Austria, Switzerland and Germany Announces Steps to Loosen their Covid-19 Regulations

Austria and Switzerland, two popular winter sports destinations, have announced steps to loosen their Covid-19 regulations.

Austria’s chancellor, Karl Nehammer, announced on March 5 that the country’s government will abandon most Covid-related policies. Although, as early as this weekend, some rules will be relaxed.

Those utilizing restaurants, hotels, and ski lifts in Austria, with the exception of Vienna, will be needed to verify they are vaccinated, recovered from Covid, or present a negative PCR test, known as 3-G arrangements, starting on Saturday, 19th February. People who use these services are currently only allowed in if they are completely vaccinated or have recovered from Covid, often known as 2-G.

Then, starting on 5th March, face masks will only be required in essential stores such as supermarkets and banks, as well as when taking public transportation in Austria.

The current Covid crisis, according to the Swiss government, means it’s time for a “quick normalization” of daily life in the country.

This includes removing the obligation to wear masks and providing Covid certificates to enter stores, restaurants, cultural venues, and other public events immediately.

The only remaining Covid limitations in Switzerland will be the obligation to self-isolate for five days after a positive Covid test, as well as the requirement to wear masks on public transportation and in healthcare facilities, as of today (17th February). These final restrictions will be in effect until 31st March.

Germany is also implementing a three-step strategy to relax restrictions across the country, beginning with the lifting of limitations on private indoor meetings for vaccinated persons and the elimination of non-essential store checks in the coming days.

On 4th March, persons who have been fully vaccinated or recovered from Covid will be permitted into pubs and hotels without having to do a test, whereas unvaccinated people will have to perform a test.

On 20th March, the final round of the loosening will see constraints such as working from home lifted. Despite this, restrictions prohibiting the wearing of masks on public transportation will continue in effect beyond this date.