Austria: Corona mass tests will start in December in Vorarlberg and Tyrol

On Wednesday, the Vienna government presented its vaccination strategy and explained how the blockade should continue: “We have known two things since the beginning of the pandemic: first, that it is good to test a lot and, second, that vaccination is the ‘Game Changer ‘will, ”Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said at the press conference.

Mass testing in Tyrol and Vorarlberg will start on the first weekend of December. Some professional groups such as teachers, educators and police officers are first tested throughout Germany. “Mass testing is not the simple solution and certainly not a panacea,” said the Austrian Chancellor. It is now important that the mass tests are repeated several times.

Tyrol and Vorarlberg will be the first federal states to launch mass population tests. The reason for this is the higher number of infections compared to other regions. “My big request to the people is to participate,” said the Chancellor. Anyone can make an important contribution by investing just a few minutes.

Despite mass testing and short-term vaccination, there are still some tough months ahead of you, Kurz pointed out. The first people should be vaccinated in January.

Vaccinations should be given first to the elderly, risk groups and medical personnel. Kurz expects the Biontech / Pfizer and AstraZeneca funds to be the first to receive approval. “It’s very, very realistic that approvals can be granted around Christmas. Each vaccination is a step towards victory over the pandemic, ”Kurz said at the press conference.

A turnaround is not yet in sight, said Health Minister Rudolf Anschober. “The numbers are still too high”. You have to be very consistent over the next few months. In Austria, the number of new infections increased again during the week. Within 24 hours, 5802 new positive tests were reported – over 1100 more infected than the day before.

“There will be no mandatory vaccination, but an urgent recommendation for everyone to get vaccinated to defeat the pandemic,” Anschober said. The goal is to obtain the maximum possible vaccination coverage.

One million doses should be administered in the first phase of the vaccination strategy. In January and February, nurses and risk groups should be vaccinated first. Since it has to be vaccinated twice, 500,000 people are reached at this stage.

Phase 2, from February to April, will focus on people aged 65 and over. Two million cans are planned for this. In the third phase of vaccination, broad-spectrum vaccinations “will go into the zone,” Anschober said.

“How can we save Christmas?” Quite simply, because on Christmas Eve we have the fewest possible number of infected people ”, the Chancellor stresses. It is a great danger, especially for the elderly, if the virus is unintentionally brought into the home by family members.

Regarding the possible easing, Kurz said: “It is clear that schools and retailers will reopen first. But we won’t rush anything. “The opening will take place” with caution, attention and only gradually. “The Chancellor has announced that December will be a busy phase, and there will also be regulations for Christmas and New Year. The full lockdown is scheduled for December 6. Next Wednesday I will come again informed about the measures.