Coronavirus

With rising case numbers, intensive care beds in the eastern states are filling fast. A strict “cooling-down” is meant to bring this under control.

Every Sunday, Metropole brings you a COVID-19 update from Prof. Dr. Florian Krammer, an Austrian virologist who works and teaches at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City.

Public life has been halted once again by strict lockdown. But as numbers continue high, many question if the measures are really working.

In a rare show of unity, the Austrian Economic Chambers and Trade Union Federation call the latest anti-COVID measures “not feasible” in a joint statement.

A major rollout initiated by the city government and the Wirtschaftskammer should ensure everyone can conduct PCR-tests from home

Antibodies produced after a coronavirus infection offer some protection against future illness, but extra protection never hurts.

The center takes charge – Austrian federal states now need to prioritize elderly and high-risk patients. Those who have had COVID-19 will only get one shot.

Even without the usual symptoms like loss of smell, shortness of breath, and chest pain, you or your child could have something called “COVID toe."

Strains from the UK, South Africa, and Brazil are worrisome, but there's no need to panic, as long as we follow the general measures to reduce spreading of the virus.

For the next opening steps, Vorarlberg will be a test region. Team sports for the young are to resume on March 15, other countrywide opening steps are envisioned for March 27.

Animals are not the problem: Although this all began with a bat in a live wet market, coronaviruses rarely jump between species. And if so, it’s mostly from us to them.

The global pandemic doesn’t just affect your physical health; solitude also poses a threat to a generation in isolation.

Concerns over virus mutations have led Germany to close its frontier to Tyrol, setting off traffic jams on the streets and brawls among top officials. Even Brussels has chimed in.

The Austrian vaccination program for SARS-CoV-2 is slowly but surely underway, but approximately one third would currently refuse inoculation.

The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s what happened concerning COVID-19 in Austria in the week from Feb. 7-14.

As inoculation continues, Austrians are increasingly receptive, while in Czechia and our CEE neighbors, high COVID infection rates are often accompanied by skepticism and widespread disinformation.

The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s what happened in regards to COVID-19 in Austria in the week of Feb. 1-7, 2021.

The country plans to reopen schools, shops, museums and services on February 8 – with stricter rules, regular testing and mandatory FFP2 masks.

The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s what happened in regards to COVID-19 in Austria in the week of Jan. 25-31, 2021.

With schools in distance learning until February and cultural institutions closed perhaps through March, the government is stepping up support measures.

After extending the current lockdown until at least Feb. 7, the government promised additional support for businesses and workers.

The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s what happened in regards to COVID-19 in Austria in the week of Jan. 18-24, 2021.

Expectant women are particularly vulnerable to developing more severe cases of COVID-19. But it’s not all bad news.

The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s what happened in regards to COVID-19 in Austria in the week of Jan. 11-17, 2021.

Since January 15, travelers to Austria have to register online and self-quarantine. Find here all the rules, exceptions and forms you need.

Austria’s CoV vaccination campaign is picking up speed. The federal government will provide the vaccine, while the federal states organize the distribution. Here is how it works

Although there’s a very small risk of severe allergic reactions to the mRNA vaccine, it should not prevent most people – even with other allergies – from being vaccinated.

The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Austria this week – updated regularly.

Some older adults have atypical symptoms, including changes of behavior or just seeming a bit ‘off.'

The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Austria this week – updated regularly.

Following Christmas, the country will re-enter a one-month national lockdown. This time around, a negative test result is the key to freedom.

Each of us thrives on our social relationships, knowing our family is safe and healthy and having a routine and productive life. COVID-19 upended eac...

The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Austria on December 20, 2020 – updated regularly.

With the start of the pandemic, the Donau University in Krems began researching the impacts of the crisis on the moods and well-being of Austrians, with one in five affected.

There are many possibilities to get tested for the coronavirus in Vienna. The city offers free rapid antigen and PCR tests, pharmacies and labs offer paid tests.

The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Austria on December 19, 2020 – updated regularly.

Everything you need to know about the COVID rules in Austria during the Christmas holidays and around the New Year.

The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Austria on December 18, 2020 – updated regularly.

The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Austria on December 17, 2020 – updated regularly.

The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Austria on December 16, 2020 – updated regularly.

The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Austria on December 15, 2020 – updated regularly.

The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Austria – updated regularly.

The latest coronavirus vaccine interim reports are promising, and if enough people participate, it could mean a return to normal life.

The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Austria on December 13, 2020 – updated regularly.

The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Austria on December 12, 2020 – updated regularly.

The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Austria on December 11, 2020 – updated regularly.

The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Austria on December 10, 2020 – updated regularly.

The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Austria on December 9, 2020 – updated regularly.

COVID-19 is shaping our daily lives. Here’s all you need to know about current measures, including where to get help, information and tips – updated regularly.

Graphics show how important wearing masks, regular ventilation and reducing contacts is to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

The city plans to test 1.2 million people from December 4-13 with rapid antigen tests. Here’s how it is supposed to work

Just in time for the holidays, Austria will ease restrictions on Dec. 7. Here is a complete overview of the next steps.

The first people in Austria may get vaccinated against the coronavirus already at the beginning of 2021. Until then, the logistics and timetable have to be worked out

The SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen test could help stop the spread of the coronavirus.

The coronavirus has arrived in Austria. Here’s what happened in November 2020.

