Timeline of Corona Virus in Austria
The Corona Virus epidemic has had a huge impact on the sex scene in Vienna. In order to lower the spread of the virus, the Austrian government has ordered a certain set of guidelines that everyone has to follow. All brothels and similar establishments are required to close down until further notice. Many of the biggest clubs have notified their clients about their businesses being closed through their official websites or through newsletters. Some smaller businesses haven’t notified their clients, but they still had to be closed for the time being. Currently, escort agencies are also prohibited from doing business in Vienna. There are some businesses that try to keep their doors open and make money even if they are not allowed to do so.[1]
Timeline of restrictions in Vienna and Austria because of COVID-19
August 31, 2020
All planned major events and gatherings have been cancelled up until this date.
June 30, 2020
No events are allowed to be held in the city until this date.
July 1, 2020
According to the current statement by the Federal Government of Austria, brothels and other similar establishments will be allowed to start doing business again.[2]
May 29, 2020
Swimming pools and other indoor leisure facilities are allowed to be open, with certain restrictions in effect.
May 15, 2020
Restaurants and regular bars are allowed to operate again from 6 AM to 11 PM if they follow a certain set of guidelines. Guests of the establishment must wear a mask, no more than 4 adults plus their children are allowed at one table and guests must use tables and cannot be server at the bar area. Customers are recommended to make reservations beforehand in order to avoid crowds. Additionally, religious events have also been restricted until this date. Some museums, theatres, opera houses and similar places are allowed to open again as well.
May 4, 2020
Playgrounds in the city of Vienna are opened and children and their parents are allowed to use them. A distance of at least one metre from people who are not living in the same household is still mandatory.
May 1, 2020
The restrictions imposed by the Austrian Federal Government have been lifted. People are allowed to go outside, however a distance of one metre from people who are not living in the same household has to be kept. Wearing masks in public buildings, public transportation, shops and other public places is still mandatory. Wizz Air is allowed to continue flights to and from Vienna. Passengers who do not have a health certificate with them can undergo a molecular biological COVID-19 test that yields results in around 3 hours. Those tested positive for the virus will need to undergo a 14-day quarantine period. If the test is negative, this quarantine period can be suspended. Passengers are allowed to travel if they have a valid heath certificate, showing that they are not infected with the Corona Virus.
April 27, 2020
Short-term parking zones have become usable by the public once again.
April 14, 2020
Shops with a maximum sales area of 400 m², as well as DIY and garden centres have been allowed to reopen. The Federal Gardens (Volksgarten, Belvedere Garden, Burggarten, Augarten and the Schönbrunn Palace Park) are opened to the public.[3]
April 13, 2020
People are allowed to use public transportation, taxis and other transport services, but everyone is required to wear a protective mask if they do so.
March 19, 2020
Public transportation to and from the Vienna airport has been halted until further notice. The timetables of the airport busses have been adjusted.
March 16, 2020
All brothels, sex clubs and other types of establishments must be closed because of the orders from the Federal Government of Austria.
How Vienna sex market members reacted to virus situation
Many Viennese brothels and sex clubs notified their customers via their website. Other businesses did not say anything just closed down. [4]
