FREEDOM IS IN THE AIR IN VIENNA

Every week our correspondents will bring a taste of life on their patch during the coronavirus pandemic. This week Balazs Cseko writes from Vienna.

Monday

Austria is celebrating the 75th anniversary of the foundation of the Second Republic. Chancellor Kurz pledges that the country will emerge stronger from the current crisis. He promises a “comeback”. Austria was one of the first European countries to “flatten the curve”.

Tuesday

Freedom is in the air. The federal government is lifting the lockdown on May 1, and easing restrictions in the upcoming weeks. We will be among the first in Europe to taste liberty again. As of Labour Day citizens across Austria will be permitted to leave home without any restrictions for the first time in 45 days. The obligation to wear a mouth and nose mask in shops and public transport, as well as maintaining at least 1 metre distance, remain in place. In restaurants a maximum of four adults plus children will be allowed to share a table, and wearing a mask will be compulsory when entering and leaving.

Wednesday

At the end of a long day in my home office I use my suspension rope. With fitness studios closed for seven weeks and not opening until late May it’s a major plus to have such a tool. Besides cycling, this is what really gives me energy.

Thursday

The last 24 hours of lockdown. I’m headed to my favourite oriental market for hummus, dates and tahini. When I reach Favoriten Strasse the area is packed. It looks like an average day. Some are wearing masks, many are queueing up at banks, pharmacies and phone shops. The local clown is making balloons.

Friday

Labour Day, and the restrictions are finally lifted. From now on the wearing of protective masks in covered public space is compulsory ,and protests are permitted again. Curiosity leads me to City Hall Square. The traditional parade of the Social Democratic Party is cancelled but several Left-wing protesters have gathered. The lockdown turned me into a bike fanatic. At night, with less traffic, I could count the number of people on the streets on one hand. Covid-19 made this possible.

Saturday

Another step towards normality is being made today. Shopping malls, large stores and hair salons reopen for the first time in almost two months. At Mariahilfer Strasse, Vienna’s No 1 shopping street, hundreds of locals are out strolling. Restaurants and cafés are open for takeaway,with the first ones fully opening in two weeks. Austria has achieved semi-normality within seven weeks. The Austrian data should give hope to all other nations even in desperate times. It requires collective sacrifice, but in the end it will bear fruit.