Austria places the entire Paznaun Valley with the municipalities of Ischgl, Kappl, See and Galtur as well as the municipality of St. Anton am Arlberg under quarantine. Foreign guests may leave the corresponding places in Tyrol but should go to home quarantine at home. Besides, all stores across the country that are not necessary for basic services will remain closed. Likewise bars, restaurants, and cafes: these may only be open until 3 p.m. The grocery trade, banks, pharmacies, shops for animal feed and other necessary shops should remain open says, Chancellor Sebastian Kurz. All employees who can do so should work from home. The measures are initially valid for one week. It was announced on Thursday that the schools would be closed. This should apply until Easter.
EU supports economy with billions of euros
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen promises that, depending on the situation, the EU is ready to do everything necessary to combat the coronavirus epidemic. It announces that it will launch an investment initiative worth EUR 37 billion. There should be more flexibility in debt limitation rules and state aid. It was not possible to stop the virus, but its spread had to be slowed down. “”I am convinced that the European Union can withstand this shock.””
In the event of an economic downturn due to the coronavirus crisis, the Commission wants to suspend the European fiscal rules. This would be done in agreement with the EU countries, said Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis in Brussels on Friday. The Commission expects the European economy to shrink this year. Growth will “fall below zero, possibly significantly,” said a Commission official.