Austria: new Covid-19 regulation in effect as of 1 August 2022

A second directive, which came into force on 1 August and is valid until 23 October 2022 inclusive, relaxes the basic regulations implemented in Austria to tackle Covid-19. The directive adopts a straightforward rationale: measures are only taken where absolutely necessary from an epidemiological point of view. In the world of work, apart from specific measures negotiated or decreed at company level, the general rules are as follows: wearing a mask is no longer compulsory, while those who test positive for the virus are still required to report their infection. However, after the period of sick leave, quarantine is replaced by a 10-day period of “movement restrictions”, during which social distancing and wearing a FFP2 mask are mandatory. These restrictions can end on the fifth day, provided the individual tests negative for Covid-19. Employers meanwhile, as part of their duty of care, are required to ensure that an employee who has tested positive does not pose a risk to other employees when they come to work. As such a company may decide to allow the employee to work from home.