Sebastian Kurtz believes that the coronavirus and its phenomena, such as the wearing of protective masks and social distancing, will long determine the life of society.
International cooperation has an important role to play in preventing a second wave of coronavirus proliferation. This was stated in an exclusive interview with a correspondent of TASS Federal Chancellor of Austria Sebastian Kurz.
According to the head of the Austrian government, the coronavirus and its phenomena, such as wearing protective masks and social distancing, will long determine the life of society. “At least until a vaccine is found. We need to learn to live with this new normalcy,” Kurz said. – International cooperation will be crucial to prevent a second wave [of infection].
Austria pioneered the EU’s gradual easing of restrictions imposed by the pandemic since mid-April. As of 1 May, the strict self-isolation regime was lifted here, when people could only leave their homes in case of emergency, to shop, to work urgently or for a walk. To comply with sanitary measures, the population was obliged to wear safety masks in shops and transport, and to keep a distance of 1 m from others in public places.
In Austria, due to the coronavirus, a regime of self-isolation for the population was introduced on 16 March. Mass, sporting events were cancelled, cultural objects, shopping centers, hotels and restaurants were closed. The authorities opened small shops and construction markets on April 14 as a first step in lifting the restrictions caused by the fight against coronavirus. Large shops, hairdressing salons and sports fields are being opened in May, and hotels, restaurants, museums and schools have been closed since mid-May.