are reduced - new restrictions in force

Nov 20, 2020 Benn-Ibler Rechtsanwälte

Since May 2020, numerous restrictions in the work place, everyday life and leisure time had been gradually eased under the COVID-19 relaxation regulation (COVID-19-Lockerungsverordnung). In view of the rising number of cases, the Minister of Health ordered tighter restrictions from mid-September onwards. The Minister of Health has also set a symbol by renaming the "relaxation" regulation as the "measures" regulation.

Since 14 September 2020 (BGBl II No. 398/2020), a physical protective cover of the mouth and nose area must (again) be worn when entering the customer area in closed rooms of business premises.

At the same time it was decreed for the hospitality industry that in closed rooms the consumption of food and beverages is only allowed while sitting at the places of service.

In addition, in the hospitality and accommodation industry, mouth and nose protection was again prescribed for operators and employees with customer contact in closed rooms, provided that no other suitable protective device is available for spatial separation, guaranteeing the same level of protection.

The maximum number of participants in events has been restricted in such a way that in the case of events without assigned and marked seats, no more than 50 people (for events indoors) or 100 people (outdoors) may participate.

With effect from 21 September 2020 ( BGBl II No. 407/2020) a number of restrictions for groups of persons were introduced: In the hospitality industry, groups of visitors may only be admitted up to 10 persons (plus underage children) or only persons living in a shared household.

Furthermore, in the hospitality industry, the obligation to wear a face covering - except during the stay at the place of service - is now also applicable to the customer.

Further restrictions were also imposed on events: Events without assigned and marked seats with more than ten persons are prohibited. Funerals with a maximum number of 500 persons are excluded.

BGBl II No. 398/2020 (10. COVID-19-LV-Novelle)

BGBl II No. 407/2020 (11. COVID-19-LV-Novelle)