Concerns About Corona Outbreak Among Ski Instructors in Tyrol

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 not have had that third shot yet.

Ski schools are urgently advised to implement a so-called 2G-plus policy. That would mean that all ski instructors should be tested regularly.

The problems in the ski industry are another setback for holidaymakers. Dutch winter sports enthusiasts will also have to deal with a recent tightening of the Austrian entry policy. The Dutch must be quarantined upon arrival. An exception is only made for travellers who have had a booster shot and can show a negative PCR test.