New ‘2G’ Rules in Austria Exclude the Unvaccinated from Almost All Activities Outside the Home

The InterContinental Hotel Vienna, photographed from the nearby Stadtpark

New so-called 2G rules went into effect Monday in Austria that exclude all individuals who have not yet been vaccinated for the coronavirus, or who don’t have proof of recovery from the virus, from almost all facets of life outside of the home.

The rules restrict non-vaccinated individuals from entering restaurants, cafés, hotels, theaters, cinemas, and hairdressers, among other locations and venues in all provinces of the Alpine country.

A four-week transition period will allow individuals who have had their first jab and who can present a negative PCR test entry to these venues.   This period will be in effect until December 8, after which proof of full vaccination will be necessary.

Meanwhile, FFP2 masks will be mandatory on cable cars, in cultural venues such as libraries and museums, in supermarkets and pharmacies, and on all public transit, the latter already being the case.

(Photo: Accura Media Group)