Sport can take a deep breath. The lockdown will officially end on December 12th. Sport Austria President Hans Niessl was very relieved about this: “We are very relieved that club sport can reopen on the basis of the requirements of the federal government. This is an important step for the physical and mental health of the population, especially children and adolescents, and for the many jobs in the sports industry. Of course, it was to be expected that the 2G rule would play a central role. I am convinced that they will integrate our 15,000 clubs with around 1.6 million members well into club life and thus make an important contribution to containing the virus.
Individual sport is allowed again. Fitness studios can also be entered. The FFP2 mask requirement, which applies on the way to the changing room and shower, does not apply to direct sporting activities. However, the virus has not yet disappeared. Hans Niessl knows that too: “It is clear that the virus will not go away anytime soon, so we as a society as a whole must finally learn to live with it so that after the 4th lockdown it is not before the 5th and so do we after this respite be able to take a deep breath. In any case, Austria’s sport will continue to implement the Corona rules responsibly, but of course, as in the past, always criticize constructively when it is necessary.
In addition, a new rule also applies to the audience. Because outdoors, the maximum limit is a maximum of 300 (without assigned seats) or a maximum of 4,000 people (with assigned seats.) However, there will be no après-ski this year either.
Peter McDonald, President of the Sports Union, was equally pleased. “In the last few days, after many discussions, we have succeeded very well in convincing politicians of the importance of club sport for the people,” explained the functionary. “We are therefore very pleased that around 15,000 sports clubs in Austria can get going again. Regular exercise is a basic pillar for a more healthy life, where our country has a lot of catching up to do. “
