Relaxation at events

Events also benefit from the relaxation of measures. Due to the COVID-19 relaxation ordinance of the Federal Minister of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection (Federal Law Gazette II No. 246/2020), events can take place again since 29 May under strict conditions.

Below we have summarized the key points for you in Q&A form:

What are "events"?

Events in this context are in particular planned meetings and activities for entertainment, amusement, physical and mental training and edification. In any case, these include cultural events, sporting events, weddings, film screenings, exhibitions, vernissages, congresses, offers of extracurricular youth education and youth work, training and further education.

Events will be opened gradually depending on the number of people. How does the relaxation actually look like?

Events are permitted as long as they do not exceed a certain number of people at any given time and strict conditions are observed.

In the period from 29 April to 30 June 2020, events up to and including 100 persons are permitted. The maximum number of persons does not include persons who are necessary to carry out the event.

From July the following relaxations (except for weddings and funerals).

July 2020

closed rooms - assigned and marked seats: 
up to 250 people

outdoor area:
up to 500 people

August 2020*

closed rooms - assigned and marked seats:
up to 500 people / up to 1,000 people with official approval*

outdoor area:
up to 750 people / up to 1,250 people with official approval*

* Prerequisite for approval is, among other things: COVID-19 prevention concept of the organiser, favourable "health situation" in the area of the event and capacities of the local competent health authority in case of a necessary contact person follow-up due to a suspected case of illness or disease at the event.

Organizers of events with more than 100 people must also take the following measures: Appointment of a COVID-19 representative and development and implementation of a COVID-19 prevention concept* Prerequisite for approval is, among other things: COVID-19 prevention concept of the organiser, favourable "health situation" in the area of the event and capacities of the local competent health authority in case of a necessary contact person follow-up due to a suspected case of illness or disease at the event

Which other requirements apply to events "with assigned and marked seats"?

In principle, the known precautionary measures apply. Accordingly, a distance of at least one metre must be kept from other persons who do not live in the same household or do not belong to a common visitor group (max. 4 adults including underage children to whom custody obligations exist as well as persons in the same household). If this distance cannot be maintained due to the arrangement of the seats, the adjacent seats must be kept free, unless the risk of infection can be minimized by other suitable protective measures.

When entering event locations in closed rooms, a mechanical protective device covering the mouth and nose area must be worn. This does not apply while visitors are in their assigned seats. However, if the distance of one metre is less than one metre despite leaving the adjacent seats free, a mechanical protective device covering the mouth and nose area shall also be worn on the assigned seats, unless the risk of infection can be minimised by other suitable protective measures.

Which other requirements apply to events "without assigned and marked seats"?

At events without assigned and marked seats, a distance of at least one metre must be maintained from persons not living in the common household. Furthermore, a mechanical protection device covering the mouth and nose area must be worn in closed rooms. The provisions of the COVID-19 relaxation regulation for the hospitality industry apply accordingly to the administration of food and the serving of drinks.  

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