Mask requirement at five places in Vienna
The city has imposed an FFP2 mask requirement in the fight against the corona virus. It will initially apply to five busy places in Vienna during the lockdown. The Hospital Act will also be changed. Negotiations are ongoing for a longer lockdown in eastern Austria.

1. Danube Canal (bank area and Treppelweg in the area between Friedensbrücke and Franzensbrücke)
2. Schwedenplatz
3. Maria-Theresien-Platz or Museumsplatz ("MQ forecourt")
4. Karlsplatz (the area includes the Resselpark, Rosa-Mayreder-Park, Esperantopark and Gerardipark)
5. Stephansplatz (around the cathedral and the floor in Eisen-Platz up to the underground entrances)

These are the places where FFP2 masks must be worn around the clock from Thursday, April 1, 2021. These are places where especially younger people have recently come together in the afternoons and evenings. If people were to move to other places, appropriate measures would also be taken there, said Mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ).

Instructions and signage at the squares indicate that a mask is required. The Viennese police and the Vienna City Administration's Office for Immediate Measures carry out key checks. Wearing the FFP2 mask also applies to cyclists and runners. "Because it is difficult for a police officer to distinguish whether this is a person who is running, walking or walking fast," said Ludiwg.

Ludwig appeal: "Take the situation seriously"
He spoke of a "very serious situation, especially in the intensive care units". The safety of people and the health of the population have "top priority". The mask requirement should apply during the entire "Easter rest". According to the ordinance of the Ministry of Health, this lasts up to and including April 10, because the ministry can only order ten days at a time. The city of Vienna wants the lockdown until at least April 11th, because it is a weekend. There is also the approval of the ministry. An extension of the lockdown beyond April 11 is also conceivable, according to Ludwig, if the situation in the hospitals remains tense.

Penalties stay the same
"Anyone who is caught by the police in the public zones with a mask requirement for not complying with the prescribed two-meter distance rule or the mask requirement either has to pay an organ mandate in the amount of 90 euros in cash directly to the police, or can with expect an administrative fine of 120 euros. Young people - aged 14 to 18 - pay half of the administrative penalties, i.e. 60 euros. Organ mandates are the same for young people and adults, that is 90 euros, ”says the Vienna City Administration.

Criticism of the mask requirement came from the FPÖ. Vienna's FPÖ boss Dominik Nepp sees this as a “crazy idea”, as experts say that the risk of infection in the open air is extremely low. "This is again just a purely symbolic measure that does not prevent Covid infection," said Nepp.

[4K] FFP2 MASKS IN AUSTRIA