In response to surging case numbers, Austria re-entered full lockdown on Tuesday, Nov. 17. These rules apply until Sunday, Dec. 6.

Corinna Milborn, managing editor for news and moderator at Austrian TV channel Puls 24, has asked doctors, nurses and caregivers at Austrian hospitals to report what they are experiencing every day.

Keeping schools open in the pandemic has become a hot-button topic. A new directive of Austria’s Education Ministry now wants to control who should know about positive cases

After a rocky start and complaints about long waiting times, the City Council had to completely overhaul its initial program. Since then great strides have been made towards more accessible testing all around town, by bus, tram or bicycle.

As nations around the world follow every twist and turn of the developing science to combat the coronavirus, Austrian researchers and companies could play a key role.

Most young people, infants to teenagers, fully recover from COVID-19, but not all. And even without symptoms, they can spread it to others. A cautionary tale.

The coronavirus has arrived in Austria. Here’s all you need to know about current measures, including where to get help, information and tips – updated regularly.

On Austria’s National Day, October 26, 2020, Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen addressed Austrians and “all people living in our country” with a calm plea for reasons, fortitude and unity.

An independent review of the outbreak response to one of Europe’s first COVID-19 clusters blames federal and state officials for their slow reactions and poor communication.

The federal government has once again tightened rules for restaurants and events. Here’s what it means for Vienna.

Here’s how European countries are managing the second wave of COVID-19 – including statistics, measures and an analysis of the current situation.

With cases skyrocketing again in Europe, it is time to remember the advice a public health expert gave us in April: The virus is unforgiving to unwise choices.

A post-infection syndrome of chronic fatigue, neurological symptoms and more can follow even the mildest cases and last for months.

The start of the winter semester places Vienna’s students – including thousands of freshmen – firmly under the shadow of the pandemic

The coronavirus has arrived in Austria. Here’s what happened in September, 2020.

At a protest against coronavirus restrictions in Vienna, far-right extremists put on a homophobic display in front of a cheering crowd, while drawing outrage from the Greens.

Protective barriers are essential for preventing the spread of COVID-19; but there is a choice and room for creativity. Details below!

A musicians' initiative to do aerosol studies made the Festival's 100th anniversary possible after all. From here, the studies will help the Vienna Philharmonic and others stay safe from COVID-19.

The parliamentary presidents of the three countries met in Grafenegg, 50 km outside of Vienna. Hungary’s recent steps to close its borders were also discussed.

Covering your mouth and nose really does help stop the spread of COVID-19 and, we now know, protects ourselves most of all.

Here’s all you need to know about current measures and developments, including trusted sources and tips – regularly updated.

With similar symptoms, the two viruses are hard to distinguish and all to easy to misdiagnose. The difference is, one of them can be prevented.

Can we catch COVID-19 just from the air we breathe? Over 200 scientists say yes, and have requested the WHO re-classify the virus as an airborne pathogen.

After the lockdown, here is how Austria is dealing with the “new normality” of the coronavirus.

Using a few plastic tubes and paper strips, it is now possible to test for coronavirus yourself, all in under an hour. VBC scientists have developed fast, sensitive and robust testing for SARS-CoV-2 from your kitchen. The team hopes to be part of a national testing strategy.

Austria’s EU officials expressed diverging opinions ahead of the bloc’s budget-corona negotiations.

Amid all the speculations about so-called “herd immunity,” the jury is still out on reinfection with COVID-19.

Like other “black swan” events in the past, COVID-19 has challenged our democracies and changed the way we live.

The crisis has revealed us – for better and worse – to ourselves; the question now is what we will do next.

A silver lining for COVID-19 has been how well we are preventing the common cold.

With summer approaching, new challenges await Austria in dealing with the coronavirus.Here’s all you need to know about current measures and developments, including trusted sources and tips – regularly updated.

The government is making a bid to save the summer tourism season by targeting Austrian guests with a €40 million “Vacation in Austria” campaign.

Stadt Wien’s “Kultursommer 2020” is a full-throated anthem of commitment to the arts, and the city’s willingness to put its money where its mouth is.

Organizations and hotel businesses are vowing to save the city’s summer tourism with advertising campaigns directed at locals and guests from neighboring states.

Even though we’re doing well, it’s not the time to let down our guard; it’s about being careful, cautious and prepared.

Starting on June 4, Austria will open the borders to Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Czechia and Hungary. Travelers from these countries won’t need to go into quarantine or present a negative COVID-19 test result.

Austria has successfully flattened the curve, for now. Here’s all you need to know about current measures, including available resources, trusted sources and tips – regularly updated.

Austria under lockdown has done well controlling the spread of COVID -19. But the only way to return to normal is to track the cases and be able to control further spread.

Why we (still) need to practice social distancing, now that we can finally get together with friends and family again.

As Donald Trump Slams the World Health Organization, the State Department is giving millions to another uN agency to battle the pandemic.

Having faced growing criticism from all sides, State Secretary for Cultural Affairs Ulrike Lunacek resigned May 15.

Austria, Czechia, Slovakia and Hungary plan a coordinated opening in mid-June.

Many performers have taken to the internet where they teach, play and release fresh content, keeping our spirits alive during the crisis. Here are some of Metropole’s favorites!

It was the stronghold that secured the north-eastern corner of the Roman Empire, thereby also securing trade-routes and access to the Danube for defense from foreign invaders.

Digging in can be a chance to explore new games and rediscover old pleasures – activities for any rainy Saturday in the years to come.