Corona wave hits Austria: doctors call for wearing masks in public transport
Austria is witnessing a resurgence in COVID-19 infections, prompting warnings from health experts. With students returning to schools since Monday, the conditions conducive to the spread of viruses have increased. While influenza cases remain stable, COVID-19 cases are on the rise, primarily driven by the new variant "Stratos" spreading in Europe.
Official figures from the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) showed that around 196,000 people were registered on sick leave last week, including employees and unemployed individuals covered by insurance. Of this number, 30,000 were infected with flu-like illnesses and more than 1,250 with COVID-19 – an increase of about 200 cases from the previous week. However, experts warn that the actual numbers are much higher, as close monitoring ceased with the end of the pandemic. Wastewater monitoring also confirms rising virus levels since July, especially in Vienna.
Doctors warn that this upward trend will continue until October. Many employees have returned from their holidays carrying the infection, and the start of school is expected to accelerate its spread. Chief physician of ÖGK Andreas Krauter confirmed that cases of Corona and influenza will increase in the coming weeks.
To reduce risks, Krauter recommended wearing masks again in crowded indoor places such as trains, buses, and trams. He stated, "Large gatherings indoors create an ideal environment for the spread of viruses," emphasizing the need to reconsider preventive measures as the situation worsens.
Austria still faces high levels of sick leave compared to before the pandemic. In 2024, the average sick leave per employee was 15.1 days, equivalent to a loss of 4.1% of annual working hours. With COVID-19 cases rising again, health officials fear these numbers may increase further this fall.