2:49 p.m .: Lifting of most restrictions in Austria and Switzerland
Austria was the first country to switch to compulsory vaccination. Vienna now plans to lift “a large part of the restrictions, which people are complaining about so much”, from March 5, announces Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer. No more need to show the vaccination pass at the entrance of hotels, restaurants, concerts and sporting events. The curfew is also removed. No more antigenic and PCR tests regularly required in addition in the Alpine country. Produced free of charge, “they will be evaluated”, underlined the conservative official, recalling their high cost. It will also be possible to wear the FFP2 mask, currently compulsory in Austria, everywhere except in transport, supermarkets, pharmacies and hospitals.
In Switzerland, lifting is more immediate. From Thursday, access to shops, restaurants, cultural establishments, establishments open to the public and events is again possible without masks or Covid certificates, the Federal Council (government) said in a press release. The wearing of compulsory masks – except in public transport and health establishments – and the recommendation to work from home are also repealed.