Austria and Switzerland ease Covid rules

18th February 2022, by Abi Butcher

Masks on ski lifts like these in Andermatt are longer be needed in Switzerland

Austria is easing its Covid rules this weekend — partially following Switzerland which has dropped all requirements for masks and Covid certificates indoors.

Switzerland yesterday (Thursday 17 February) dropped most Covid restrictions as the threat from Omicron abated. People no longer need to show Covid certificates to go into restaurants, bars or hotels and masks are no longer required — a relief to skiers struggling with face coverings at altitude. They are still needed on public transport and in healthcare facilities.

In Austria, while the rules are easing, masks and covid passes will be used until 5 March. But on Saturday 19 February, the “2-G” rule will be replaced by the “3-G” rule, allowing daily testing for hotels, restaurants or ski lifts if individuals are not vaccinated or recovered. This doesn’t help most Brits who still need to be vaccinated to enter the country. But from 22 February, it’s likely that pre-entry PCR tests for the vaccinated will no longer be required.

Masks have been eased in Italy, too, where they were required for skiing on the piste earlier this month. No change to the rules in France just yet.

• austria
• switzerland
• masks
• covid rules

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