Due to the spread of the South African corona mutation, the Austrian federal government wants to largely cordon off the state of Tyrol, excluding East Tyrol. The area may only be left if a negative finding that is not older than 48 hours can be presented. The measure should apply from Friday.

This will expressly also apply to air transport and thus affects Austrian Airlines. This carrier operates the Innsbruck-Vienna domestic route, which is particularly important for business and politics. This route was also considered to be extremely lucrative before the corona pandemic, as the point-to-point volume was considerable on the short flight and high ticket prices were taken at the same time.

As a result of the government's announcement, when leaving the state of Tyrol, a negative test result that is not older than 48 hours must be presented. This means that the conditions differ only minimally from those abroad. Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz (ÖVP) said that Tyrol will be declared a restricted area for ten days.

"We must do everything we can to prevent this variant from spreading. If that does not succeed, the spread must be slowed down," said the politician, who is convinced of the effectiveness of the measure. Health Minister Rudolf Anschober (Greens) adds that the lockdown expressly does not apply to East Tyrol.

Nehammer introduces border controls within Austria

The Minister of Health emphasized that the order is based on the Epidemic Act and had consulted lawyers on this matter. At the same time, Anschober celebrates that the government would act so quickly and points out that a travel warning for Tyrol was only issued on Monday and that a test obligation for leaving the state area (excluding East Tyrol) now follows.

In his usual tone, reminiscent of a sheriff in a western film, Interior Minister Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) is now threatening border controls within Austria. He will deploy around 1.000 officers on all roads, railways and at Innsbruck Airport to check whether the people who want to leave Tyrol have a negative test. If not, he wants to have parking tickets issued for up to 1.450 euros. The Minister of the Interior also holds out the prospect that the inner Austrian border controls, which last took place during the occupation, could be extended.