Political
For the almost 200,000 pupils, lessons begin on Monday as it ended before Christmas: with a safety phase, as the Education Minister announced on Wednesday. For the children and adolescents, but also for the employees, it is important to test regularly and wear a mask.
These extended Christmas holidays are also coming to an end for the 195,000 schoolchildren in Upper Austria – following the Friday that is still free, it will start once more next Monday, with face-to-face classes. During the safety phase, everyone has to test themselves three times a week, including two PCR tests in Upper Austria, Vienna and Lower Austria, as they did before the holidays. In the other federal states, a PCR test is currently being carried out, and from January 17th it should be two everywhere.
PCR testing recommended for Monday
Mask compulsory for all age groups has been in place since mid-November. The Ministry of Education wants to increase the vaccination rate with an information campaign – so far only half of the students in Austria are considered fully immunized. Education Minister Martin Polaschek (ÖVP) appeals to everyone to come to school freshly tested on Monday. Antigen tests were handed out before the holidays, but PCR tests, which are considered to be safer, would be desirable.
Antigen lollipop tests for kindergartens
Tests can be carried out in kindergartens, but do not have to be. The state of Upper Austria has been making antigen lollipop tests available free of charge since September, according to the crisis team. The testing is voluntary in every respect. But the demand would increase. PCR gargle tests are currently not an issue, as gargling is difficult for young children, according to the crisis team.