Blog

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a firm grip on us since March 2020. Although daily new infections have significantly decreased compared to the peak, the situation remains tense.

In March 2020, the first wave of COVID-19 was successfully contained in many countries through rapid and strict measures. Every day counted, and the government implemented actions to prevent the healthcare system from becoming overwhelmed. In countries where measures were either delayed or not taken at all, the case numbers and excess mortality rates were significantly higher.

In Austria, after easing the initial measures, it was established that new actions would be taken if a certain number of new infections occurred per day. Initially, the focus on personal responsibility worked well, but over time, people became more careless. Compliance with distancing rules and hygiene measures steadily declined. To avoid another surge in infections, it is now essential for the public to take experts' recommendations seriously again.

Due to rising new infections, the mask mandate is being reintroduced in some areas of Austria, which is a very good measure. The data clearly shows that even simple fabric masks provide a certain level of protection by filtering at least 60% of particles and reducing overall virus transmission. Moreover, masks also have a symbolic value, serving as a reminder that we are still in a pandemic—a fact that many seem to have forgotten recently.

Following the recent decline in new infections, there is now growing concern that numbers might rise again with the start of the school year in September. Therefore, appropriate measures must also be implemented in schools and educational institutions to ensure the safety of students and staff.

Closing Words

Even though the number of daily new infections has decreased, it is crucial for the public to remain vigilant and follow experts' recommendations. So, we know the drill: put on your mask, maintain distance, and wash your hands!