Bad news for tourism: hotels still have to keep their doors closed. Gastronomy must also continue to hold out. Hope, however, is given by the easing in the westernmost province of Vorarlberg, which is allowed to open the gastro and culture as a pilot project.

Regionally graduated approach

Due to the different case numbers in the east and west, the government has decided that regional relaxations may take effect. For example, Vorarlberg is the first federal state to be able to reopen its restaurants.

At Easter, the gastronomy should also open in the other states, at least outdoors: With tests, distance and all safety precautions. At least in school sports one wants to loosen from 15 March.

Vorarlberg as a pioneer

Already with 15 March opening steps will come in Vorarlberg. In the areas of sports, culture and gastronomy.

The focus in Vorarlberg is on children and young people, according to Vorarlberg's state governor Markus Wallner. One wants to enable the young people to have contact with their peers and cultural offers again. Here, testing is the be-all and end-all.

Of course, Vorarlberg will make sure that the number of cases does not explode. At the moment, Vorarlberg is the positive example in Austria and is therefore already in a position to carry out the openings.

Hope for improvement after Easter

According to Health Minister Anschober, one could hope for a better development after Easter. Because of the warmer weather and because of the progressing vaccination.

Where vaccination has already been carried out, the number of infections and deaths is falling dramatically. If the vaccination progresses well, one million people can be vaccinated by Easter.

Gastro openings outside for the time being

As of 27 March, all outdoor pubs and restaurants are to be allowed to open. For the time being, however, the development of the number of cases will be examined. The entry should be possible with a negative test.

The hotel business and the rest of the gastronomy will be opened in the next step in the following month and after Easter, Chancellor Kurz assures.

For the culture, relaxations are planned for April. Here, however, one wants to look at the incidence figures first and decide in two weeks.

Picture credit: Tim Mossholder on Unsplash