Austria and Switzerland have both begun a rapid easing of restrictions on traveller arriving from abroad and of restrictions on day to day life in resorts.
From today (22 February) the entry regulations to Austria are being relaxed with a general 3G rule now applying to all countries. Then from 5th March all measures will largely be dropped with no entry regulations for entering Austria, and no curfew.
Switzerland had already announced last week that it no longer requires people arriving in the country to prove they have been vaccinated, complete a passenger location form or even show a negative test result.
The moves are part of a relaxation of COVID 19 measures in both countries. In Austria relaxations began on 19 February where the 2G rule (vaccinated or recovered only) had applied. From now the 3G rule (vaccinated or recovered or tested) applies in cable cars, on bus trips, in hotels and restaurants, in spa and gyms as well as at events.
The midnight curfew and the ban on night-time catering currently remains in place, and the general requirement to wear a mask indoors also remains in place.
However from 5th March, all measures will largely be dropped with no entry regulations for entering Austria, and no curfew.
Masks will only be required in ‘vital businesses’ (supermarket, post office, banks, pharmacies, etc.) and public transport although in all other places, there is still a recommendation to wear an FFP2 mask in enclosed spaces.
In Switzerland “Health-related measures for persons entering the country were lifted last week. Since Thursday 17 February 2022 it is no longer necessary to provide proof of vaccination, recovery or a negative test or complete an entry form,” a statement from the Swiss government reads.
The country is also removing most restrictions on day-to-day life within Switzerland that had been put in place due to the pandemic too. All restrictions on shops and restaurants, among other businesses, are being lifted.
“From 17 February 2022, almost all measures are lifted. There only remains the mask requirement on public transport (including cable cars, buses, funiculars, trains),” the statement explains.
Norway has also lifted most restrictions.
