Despite the easing by the federal government, Vienna wants to continue to follow the “consistent path” through the pandemic and thus maintains the mask requirement currently in force. Mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ) sees this as the mildest way to continue to guarantee the highest level of security – after all, it is very clear that the pandemic is not over yet.
Even in difficult phases of the pandemic, it was possible to get through the crisis better than the rest of Austria, the mayor said in a press statement on Tuesday. We take note of the federal government’s preconditions, but continue along the same path.
“It makes sense that the virus is not passed on”
This means that the masks will continue to be part of everyday life in the federal capital. Specifically, according to Ludwig, masks should be worn on public transport, in pharmacies, operating rooms and hospitals. He emphasizes that it makes sense to ensure that the virus is not passed on.
“The people support the decision”
Especially in view of other variants also spreading in Austria, they want to stay on the “cautious, consistent side”. It is always important to weigh up the most successful means and ensure the highest level of safety – the FFP2 masks are one such means, according to the city manager.
According to Ludwig, this decision was made with the involvement of experts. He was also convinced that the special path of the city is carried by a large part of the population.
Don’t slide into the next wave
It’s also important that the federal government takes appropriate action now — including launching a meaningful vaccination campaign, for example — so as not to slide into the next wave of infections in the fall. “We all know that it takes a certain amount of time for vaccinated people to form antibodies,” Ludwig says.
Ludwig also expressed his lack of understanding about the nationwide handling of the testing strategy. The previous procedure would eventually have made it possible to identify and respond to new variants at an early stage. The city therefore wants to stick to “Everything gargles”.
Rauch: “Mask is coming back”
It was not until Tuesday morning that Health Minister Johannes Rauch (Greens) and Constitutional Affairs Minister Karoline Edtstadler (ÖVP) announced the renewed suspension of compulsory vaccination and a temporary cessation of the obligation to wear masks. From 1 June, the national obligation to wear masks in essential shops and in public transport will fall.
That is “responsible”, as the health minister said – but the states are free to adopt stricter rules.
Source: Krone
I’m an experienced news author and editor based in New York City. I specialize in covering healthcare news stories for Today Times Live, helping to keep readers informed on the latest developments related to the industry. I have a deep understanding of medical topics, including emerging treatments and drugs, the changing laws that regulate healthcare providers, and other matters that affect public health.
