The number of sick days in Austria is currently skyrocketing: the reason is a heavy corona wave, flu-like infections and the first cases of flu. Last week, 58,777 insured people were reported sick to the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) alone. Current wastewater monitoring data also indicate that the virus period is far from over.
You may have noticed it yourself: more and more desks are empty at work. This may be partly due to the fact that Austria is in the highest Corona wave ever. At least that is what the wastewater monitoring data shows.
Viral load significantly lower in the previous year
The federal capital is particularly hard hit by the virus wave. At the end of November, a viral load of 491.5 was measured in the wastewater. For comparison: exactly a year ago the viral load was 209.1. According to figures from ÖGK, 82,836 sick days were reported in Vienna alone last week.
Hundreds of thousands of sick people across the country
The number of corona cases has increased especially there. Compared to last year, there is 33 percent more absenteeism at work this year. While 9,852 people were unable to work due to Covid-19 last week, this was around 7,430 in the same period in 2022. But it is not only employers in the federal capital who are affected by the large number of sick reports.
In Styria, almost 46,000 people were on sick leave last week. In Upper Austria there were even 58,777 and in Lower Austria 57,488. The fewest reports of illness were in Burgenland with 8,891 cases, of which 1,336 were Covid cases.
Corona diseases have increased sharply
Most sick Austrians suffer from a flu-like infection; 503 people across the country have contracted the real flu. Overall, the number of corona diseases has risen sharply: after 5,718 in calendar week 47, there were already 7,434 the week before. Last year there were ‘only’ 2,941 at the same time. The numbers are likely to rise even further – after all, the cold season has just begun…
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
