The Austrian government wants to force the population to participate in corona mass tests via the back door. It is planned that to exit the “lockdown” by January 18, 2021, a negative test result must be available. The plan is massively controversial and could even be unconstitutional.

Not much is legally regulated. The governing parties sent a draft for an “express assessment”, but this does not even specify whether PCR or antigen findings are required. Health Minister Rudolf Anschober (Greens) wants to regulate the exact interpretation through ordinances and thus without parliamentary control. It remains to be seen whether the opposition will thwart the plan.

Registrations for the “Freestest” can be made online on Monday, January 4th, 2021. This does not apply to the federal state of Carinthia, where the system will not be activated until January 8, 2021. Some federal states use the federal IT infrastructure, others and the city of Linz use their own. All links can be found under www.oesterreich-testet.at. People who do not have internet access or who have questions can contact the free hotline 0800/220330. This will also be available from January 4, 2020.

Since it has not yet been precisely regulated what advantages participation in mass testing will bring and in particular how long the report will be valid, reference is made to the government's announcements, which will probably be published in various media, for further information. With regard to possible advantages in travel, it is pointed out that a few countries, including Austria, grant entry facilities with a negative antigen result. However, since many countries continue to insist on PCR results, this should be asked in advance. In case of doubt, the respective embassy can also provide useful information.

Private alternatives: tests in pharmacies and laboratory PCR tests for 59 euros in Vienna

If you want to be examined for the coronavirus using a rapid test, but do not want to take part in the federal mass tests, there are also paid alternatives. Pharmacies are authorized to carry out antigen tests, provided they have the appropriate staff. The prices differ because the pharmacists are free to set prices. A good guideline is “between 20 and 30 euros”. The list of authorized pharmacies can be found at this link on the homepage of the Chamber of Pharmacists. 

The Lifebrain COVID Labor GmbH in Vienna also offers an inexpensive alternative. The laboratory carries out rapid antigen tests at a price of 25 euros. PCR tests, which many countries require upon entry, can be carried out here at a price of 59 euros. More information and details about the locations at this link directly at the laboratory.