Churches in Austria to reopen
from 15 May
 |
| The empty interior of the Cathedral of Saints Rupert and Vergilius in Salzburg, Austria |
Following the Austrian government's announcement of plans to
relax its coronavirus lockdown, churches in the country prepare to reopen from
the middle of next month.
By Fr. Benedict Mayaki, SJ
Austria will further loosen its precautionary lockdown
measures to allow churches to reopen in the country as of 15 May.
The Secretary-General of the Austrian Catholic Bishops’
Conference, Fr. Peter Schipka confirmed the news, following an announcement by
Austrian Prime Minister, Sebastian Kurz.
The Prime Minister said Tuesday that restaurants, churches
and some schools can reopen from the middle of next month.
Welcome reopening
Austria’s Bishops have already begun working on plans to
organize the reopening. They have entered into talks with the government, even
though specific details are still to be defined.
Prime Minister Kurz specified that reopening will be a
“step-by-step” process which will involve increasing the number of coronavirus
tests in the country. He also insisted on the importance of full compliance with
the prescribed rules for public safety. “First and foremost, safe distance,” he
said.
Responding to the news, Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, the
President of the Austrian Bishops’ Conference, tweeted on Tuesday: “We will
soon be able to celebrate the Eucharist together with great joy and
responsibility.”
Coronavirus in Austria
Austria was one of the first European countries to adopt
lockdown measures.
After its first two confirmed Covid-19 cases in February,
Austrians were asked to stay home from 16 March.
As of Wednesday, the country has reported 14,925 confirmed
cases, with 510 deaths and 11,328 recovered patients.
Austrian Government officials have waived their stipends for
one month and sub-secretaries have donated their salaries to charity to support
efforts against the spread of Covid-19.
On 23 April, the Minister for Integration, Susanne Raab,
will share further details of Austria’s plans for resuming public services in
consultation with religious communities.
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