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This page is updated on a daily basis. In it we offer facts, data and emergency information about the Coronavirus in Vienna and Austria in English
Coronavirus
COVID-19 Vaccine Allergies? Real But Very Rare. Here’s What You Need to Know
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.
Columns
Situation Again Deteriorating in Europe, US – Stable in Asia
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.
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CoV on Dec. 28 – Jan. 3 | 6,000 People in Austria Vaccinated
The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Austria this week – updated regularly.
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COVID-19, a Diagnostic Challenge in Seniors
Some older adults have atypical symptoms, including changes of behavior or just seeming a bit ‘off.'
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CoV on Dec. 21-27 | Day 1 of the Vaccine Rollout
The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Austria this week – updated regularly.
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The Rules of Austria’s Third Lockdown
Following Christmas, the country will re-enter a one-month national lockdown. This time around, a negative test result is the key to freedom.
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Practical Guide to Mental Health and Domestic Violence in Vienna
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...
Coronavirus
Traveling to Austria in Times of Corona
From Dec. 19 to Jan. 10, strict entry restrictions are in force for travelers to Austria. Find here all the rules, exceptions and forms you may need.
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CoV on December 20 | Government Bans Flights From the United Kingdom
The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Austria on December 20, 2020 – updated regularly.
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Overwhelming Uncertainty – Mental Health Issues on the Rise Under COVID-19
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.
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Where to Get a COVID-19 Test in Vienna
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.
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CoV on December 19 | New Travel Restrictions in Place
The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Austria on December 19, 2020 – updated regularly.
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Austria’s Coronavirus Rules for Christmas, the Holidays, and Travel
Everything you need to know about the COVID rules in Austria during the Christmas holidays and around the New Year.
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CoV on December 18 | Hard Lockdown From Dec. 26 – Jan. 17
The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Austria on December 18, 2020 – updated regularly.
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CoV on December 17 | Contact Tracing Rebounds in Austria
The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Austria on December 17, 2020 – updated regularly.
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CoV on December 16 | Austria to Receive 900,000 Pfizer/Biontech Vaccine Doses in Q1, Kurz Says
The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Austria on December 16, 2020 – updated regularly.
Coronavirus
CoV on December 15 | Holiday & Travel Rules, Vaccine Approval on Dec. 21
The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Austria on December 15, 2020 – updated regularly.
Coronavirus
CoV on December 14 | 2 Million Went to Mass Tests
The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Austria – updated regularly.
Coronavirus
CoV on December 13 | Germany to Enter “Hard” Lockdown on Wednesday
The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Austria on December 13, 2020 – updated regularly.
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CoV on December 12 | Tyrol Makes Free Antigen Testing Permanent
The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Austria on December 12, 2020 – updated regularly.
Coronavirus
CoV on December 11 | Mass Tests in Salzburg, Upper Austria, Carinthia
The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Austria on December 11, 2020 – updated regularly.
Coronavirus Daily Updates
CoV on December 10 | Tussle Over Police Powers
The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Austria on December 10, 2020 – updated regularly.
Coronavirus
CoV on December 9 | Only 4 Out of 22 Tested Disinfectants Effective
The coronavirus is shaping our lives. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Austria on December 9, 2020 – updated regularly.
Coronavirus
Coronavirus in Early December | Entry Restrictions May Be Extended
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.
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How COVID-19 Spreads in a Closed Space
Graphics show how important wearing masks, regular ventilation and reducing contacts is to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Coronavirus
How Vienna Plans to Mass Test the Population for COVID-19
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
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How Austria Plans to Reopen After the Second Lockdown
Just in time for the holidays, Austria will ease restrictions on Dec. 7. Here is a complete overview of the next steps.
Coronavirus
How Austria Plans to Roll Out the CoV Vaccine
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
Coronavirus
New COVID Test Could be a Game Changer
The SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen test could help stop the spread of the coronavirus.
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Coronavirus in Austria & Vienna | What Happened in November
The coronavirus has arrived in Austria. Here’s what happened in November 2020.
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The Rules of Austria’s Second “Hard” Lockdown
In response to surging case numbers, Austria re-entered full lockdown on Tuesday, Nov. 17. These rules apply until Sunday, Dec. 6.
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Front-Line Reports From Austrian Hospitals
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.
Coronavirus
Gag Order? Austria’s Education Ministry Attempts to Silence Reports of Coronavirus Cases at Schools
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
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In Vienna, Demand for Virus Testing Spurs Innovation
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.
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How Austrian Scientists Are Fighting COVID-19
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.
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Keeping Children Safe in the Pandemic
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.
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Coronavirus in Austria & Vienna | What Happened in October
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.
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“Austria can manage this. Together.”
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.
Coronavirus
The Ischgl Report – Misjudgment, Misconduct and Misinformation
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.
