Austria Adopts Mandatory COVID-19 Testing Law For Cultural Events

By Dejan Vukosavljevic
(Credit: Christian Thür)

The Austrian Parliament has adopted a law which will give extra powers to Health Minister Rudolf Anschober.

According to the text of the law, Anschober will we able to order mandatory COVID-19 testing for everyone wanting to attend a cultural event. So-called entry tests appeared as an alternative to the country’s mass COVID-19 testing.

The law also leaves open the possibility that a negative COVID-19 test result could be required for entry into restaurants and cafes, and even checking into hotels. Minister Anschober said that the decision as to exactly which sectors would require a negative test would depend on the development of the pandemic.

The Austrian government has imposed a national lockdown that is due to end on Jan. 24, 2021. However, the government currently analyzes the situation that has emerged by the rapid spreading of two novel COVID-19 strains, and it does not exclude the extension of the lockdown.

 

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