Reluctant easing of COVID-19 restrictions in Austria

Feb 17, 2021 Benn-Ibler Rechtsanwälte

After several weeks of "hard lockdown", the federal government has announced initial opening steps. As of 8 February 2021, the previously all-day curfew restrictions are to be limited to the period between 8 pm and 6 am. In addition, retailers, service providers and certain leisure facilities will be allowed to reopen.

Previously, all-day curfew restrictions applied during the third lockdown, which had been repeatedly extended. The 4th COVID-19 Protective Measures Regulation (which will replace the 4th COVID-19 Emergency Measures Regulation) will move curfew restrictions to the night hours from 8 February, i.e. only from 8 pm to 6 am.

During this period, as before, it will only be permissible to leave one's private living quarters under certain conditions. These exceptions include, as before, averting an immediate danger to life, limb or property, caring for certain persons, meeting necessary basic needs of daily life, as well as professional and educational purposes.

A major novelty of the new Protective Measures Regulations is the opening up of retailers, services and certain recreational facilities. Thus, all sectors of commerce will be open to customers again, with the aim of further reducing the flow of customers (20m² per customer instead of the previous 10m²).

So-called "body-related services" (e.g. hairdressers) may only be used upon presentation of a negative Corona test result not older than 48 hours. This can be a PCR or an antigen test. Recreational facilities that will be allowed to reopen from 8 February 2021 include museums, libraries, archives, zoos and botanical gardens. The previously existing FFP2 mask requirement will continue to apply. In public spaces, a distance of 2 meters must continue to be maintained between persons from separate households.

Ministry of Social Affairs, Coronavirus - Current Measures (2 February 2021)