“We still have to tread very carefully” and “the pandemic is not over yet”: Even before Michael Ludwig made specific announcements about the easing at his press conference in the town hall on Wednesday, it quickly became clear that a different path had been taken here as announced by the federal government and the Gecko Commission only a short time before.
According to Ludwig, you have to weigh up how far it is possible to take opening steps. The number of occupants in the hospitals – in Vienna as well as in the federal states – is still “very high”, Ludwig speaks of “peak values”. Meanwhile, healthcare workers are also overly challenged.
Ludwig explains habits that have become accustomed to during the pandemic and gives the example of wearing the FFP2 masks indoors. Wearing the FFP2 masks would now also be rated as “very positive” by many. So that means: Vienna remains with the FFP2 mask requirement.
With regard to the switch from 2G to 3G in the catering trade planned for February 19, Ludwig makes it clear that Vienna will remain with 2G – at least for the time being. This also and especially applies to night catering, Ludwig is certain that it would not be possible to unlock the clubs, bars and discotheques without 2G.
Accordingly, Vienna is moving along with the nationwide opening of night gastronomy on March 5th, but at least with 2G, in some cases also with 2G+.
It is also not surprising that Michael Ludwig, contrary to the announcements and demands from government members such as Margarete Schramböck or even Chancellor Karl Nehammer, continues to keep corona tests free of charge. For the time being, both antigen and PCR tests will be available free of charge in the federal capital – with the exception of rapid tests, the evaluation of which is available in a few hours and which were previously subject to a charge.
The “Viennese way” remains a harder one than the Austrian way – but Ludwig also gives the Viennese hope. There is hope for relief in March: if the infection curve drops noticeably and steadily, as current forecasts expect, then the easing will be able to follow suit here as well. So it means: wait.
