Bavaria allows small border traffic to Austria from today, as Markus Söder announced. There was also criticism for the decision. All news in the ticker.
- Markus Söder * and Sebastian Kurz met on Tuesday for talks in Munich, the topic was also Corona * (see first report).
- From Wednesday, Bavaria will again allow small border traffic to Austria (see update from May 11, 12:57 p.m.).
- But the decision also triggered criticism (see update from 9:16 a.m.).
- This news ticker is updated regularly.
Update from May 12, 9:16 a.m.: The small border traffic between Bavaria and Austria is allowed again from today. Markus Söder announced this on Tuesday in a press statement with Austria’s Chancellor Sebastian Kurz in Munich. This decision was heard with “great astonishment”. This is what the board of directors of Oberstdorf Kleinwalsertal Bergbahnen, Henrik Volpert, wrote in an email to Merkur.de . For day-trippers this would mean that they “can storm the mountain railways and leisure facilities in Austria from May 19”. For example, there is no test requirement for day-trippers, as the email continues.
The situation in the Free State is different: “Meanwhile, our cable cars and leisure facilities are worried about the incidence of 100, the capacity restrictions and the nonsensical obligation to test small cabin lifts and chair lifts. With yesterday’s decision, this is all the more an incredibly absurd starting point for Bavarian tourism companies, ”criticized Volpert. Because it is already clear that the uncertainty about the restrictions maximally unsettles and scares off local guests. “Now our state government is even actively pushing people across the border, which takes any health policy arguments ad absurdum,” he says and describes the decision as a “catastrophe for domestic tourism.”
Söder blows at the start of the holiday: Bavaria allows small border traffic to Austria from today
Update from May 11, 12:57 p.m .: The small border traffic between Bavaria and Austria will be possible again from Wednesday. This way, friends and relatives could meet again across borders. That said Bavaria’s Prime Minister Markus Söder on Tuesday after a meeting with the Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz in Munich. Shopping in the respective neighboring country is also possible again, said the CSU boss.
Both the Free State and Austria will soon be making tourist offers again. In Austria tourism will open on May 19th. Bavaria had announced that for May 21st. Austria had a seven-day incidence of less than 100 on Tuesday, while Bavaria was 116.
Meeting between Söder and Kurz: The press conference for reading
Update from May 11, 12:51 p.m.: The press statement is over.
Update from May 11th, 12.46 p.m .: May 19th is “opening day”, so Kurz on request. Quarantine regulations will be abolished. Anyone who comes from a non-risk area can then enter. The strategy is: “Vaccinated – recovered – tested.” Söder adds: “We have to do something for tourism, especially in the border region.” If friends and families were separated by border areas, it would be difficult. The connections between Austria and Bavaria are particularly close, so he is happy about the relief.
Kurz speaks after meeting Söder – Chancellor explains Austria’s Corona strategy
Update from May 11, 12.42 p.m.: Kurz speaks to Söder and thanks for the invitation. The border would actually no longer play a role, he reports with a view to the life of the people on the border. In short, I am very relieved that the numbers are currently improving. You got through the third wave well, the incidence is now below 100. “Testing and FFP2 masks together with regional measures” was a good strategy.
The time to unlock had come, “with security measures of course,” said Kurz. The goal is to strengthen cooperation and to improve border traffic, he reports on the meeting with Söder. Finally he thanks for the cooperation.
Söder statement after a short meeting: Bavaria allows small border traffic to Austria
Update from May 11, 12:38 p.m.: The statement begins. Markus Söder has the floor. “Austria and Bavaria are close friends and partners,” said Bavaria’s Prime Minister. Both Bavaria and Austria were severely affected by Corona. “I think we did well on the bottom line,” was the conclusion of the CSU boss. “We are very happy that the situation for you has also improved significantly,” he says too Kurz.
Small border traffic will be allowed again from Wednesday, e.g. for shopping or family visits, said Söder. You always kept in contact with the neighboring country, not every one was a “honeymoon phone call”, he clarifies.
Söder announced that they also wanted to form a joint pandemic team.
Update from May 11, 12:33 p.m .: The press statement has not yet started. It seems to be a bit delayed. You can follow Kurz and Söder’s statements right here in the live stream and ticker.
Update from May 11, 12.15 p.m.: Prime Minister Markus Söder met with Austria’s Chancellor Sebastian Kurz in Munich today. There should be a press statement around 12.30 p.m., which you can follow live here.
Before tourism comeback in Bavaria and Austria: Söder consults with Kurz – who loosens up comprehensively
First report from May 11th, 10:04 am: Munich – Bavaria’s Prime Minister Markus Söder and Austria’s Chancellor Sebastian Kurz (ÖVP) will meet on Tuesday (May 11th, 12 noon) for a personal exchange in Munich. One of the topics of the conversation, which is taking place in the Bavarian State Chancellery, is likely to be how to proceed with the corona pandemic *.
Söder and Kurz meet in Munich: Corona pandemic and tourism are probably topics
Tourism will also come up for discussion: Austria will resume tourism from May 19, in Bavaria there will be easing two days later. At a press conference last Tuesday, CSU boss Söder said that hotels, holiday homes and campsites will be able to reopen from May 21st. The condition for this is that the seven-day incidence * is below 100.
New corona rules have been in effect in the Free State since Monday (May 10). Far-reaching easing is possible, including for outdoor restaurants, museums, cinemas and theaters – you can find an overview here First remains our line. Corona is not over, but the trend is falling. There is cause for cautious optimism, but not for cockiness. Let’s continue to take good care of each other! “
Corona: Briefly announces easing for Austria
Austria already made people sit up and take notice on Monday: Kurz announced numerous easing at a press conference. The so-called “3G’s” are a prerequisite for the relaxation for the tourism industry, gastronomy, sport and leisure activities: Tested, recovered or vaccinated. Also important: There is no quarantine requirement for holidaymakers from countries with low levels of infection, including Germany. When entering cultural institutions or restaurants, visitors – including tourists – must present a “green pass”. * It is quite possible that Kurz and Söder will coordinate this.
Corona in Bavaria: Söder meets Kurz – press statement announced
Kurz is in the Bavarian capital because he was honored with the freedom prize of the media. The prize is donated by the Weimer Media Group. Last year, Prince Albert II of Monaco was the winner, the previous year the former EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker.
After the meeting, Söder and Kurz appear in front of the press. You can follow the statement of the two politicians here at 12.30 p.m. in the live ticker. (kam / AFP) * Merkur.de / bayern is an offer from IPPEN.MEDIA
