Schools are currently testing three times a week – at least twice with a PCR test and once with an antigen test. After Easter, there is basically only one weekly PCR test. Antigen tests are then only used if positive cases have been registered beforehand. This is how the “redimensioning” of the test strategy is carried out in line with the Ministry of Health, according to a broadcast.
There is no change in the mask requirement: no mask has to be worn in class, but outside of the class in the school building it is. Furthermore, the individual school directors can decide on an additional mask requirement if necessary – for example after frequent infections. A catalog with examples is currently being drawn up for this purpose. The Easter holidays end on April 18th. Before the holidays, the students receive two more antigen tests so that they can test themselves on vacation or before returning to school.
Fewer tests from Saturday
With April – i.e. with Friday – the test offer should be significantly reduced. Only five PCR and five antigen living room tests will then be free per person per month. However, numerous questions remain unanswered. The exact specifications for the implementation of the issue and limitation of the PCR tests to five per month and person are regulated in an ordinance by Health Minister Johannes Rauch (Greens). But this is still outstanding. It is expected by Thursday midnight at the latest and should come into force on Friday.
Among other things, it must be clarified how the planned number of tests will be issued. The federal government sees the states as responsible for the limitation, the states are still waiting for the regulation from the ministry. In any case, the PCR regulations should apply from April 1st. The five free antigen tests that have also been announced can only be picked up in pharmacies from April 9th. The reason for this is the deadline after the Federal Council decision on the antigen tests – the Federal Council does not meet until April 7th.
It currently seems clear that most federal states are again using online platforms for the PCR tests, sometimes with the participation of pharmacies. The exception seems to be Styria, where only the pharmacies should take over the PCR testing. The reason given is that there should be no technological access barriers.
Most test systems remain
In any case, the established “everything gurgles” test system in Vienna should be continued. This was announced by Mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ) on Tuesday. According to Ludwig, it is still unclear how compliance with the maximum limit for free test kits that will apply from April is to be checked – more on this in wien.ORF.at. Lower Austria continues to rely on the “NÖ gurgelt” system in cooperation with Spar and McDonald’s.
In Burgenland, the vaccination and test centers (BITZ) will close at the end of March. From April 1st, the five free PCR tests per person per month can be accessed via “Gurgeln at home” and in pharmacies. In Upper Austria, the five free PCR tests will in future be available either via the “ooe-gurgelt” campaign (in cooperation with Spar) or directly in pharmacies.
In all likelihood, the federal state of Salzburg will continue the “Salzburg gurgles” model, and PCR tests in pharmacies should also be possible. The test kits are to be handed out in savings markets after online registration and can also be thrown in there after the test.
CoV tests: many open questions
From Friday, the free CoV tests will be reduced. But who controls the number of tests and the exceptions?
In Tyrol, the five free PCR tests will be available via “Tirol gurgelt”. Alternatively, the PCR gargle tests can also be carried out in pharmacies. In Carinthia, too, the “Everything gurgles” campaign will continue. In addition, efforts were recently made to create a second PCR test system – for people without a smartphone, for example. Vorarlberg also continues to rely on its “Vorarlberg gurgelt” platform.
Open questions about exceptions
Most federal states said they wanted to control the number of tests taken via a form of digital registration. The problem here and there is that exceptions have been announced for people in vulnerable environments. They should also be able to get tested more often. It is still unclear which groups of people this includes.
According to the Ministry of Health, in future only those tests that are officially ordered will not be counted among the five free PCR tests, as well as tests for visits and for employees in “vulnerable areas”. Anyone who has symptoms should therefore call the 1450 hotline. Only then will it be decided whether an officially ordered test (apart from the five free tests per month) can be carried out. This is to prevent people from classifying themselves as “symptomatic” and thus from receiving additional free tests.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs is discontinuing the financing of operational tests. The program expires at the end of March, according to the Ministry of Economic Affairs. So far, participating companies have received a flat rate of ten euros per test carried out, according to the department.