Some words on the general situation in Austria:
In a nutshell: Precise, timely, and tough regulations and measures have avoided a chaos and explosive spread of the virus - so far - and as a consequence it is possible to lift some of the most stringent regulations starting right after the holidays.
Our gouvernment has done a remarkable job, listened to experts, took decisions in a spirit of national consensus, and communicated openly and in short intervals:
The closure of most shops, cancellation of all events, home-office, and short-time work have caused severe economic problems for many individuals and businesses in particular. Gouvernment has reacted immediately by providing unbureaucratic access to direct financial aid and securities for loans.
Our fellow countrymen evidently have obeyed with these extraordinary and very restrictive measures like no-contact, covering mouth and nose outside, closing of all schools and universities, no dangerous sports. This contributed substantially to the success of these measures.
Media also played a very positive role during the last weeks by daily extensive reporting without creating panic, by providing online learning tools for schoolchildren and their parents, and broadcasting all kinds of cultural events free of charge. The speaker of the main evening news on our public TV for instance is finishing every day with a reminder to follow the rules and the encouraging remark: "So kriegen wir das hin!" ("This way we will overcome this crisis!")
The net number of corona-cases is going down for almost a week now, the health system did not collapse, and the death toll could be contained. It remains to be seen which effect the easing of the restrictions will have on the numbers of corona-cases and any further measures will have to be carefully tuned.
Currently it is impossible to determine and quantify the economic effects of these measures, but they definitely will be very severe. Whether the lessons learnt in these weeks will have a long-term effect on our way of life, our behaviour, and our societies in general also remains to be seen.
Finally, how is the perception of action or non-action at EU-level: Comments in media are predominantly negative, complainig about lacking leadership and solidarity. Again it is extremely difficult to explain the restricted competence of the EU in health issues, and pinpointing the lack of solidarity in national headquarters. Hopefully at least in this respect lessons will be learnt!!
Good luck!
So kriegen wir das hin!
Karl
Wien, Österreich
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