There are currently some strange scenes taking place in the (shuttle) trains to and from Vienna. The reason for this: the mask requirement in public transport within the capital. A notice draws attention to this: “We ask you to wear appropriate mouth and nose protection on the trains and in the closed station area within the city limits”, the wagons sounded shortly before Sessenbrunn (see video). “It’s a really beautiful sight,” reader reporter Nathalie tells us – with a wink.
Since Wednesday, masks have been mandatory in retail, pharmacies and public transport throughout Austria. Except in the federal capital. Because Vienna has published an ordinance from the mayor that goes beyond the restrictions imposed by the federal government. In addition to the health sector, the mask must also be worn in all mass transport modes and pharmacies.
Mask on, mask off
Some bizarre scenes are now taking place in commuter trains coming to Vienna from the federal states. Shortly before the city limits, a loudspeaker announcement draws attention to the obligation to wear face masks in the urban area. Train staff would also personally inform passengers — on long-distance trains, for example — and carry FFP2 masks to hand out, ÖBB said.
On Thursday, the mask-on was eagerly pierced. For example in the express train from Lower Austria. “People have the masks in their carry-ons or hang them on their arms and then put them on,” says the “Krone” reader-reporter. If the journey goes in the opposite direction, the masks would literally be “lifted off”.
“We’re still going to make it”
While you have to wear the FFP2 mask at a train station in Vienna, you can drop it when you go to a shop there. When returning to the station hall, the mask must be worn again. “We’ve already checked so much, we can still do it,” an ÖBB spokesperson said cheerfully on the sidelines of a background conversation. Apparently no one in Vienna is thinking of further easing in the summer. The regulation is limited to August 23.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