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New COVID-19 Measures – What Will Change
The federal government has once again tightened rules for restaurants and events. Here’s what it means for Vienna.
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How Coronavirus Is Affecting Austria’s Neighbors
Here’s how European countries are managing the second wave of COVID-19 – including statistics, measures and an analysis of the current situation.
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Hold the Line
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.
Coronavirus
Post COVID-19, Many Find They Are in for the Long Haul
A post-infection syndrome of chronic fatigue, neurological symptoms and more can follow even the mildest cases and last for months.
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(Anti)Social Distancing at the Universities
The start of the winter semester places Vienna’s students – including thousands of freshmen – firmly under the shadow of the pandemic
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Coronavirus in Austria & Vienna | What Happened in September
The coronavirus has arrived in Austria. Here’s what happened in September, 2020.
Coronavirus
QAnon Supporters Put on a Homophobic Display at a Protest in Vienna
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.
Coronavirus
A Cloth Mask or a Plastic Shield – Which, When and How?
Protective barriers are essential for preventing the spread of COVID-19; but there is a choice and room for creativity. Details below!
Coronavirus
Saving the Salzburg Festival
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.
Coronavirus
Austria, Slovakia, Czechia Vow to Avoid Border Closures
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.
Coronavirus
Keeping Your Nose Clean
Covering your mouth and nose really does help stop the spread of COVID-19 and, we now know, protects ourselves most of all.
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Coronavirus in Austria & Vienna | What Happened in August
Here’s all you need to know about current measures and developments, including trusted sources and tips – regularly updated.
Coronavirus
When Influenza and COVID-19 Collide
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.
Coronavirus
With COVID-19, Don’t Throw Caution to the Wind
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.
Coronavirus
The Coronavirus in Austria & Vienna | What Happened in July
After the lockdown, here is how Austria is dealing with the “new normality” of the coronavirus.
Coronavirus
Researchers at the Vienna BioCenter Have Developed Easy at-Home COVID-19 Testing; Next Comes Peer Re...
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.
Coronavirus
Wrestling for the EU Deal | Austrian Officials, Like the Country, Were Divided
Austria’s EU officials expressed diverging opinions ahead of the bloc’s budget-corona negotiations.
Coronavirus
Catching COVID-19 Again – Once Bitten, Twice Shy
Amid all the speculations about so-called “herd immunity,” the jury is still out on reinfection with COVID-19.
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Central Europe Beat COVID-19 – Will Their Democracies Survive?
Like other “black swan” events in the past, COVID-19 has challenged
our democracies and changed the way we live.
Coronavirus
Lessons of the Pandemic | Italy, America, and Covid-19
The crisis has revealed us – for better and worse – to ourselves; the question now is what we will do next.
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In Corona Time, So Few Sniffles!
A silver lining for COVID-19 has been how well we are preventing the common cold.
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The Coronavirus in Austria & Vienna | What Happened in June
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.
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Vacation in Austria, Like the Habsburgs
The government is making a bid to save the summer tourism season by targeting Austrian guests with a €40 million “Vacation in Austria” campaign.
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All the Town’s a Stage | A €6.3 Million Project is Putting Vienna’s Artists Back to Work
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.
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Viennese Tourism is Fighting for Survival
Organizations and hotel businesses are vowing to save the city’s summer tourism with advertising campaigns directed at locals and guests from neighboring states.
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A ‘Second Wave’ is Not Inevitable
Even though we’re doing well, it’s not the time to let down our guard; it’s about being careful, cautious and prepared.
Coronavirus
Austria to Open Borders to All Neighbors – Except Italy
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.
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The Coronavirus in Austria & Vienna | What Happened in May
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.
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Ending the Pandemic with Mass Testing
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.
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Pleased to Meet You | Carefully
Why we (still) need to practice social distancing, now that we can finally get together with friends and family again.
Coronavirus
US Quietly Funds the IAEA in Fight Against COVID-19
As Donald Trump Slams the World Health Organization, the State Department is giving millions to another uN agency to battle the pandemic.
Coronavirus
New Leadership for Austria’s Cultural Reopening
Having faced growing criticism from all sides, State Secretary for Cultural Affairs Ulrike Lunacek resigned May 15.
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Reopening the Borders | What Our Neighbors Are Doing
Austria, Czechia, Slovakia and Hungary plan a coordinated opening in mid-June.
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Top 5 Viennese Musicians in Quarantine
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!
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Carnuntum | Romans, Archaeology and the Coronavirus
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.
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How to Have Fun With Kids During Quarantine
Digging in can be a chance to explore new games and rediscover old pleasures – activities for any rainy Saturday in the years to come.
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(Red) Cross Purposes
The strength of the legendary aid organization is its iron clad neutrality. In the overlapping alliances of Austrian party politics, this is looking badly compromised.
