Austria saw growing daily coronavirus (COVID-19) case numbers, especially since March 2020, though it is no longer among the countries most affected by the virus, nor among those with the most coronavirus deaths recorded. Austria has nine states, all of which have been infected. Currently, the state with the highest number of confirmed cases is Vienna. Previously, Tyrol was among the most affected states. Tyrol's state capital is Innsbruck, a city famous for its winter sports, in particular as a ski area. Rising COVID-19 case numbers in the region are potentially traceable back to large tourist numbers in Tyrol during the winter months, with school and university winter vacations also taking place at the same time, and numerous families from neighboring European countries flocking to the state.
Like its German-speaking neighbors Germany and Switzerland, Austria also introduced a national shutdown in spring 2020 to prevent further spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) among the population. Large venues, cultural, retail and entertainment establishments were closed, as were schools and universities. Travel restrictions were implemented to prevent coronavirus cases being brought from abroad. Daily life changed for a large share of the Austrian population, with so-called social distancing becoming the norm.In May 2020, 74 percent of the country considered the measures undertaken by the Austrian government against the coronavirus (COVID-19) appropriate. Almost half of the population had strong trust in the Chancellor, Sebastian Kurz.
The economic impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) is a challenge facing all countries affected, with Austria being no exception. The Austrian monthly unemployment rate alone increased significantly in 2020. What makes the situation more difficult to manage is the unpredictability attached to it, with uncertainty still present regarding full return to economic operations, which in turn depends on a number of elements, such as later COVID-19 case numbers and infection rates, consumers of goods and services being able to exercise purchasing power outside of e-commerce and the ability to travel.
