The new entry restrictions are a challenge for commuters and truck drivers. However, the food trade does not expect any supply bottlenecks.
From February 8, the lockdown in Austria will be partially relaxed. Schools and trade are allowed to reopen. Regarding entry to Austria, however, the rules have been tightened.
For all travelers with the exception of commuters and those people who fall under an exemption, two things will apply in the future: On the one hand, they must have a negative current corona test at the border, on the other hand they still have to be in quarantine for ten days. And you can no longer “free yourself” from this. Means: The ten days must now be spent in quarantine, regardless of whether the test result is negative.
As Interior Minister Karl Nehammer emphasized, there will also be a test obligation for commuters in the future and an obligation to register upon entry.
In Germany, the Central Association of Spedition & Logistics warned two weeks ago that the entry requirements could lead to supply problems. Our neighboring country has also tightened this significantly.
“With all the necessary caution against the coronavirus, we must also do everything we can to avoid a supply crisis in addition to the health crisis. At the moment, it cannot be ruled out that supply chains will stall or even collapse December showed what that could mean, “said the Central Association President Alexander Friesz in a broadcast.
According to his statements, such regulations would make the planning of routes and the corresponding personnel extremely difficult and lead to endless waiting times.
What does this mean for retailers and supermarkets in Austria. With “Spar” one does not fear any bottlenecks. “We see no problem at all. The measures have now been implemented by the logistics companies and are being implemented accordingly. We currently have no effects and we do not fear any for the future either. The food supply is assured,” says a company statement compared to “Today” .
Rewe is also well prepared for the situation: “We are in close contact with the authorities, but the regulation for 8.2 has not yet been published,” explains a spokesman. Supply problems are not feared.
Since the beginning of November, the group has offered employees regular voluntary tests at various warehouse locations and at the headquarters in Wr. Neudorf. In addition, mobile test teams are in use throughout Austria, which test directly at branch locations or where there is a need for employees.
