Austria introduces mandatory testing for people entering China. A new Covid wave could still roll towards Vienna via detours via other EU countries. With nasty consequences.
Face masks are mandatory on public transport in Vienna until the end of February. Then the scheme expires. At the moment there is probably little reason to renew the order. Nevertheless, travelers could also sit in trams, metros and buses with mouth and nose protection in the spring. Mayor Michael Ludwig wants to wait and see how the pandemic develops and then decide.
New Covid variants and guests from China could torpedo the mask-off. After the total lockdown, people from the Middle Kingdom are being drawn abroad. Often unfortunately with the corona virus in their luggage (Omicron variant). Austria introduces mandatory testing, but there is no EU-wide regulation. Each state does what it wants. And many don’t test.
Vienna 3rd most popular destination in Europe
Vienna Tourism expects more people from China to enter the country. “Given the opening steps, it can be expected that there will be more Chinese overnight stays in Vienna again,” explains a spokesperson for the company. After Paris and London, Vienna is the most popular city trip destination in Europe.
In 2019 (before Corona), China was the second largest long-haul market after the US with 524,000 overnight stays. This pleases the local hoteliers and shopkeepers. According to statistics, every Chinese guest spends 1,000 euros per purchase with us. For health experts and politicians, other criteria are usually more important. Especially in this city, which has always gone its own way with Corona.
Source: Krone
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