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Relationships and Dating in Vienna in the Age of Corona | From Lovesickness to Quarantined Bliss
What happens to romance in a world of social distancing? A Vienna psychologist sheds light on the challenges of love under lockdown, and Metropole readers share stories.
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Top 5 Viral Austrian Videos | A Sense of Community and Controversy
Love ‘em or hate ‘em – these are the short little clips that intrigued Austrians during lockdown.
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Control Over Coronavirus is in Your Hands
Don’t underestimate the power of hand washing and good old-fashioned soap and water.
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Thomas Piketty and the Post-Plague World
The growing gulf between rich and poor has unleashed fierce debate since the French economist published “Capital and Ideology” in 2019. The economic meltdown from the Corvid-19 crisis gives the debate a bitter new immediacy.
Coronavirus
Mental Interventions | Short Steps and Quick Fixes to Change Your Mood
As the mind never sleeps, instead of exaggerating our anxiety, let us give it something to do and stop the downward spiral.
Coronavirus
President Van der Bellen Addresses the Nation for a Third Time
“I don't think it's possible for us to see yet what significance this crisis will have for our society. Just as it is impossible for a drop of water to understand the course of a river.”
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How Austria Plans to Reopen Its Cultural Landscape, Bars and Restaurants
Plans for life after lockdown are slowly taking shape. Here is a brief summary of the government’s roadmap to cultural and culinary normalcy.
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Shepherding the Herd | When It’s Too Dangerous to Rely on Protection by the Immunity of Others...
The Austrian government has dealt with COVID-19 based on lessons learned from our Italian neighbors and the ski resort coronavirus hotspots. So far, anything else is simply too dangerous.
Coronavirus
Tips for Safe Shopping | As Things Reopen, Extra Care is Needed
The current rules for grocery shopping aim to limit transmission of COVID-19, that means that we must get used to a few things beyond being quarantined.
Coronavirus
Vienna Night Prowl in the Time of Corona
A photographer takes us on a walk through Vienna by night in the time of corona.
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The Coronavirus in Austria & Vienna | What Happened in April
Austria has successfully flattened the curved. Here’s all you need to know about what happened in April 2020 in Vienna and beyond.
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The EU Turns on the Tap | But Will It Be Enough?
Sweeping away economic orthodoxy, the European Union is releasing €1,300 billion – 10% of GDP – into the economy; now, says Austrian economist Kurt Bayer, it needs to start relieving debt. Fast.
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Funding Old Friends | How Crisis Support for Media Ignored Quality and By-Passed Online Altogether
The government’s promise to support the press in economic hard times has crashed into a wall of criticism for giving most to those who need it least.
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Emergency Power Binge | Will Kurz Be Able to Kick the Habit?
The Corona crisis justified a package of extraordinary measures that limit basic freedoms. Watchdogs are worried that the government may be reluctant to give up these powers as the pandemic recedes.
Coronavirus
Op-Ed | Global Health Security – A Call for Taiwan’s Inclusion
Taiwan, a country of 23 million people located in East Asia, registered no more than 428 cases of coronavirus. Yet the WHO keeps ignoring the island’s experience due to pressure from China. Now, Taiwan’s health minister speaks to the world.
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A Call for Home-Sewn Masks
If you have a sewing machine, some time on your hands, and a stash of fabric, why not sew face masks and donate them where they are urgently needed.
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How Austrian Businesses Are Now Fighting the Coronavirus
The pandemic and the shutdown have shaken the country’s economy. Now businesses gear up to help fight the coronavirus, with masks, hackers, drones and more.
Coronavirus
“Inländer raus!” – Austrians Stay Away!
In picturesque towns of the Salzkammergut, mayors hoped to limit spread of the Coronavirus by discouraging city visitors. Instead, they sounded peevish and small-minded.
Coronavirus
Doomsday Music | 11 Dystopic Songs About the End of the World
Earthquake, disease or environmental disaster. Even before the crisis, these artists were already thinking about what the proverbial Last Days of Mankind might look like.
Coronavirus
The ORF Goes Multilingual – a Little Bit
Austria’s public broadcaster now offers current news snippets in multiple languages. The short videos published every other day on Instagram cover coronavirus news in 9 languages.
Coronavirus
The Austrian Cultural Forum New York Invites You to Vienna’s Digital Concert Hall
The sound of Austrian music reverberates even in times of the lockdown, from Vienna to New York. The Konzerthaus’s digital concert hall brings live music to your home.
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All Eyes on Austria as it Reopens Stores, Eases Coronavirus Lockdown
The world watches as Austria becomes one of the first countries European countries to start lifting its lockdown. A media review.
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Ischgl | Greed and Consequences
Delays and denials by Tyrolean officials and the tourism industry have provoked a class action suit, and untold damage to the reputation of the legendary ski resort.
Coronavirus
An Easter Sunday in the Prater
This spring is different. A report from a Styrian in Vienna, as we all stay together apart.