Austria

A priest in Austria has been sentenced to a fine of EUR 4,800 and six months in prison for keeping thousands of images of child sexual abuse.   The Catholic cleric confessed before the Graz court. The defendant and the prosecutor's office received the verdict on Wednesday. The cleric had collected the photos and videos on computers and cell phones. The data had been discovered and seized during a search of the priest's private quarters and office in August 2021. The diocese subsequently suspended the man.

Concern about local corona outbreaks is growing in winter sports areas in the Austrian Tyrol. More than a hundred ski instructors have already tested positive for the coronavirus, reports the Kronen newspaper.   The outbreaks can have severe consequences for winter sports enthusiasts. Some ski schools have temporarily closed their doors. Outbreaks have been reported in Mayrhofen, St. Anton am Arlberg and Kirchberg in Tirol, among others. In the latter place, the virus would have spread within a group of predominantly Dutch ski instructors. Authorities in the area say many teachers have been infected with the new omikron variant. They believe that foreigners who teach should be given a booster vaccine as soon as possible to contain the spread. However, many of the foreigners would n...

The planned vaccination obligation in Austria will apply to children from 14 years of age. In addition, the government of the Alpine country wants to oblige residents to be vaccinated against the coronavirus from February.   Anyone who refuses to do so risks a fine of up to 3600 euros, Health Minister Wolfgang Mückstein confirmed at a press conference. The general vaccination obligation is one of the strictest measures taken in Europe to increase the vaccination rate. The measures still have to be approved by the country's parliament of approximately 9 million inhabitants, but there seems to be sufficient support there. Furthermore, the government of Austria has consistently emphasized that vaccine refusers are not detained. Constitutional Affairs Minister Karoline Edtstadler said...

For Austrians who have been vaccinated or cured of the coronavirus, the lockdown in their country will end in the night from Saturday to Sunday.   National and regional leaders decided that on Wednesday. But, even after that, unvaccinated inhabitants of the Alpine country will still have to deal with the strict restrictions. Austria went into lockdown on November 22. That meant residents needed a valid reason to leave home. Even after the relaxation of the measures, rules will remain in force to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. For example, people in indoor locations must wear face masks, and restaurants must close at 11 p.m. Night catering remains closed. However, federal states may also deviate from the national standard to pursue a stricter policy. Unfortunately, in many ...

Austria further relaxes its corona measures. In the Alpine country, which reacted quickly to the spread of the coronavirus, the restaurants will be open again from 15 May.   You can also go to religious meetings again, government leader Kurz announced. Vienna previously relaxed some restrictive measures. Many smaller shops, do-it-yourself shops and garden centres were allowed to open the doors again after a week-long closure. At the beginning of May, schools will gradually start again, as will the larger shops. However, it is mandatory to wear a face mask in supermarkets, for example.