Austria's Minister of Health Wolfgang Mückstein (Greens) announces that the Covid entry regulation will be renewed on Friday. This will include a non-stop transport ban for some African countries, according to the Federal Ministry in a media statement.

“In Austria we are currently struggling with the effects of the delta variant, while a new variant is already spreading in parts of Africa, which is cause for concern. We react quickly and consistently: A compulsory quarantine for travelers from South Africa, Lesotoho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia and Eswatini should help to slow down the global spread of the new variant ”, explains Federal Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg (ÖVP).

South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia and Eswatini are classified as so-called virus variant areas. Entry from these countries is therefore generally prohibited. Austrian citizens are entitled to enter the country, but have to adhere to particularly strict quarantine regulations (10-day quarantine, PCR test upon entry, registration). In addition, flights from these seven African countries will be banned from landing. The ordinance will come into force as early as midnight today.

“With the rapid amendment to the entry regulations, we are reacting immediately to current developments. It is now particularly important to us to ensure the best possible protection through strict entry regulations. It is also important that other countries in the European Union also act quickly here. Together we can succeed in slowing the spread of the new variant, ”explains Minister Mückstein.