In Austria, the number of new corona infections has risen rapidly and have reached a record high of 11,398 cases. This means that the number of infections has almost doubled since last week. “We have to take the situation very seriously,” said Health Minister Wolfgang Mückstein (Greens) on Wednesday. The situation in Salzburg and Upper Austria is particularly dramatic. He had therefore invited the governors of the two federal states to a crisis summit for Wednesday.
In Austria, the seven-day incidence per 100,000 inhabitants is 655. Upper Austria even comes to a value of over 1000, Salzburg is just under 1000. According to media reports, regional lockdowns are to be decided for the particularly badly affected federal states. “We have to act quickly, decisively and comprehensively,” said Mückstein. He did not rule out a lockdown. However, he does not want to anticipate the talks with the country leaders.
Given the high number of infections, the government is under pressure. Health workers criticize that the tightening measures decided on Friday came too late. Since Monday, only those who have been vaccinated and recovered have been given access to restaurants, cafes, bars, hotels and leisure and cultural facilities. In the workplace, however, the 3G rule still applies, where a negative test is also accepted.
In view of the high number of infections, Austria could face travel warnings, for example from Germany. Hotel operators fear losses in winter tourism. The ski season was as good as last year due to the lockdown.