Coronavirus

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Love ‘em or hate ‘em – these are the short little clips that intrigued Austrians during lockdown.

Don’t underestimate the power of hand washing and good old-fashioned soap and water.

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.

As the mind never sleeps, instead of exaggerating our anxiety, let us give it something to do and stop the downward spiral.

“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.”

Plans for life after lockdown are slowly taking shape. Here is a brief summary of the government’s roadmap to cultural and culinary normalcy.

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.

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.

A photographer takes us on a walk through Vienna by night in the time of corona.

Austria has successfully flattened the curved. Here’s all you need to know about what happened in April 2020 in Vienna and beyond.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The world watches as Austria becomes one of the first countries European countries to start lifting its lockdown. A media review.

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.

This spring is different. A report from a Styrian in Vienna, as we all stay together apart.

A public international lawyer with 25 years at the UN recounts her experience of living through the pandemic in Vienna.

Two immunologists share which nutrients can support our resistance to disease in the times of corona.

The award-winning Viennese restaurant Steirereck donates all its food during the nationwide lockdown.

Although other governments have extraordinary power as well, Hungarian’s unlimited mandate is unprecedented in Europe.

The once-flourishing Austrian tourism is suffering, as government and banks intervene to safeguard existing jobs.

So what happens on a corona repatriation flight?

How to make the April 5 International Day of Conscience really mean something.

“One day, we will look back on this strange, painful, unreal spring of 2020. And we will find: It has passed. It has passed.”

As of April 1, we are supposed to wear face masks when grocery shopping to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Covering your nose and mouth with a mask will not protect you from viral infection, but if you are infected and asymptomatic, you may unwittingly infect others.

Cultural life on Austria is on standby – but not quite. Many institutions are trying to keep the spirit alive online. We’ve compiled the best of Vienna’s cultural offerings you can enjoy from your couch.

The coronavirus has arrived in Austria. Here’s all you need to know about what happened in March 2020 in Vienna and beyond.

Yale professor of medical history Frank Snowden’s sweeping analysis of pandemics over the centuries, concludes that while science advances, people do not. An unsettling but gripping read.

Some restaurants have switched to take-out, while large delivery chains have found new ways to safely bring your lunch or dinner.

A new season is upon us and with it comes a wave of seasonal must-haves, but this year we’re trading in shoes and purses for non-perishables and medical grade accessories.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus poses a major challenge both to companies and individuals. A Vienna-based lawyer and data protection experts gives insights into ramifications in law.

An E-workout can be an inexpensive alternative to on-the-ground fitness studios and the only available option in lockdown times. From weight reduction to yoga and meditation, paid or free, the online market offers a wide variety on alternatives. The only difficulty is to find the right program for you.

In these turbulent times, we are there for you, every day. Now we need your support to keep it up.

After a week in isolation, your home may be spotless but your mood may take a hit. So, here’s a list of cheerful TV shows to keep you afloat in these trying times.

We have compiled a lively list of modern and classic novels and non-fiction, favorites of ours and, we hope, soon of yours.

A total government support package of €38 billion will help businesses ride out the Coronavirus crisis. How much will go to cultural organizations and artists is still a matter of tricky negotiations.

Working in your pajamas sounds dreamy, but remote work presents clear changes: You save time commuting, but lose time with colleagues; shutting off from work becomes more difficult, yet you’re more susceptible to distractions, especially in the time of Corona.

Metropole is there for the roughly 500,000 non-German speakers across Austria who need information on COVID-19 developments. Their contribution to the #stayathome effort is vital for the success of Austrian safety measures.

Since Monday, March 16, Ausgangsbeschränkungen (movement restrictions) have been in force in Austria. How does that affect public transportation, can you go to the doctor, take a walk or buy hygiene products? Can the police penalize you? This list should answer all your questions.

When reality is overtaken by events, risk can be a hard thing to measure: A beloved country in a very strange time

Stockpiling the larder is an unpleasant side effect of panic. It does not show people at their best. It is illogical, but apparently irresistible.

Over the mid-March weekend, the Austrian government put together a €4 billion relief package for companies and the self-employed, who have suffered massive losses due to the coronavirus.

The MA 35 still operates, but remotely. And Vienna’s Mayor issued an urgent plea to the Viennese to not overwhelm the city’s administration at exactly this time.

Self-isolation goes against Austrian culture. Viennese society is built around interaction, which is a big part of what has won the city best Quality of Life for 10 years running.

“I am confident that we will succeed, just as we have already achieved a lot together in our country. Please look after yourselves! And together we will look after our Austria. Thank you."

Global contagion has long inspired cinema, making it second only to nuclear Armageddon as a premise for post-apocalyptic dystopias! As you grumble about toilet paper shortages at your local Billa, take comfort that at the very least, things aren’t quite so bad as these silver screen nightmares.

It comes as no surprise that there is a patron saint to protect us from plagues: Her name, however, does: it is St. Corona.

While staying at home may be helpful in containing the outbreak, it can also lead to increased loneliness. So why not use the time to wipe away all the nasty by cleaning, scrubbing and dusting?

While some make dystopian jokes, others are buying the last face masks on the Internet. How the country is dealing with COVID-19.

The Austrian Chancellor is now the country’s largest employer. Or is he?