Austria and Switzerland latest to ease Covid rules

Austria’s chancellor Karl Nehammer said the country’s government would drop most Covid-related measures from 5 March. Although some rules will be eased as soon as this weekend.

From Saturday (19 February), those using restaurants, hotels and ski lifts across Austria, except for Vienna, will be required to prove they are vaccinated, recovered from Covid or provide a negative PCR test, known as 3-G arrangements. 

Currently people using these services can only enter if they are fully vaccinated or recovered from Covid, known as 2-G.

Then, from 5 March, wearing face masks in Austria will only remain compulsory in essential shops, such as supermarkets and banks, and when travelling on public transport.

The Swiss government said the current Covid situation meant it was time for a “rapid normalisation” of everyday life inside the country.

This includes the immediate removal of the requirement to wear masks and provide Covid certificates to enter shops, restaurants, cultural venues and other public events.

From Thursday (17 February), the only remaining Covid restrictions in Switzerland will be the requirement to self-isolate for five days following a positive Covid test, as well as having to wear masks on public transport and in healthcare facilities. These final restrictions will remain in place until the end of March.

Germany is also launching a three-step plan to ease restrictions across the country, starting in the next few days when rules on private indoor meetings for vaccinated people will be lifted and checks at non-essential shops will end.

The second phase will come into force on 4 March when people who have been fully vaccinated or recovered from Covid will be allowed into bars and hotels without a test, while unvaccinated people will have to take a test to enter.

The final stage of easing will see requirements, such as working from home, being lifted on 20 March. Although rules on wearing masks on public transport will remain in place after this date.