VIENNA (AUSTRIA) – Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said on Monday that Austria is restricting gatherings to a maximum of six people indoors and 12 outside, to tackle a steady rise in coronavirus infections.
Kurz told a news conference, “We are fully aware, ladies and gentlemen, that these measures are unpopular. They are unpopular but unfortunately they are necessary.”
Shops, restaurants, bars and theatres remain open.
Of nine provinces, the three that is most heavily depended on winter tourism have already put forth bars’ closing time to 10 pm from the usual 2 am to slow the virus’ spread ahead of the ski season.
The new rules will come to effect on Friday and professionally organised events will be capped at 1,500 people outdoors and 1,000 indoors. The only exception for private gatherings is for funerals. On the other hand, Kurz emphasised that the police would not generally be monitoring private homes either.
