Austria has lifted almost all restrictions on events as infection rates plummet across the country.
From today there will be no limit on delegate numbers, no obligation to wear a mask, and no social distancing rules, although attendees will have to comply with the so-called ‘3-G’ rule.
This means for events welcoming 100+ persons, all participants to comply with the ‘3-G rule’ and either be vaccinated, tested, or recovered. Furthermore, event planners must notify authorities. For events with 500+ persons, a permit must be obtained.
The development follows the announcement in May of the Vienna Meeting Fund 2021-2023 – a €4m package of aid to national and international event organisers hosting meetings in the city.
Leading the way with one of the first major events taking place under these relaxed regulations, Vienna welcomes the European Congress of Radiology 2021 Summer Edition from 1-3 July.
The hybrid event will welcome over 100 onsite attendees as well as online participants.
Christian Woronka, head of the Vienna Convention Bureau, said: "After the enormous pressure the global meetings industry was under due to the pandemic, we are all the more pleased here in Vienna that we can once again offer trade fair and event planners framework conditions with almost no restrictions."
Austria has got daily infections down to fewer than 100 in the last week. Today (July 1) only four deaths from Covid-19 were recorded in the country.
Elsewhere in Europe, most countries are allowing indoor events to take place subject to either mask-wearing, social distancing or proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test. The UK has announced all restrictions on events will be lifted on July 19, including the obligation to wear masks and socially distance. But with travel restrictions still in force and, in some instances, the obligation to quarantine, the problem for conference organisers is not how to get delegates into the venue - but how to get them into the country.
Written By
James Lancaster
AMI editor James
Lancaster is a familiar face in the meetings industry and international
association community. Since joining AMI in 2010, he has gained a reputation
for asking difficult questions and getting lost in convention centres. Proofer, podcaster, and panellist - in his spare time, James likes to walk,
read, listen to music, and drink beer.
