To contain the omicron variant of the coronavirus Austria tightened its entry requirements on Monday. The 2Gplus rule has been in effect since midnight. Without further ado, only those who have been vaccinated three times are allowed into the country. For people who have been vaccinated twice and for those who have recovered, there is an additional obligation to perform a PCR test. Anyone who does not have a negative test result on entry must register and be immediately quarantined. The quarantine can be ended as soon as a negative PCR test is obtained.
Exempt from the regulations are pregnant women and people who cannot be vaccinated for health reasons. The reason for the exception must be proven by a certificate. There are also special rules for children and young people. For commuters, the usual 3G rule will remain. Transit traffic is not affected by the regulations.
In Austria with its almost nine million inhabitants, the number of new infections has fallen significantly after a three-week lockdown. The seven-day incidence is now around 230 cases per 100,000 inhabitants – well below the German figure. As the last federal state, Vienna will also open the catering and hotel industry again on Monday. The SPÖ-led metropolis has been on a particularly cautious course in the corona wave for some time.
In Switzerland, the 2G rule applies in large parts of public life from Monday. Only those who have been vaccinated and those who have recovered have access to restaurants, cultural, sports and leisure facilities as well as indoor events.