Coronavirus in Tirol: the most important questions and answers

latest update: 28/03/2020, 09:45 a.m.

Latest information

• IMPORTANT! Two people from a large group of holidaymakers who were in Axams and Götzens from 13 to 16 March have tested positive for the Coronavirus. The regional authorities in Tirol are warning of the risk to people who may have come into contact with them. Austrians who notice symptoms should call 1450. Visitors who were in these locations and have now returned home should contact the health authorities in their own country for advice. 
   
  This warning applies in particular to people who visited the following locations during the period mentioned above:

  ⭢ Gondola/ski lifts in Axamer Lizum
  ⭢ Almbar (Axamer Lizum)
  ⭢ Dohlennest
  ⭢ Bärenhütte= Pleisenhütte
  ⭢ Sunnalm
  ⭢ Hoadl
  ⭢ Hotel Edelweiss, Götzens
  ⭢ ClubHotel
  ⭢ Tiroler Haus
  ⭢ Public skibus to the Axamer Lizum
  ⭢ Golfstüberl Birgitz
  ⭢ Sportcafe Götzens
  ⭢ Intersport Axamer Lizum
  ⭢ Gasthaus Bini´s
  ⭢ Alparthotel, Götzens

• ATTENTION IMPORTANT! All people who were in bars and après-ski locations in Mayrhofen and in Gerlos in the Zillertal Valley as well as in Zell am Ziller and Aschau-Kaltenbach from 8 to 15 March should closely observe their state of health. Austrian guests who experience symptoms of the Coronavirus should call the hotline 1450. Guests from other countries should contact their respective health authorities. This advice applies in particular to people who were in the following bars and après-ski locations:

  ⭢ Mayrhofen: Brück’n Stadl, Scotland Yard Pub, Hotel Strass “Arena Club”, “Steakhouse” restaurant, “Happy End“ café / bar
  ⭢ Gerlos: “Skihütte” Aprés-ski location, Seppi’s Gerlos
  ⭢ Zell am Ziller: Zellerstuben, Hili Bar
  ⭢ Aschau-Kaltenbach: "Marendalm" restaurant

• Entering and leaving Tirol is only permitted in absolutely exceptional circumstances. This applies to all border crossings as well as to Innsbruck Airport and all public transport. The borders with Italy, Switzerland and Germany are closed. Please note that these restrictions do not apply to holidaymakers travelling home, people travelling to and from work as well as the transport of goods. For more information please click here.
• In Tirol there are as of 28 March 2020, 09:45 a.m. 1.800 confirmed cases of the Coronavirus. 
• Since 18 March 2020 (24:00) all 279 municipalities in Tirol have been under quarantine. For more details click here.
• All ski resorts in Tirol have closed. This decree issued by the authorities will remain in place until at least 13 April 2020. For more information on ski resorts in Tirol please click here. 
• Accommodation providers (hotels, apartments, private rooms, etc.) have been closed to guests since 16 March 2020 (24:00). This decree issued by the authorities will remain in place until at least 13 April 2020. 
• A range of decrees issued by the Austrian government at national level and Tirolean government at regional level are causing significant restrictions to daily life. 

These comprehensive measures, which will result in the winter season finishing early, have been agreed in close cooperation with the authorities and the tourism industry. The health and safety of the local population, staff and guests from around the world is our number one priority.

For the latest update click here, where you will find a list of the most important questions and answers at the bottom.

How many Covid-19 cases are there in Tirol?

According to the official statistics of the regional authorities, there are as of 28 March 2020, 09.45 a.m. 1.800 confirmed cases of the Coronavirus in Tirol. 194 people have fully recovered. Please be aware that these statistics may differ from those of the Austrian Ministry for Social Affairs because the regional authorities in Tirol update their statistics more frequently and count the number of cases in a different way. 

Together with the national government, the health authorities and the emergency services, the regional government of Tirol is doing everything in order to restrict and slow the spread of the virus.

Under which circumstances can I leave my home?

Since Wednesday, 18 March 2020 all 279 municipalities in Tirol have been under quarantine. According to the decree issued by the regional authorities, people are only permitted to leave their homes if they have a good reason for doing so. There are, however, exceptions:

• People are only allowed to leave the municipality where they live to satisfy basic needs and to fulfil services in the general interest – and even in such cases they are only allowed to travel to the neighbouring municipality.
• People are still allowed to travel between municipalities for work – for example, from Telfs to Innsbruck. 
• If there is a doctor, pharmacy, food shop and bank in the municipality where you live, you are not permitted to leave this municipality.
• People are allowed to go food shopping, visit pharmacies, withdraw money from cash machines, go to the doctor and take the dog for a walk – however, they must do so within the municipality where they live (providing this is possible). 
• People are allowed to travel to work and back. However, wherever possible people should work from home.
• The police are entitled to stop people and cars in order to carry out checks and ensure that these new measures are being adhered to. The police have powers to prosecute those found not adhering to the measures.  

These measures will remain in place until at least 5 April 2020.

What should I do if I think I have become infected with Covid-19?

If you notice symptoms during your stay in Tirol or believe that you may have become infected with the Coronavirus, please self-isolate in your room/flat. Call the hotline (1450) immediately. You will receive further instructions on what to do.

The health authorities have created a quick and simple questionnaire to help you find out whether or not you are at risk of having been exposed to the Coronavirus. The questions are based on the current guidelines issued by the Austrian Ministry of Health. Click here to take the questionnaire (German only):  corona.leitstelle.tirol. 

If the questionnaire shows you may have been exposed to the Coronavirus and you have symptoms, please call the healthcare hotline on 1450.This service should only be used by people in Tirol.

If you notice symptoms after a stay in Tirol, please self-isolate at home and contact your local health authority. Follow the advice given by your country’s government.

How can I protect myself from coronavirus?

As with standard winter flu, the best way to protect yourself from coronavirus is by washing your hands several times a day with soap and water or an alcohol-based disinfectant. If you have to cough, cover your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue (not your hands) and avoid direct contact with people who are ill. Stay at least one metre away from other people, both in public places and within your own home.

What is the situation in Tirol's ski resorts?

Many ski resorts in Tirol have closed before the deadline (Sunday, 15 March 2020) imposed by the regional authorities in order to support the efforts to combat the spread of the Coronavirus. This decree issued by the authorities will remain in place until at least 13 April 2020.

Are hotels, holiday apartments, etc. open? 

All accommodation providers close for tourists on Monday, 16 March 2020, 24:00. This decree issued by the authorities will remain in place until at least 13 April 2020. It applies to hotels, holiday apartments, chalets, AirBnB, private rooms, etc. as well as campsites.

The provision of accommodation for workers requires the permission of the respective local authority. Please contact the relevant department (Journaldienst, Bezirkshauptmannschaft).

Which municipalities are subject to special measures (isolation)?

Galtür, Ischgl, See and Kappl: The municipalities in the Paznaun Valley have been under complete isolation since Friday, 13 March 2020. 

St. Anton am Arlberg and St. Christoph am Arlberg: St. Anton has been under isolation since Friday, 13 March 2020, St. Christoph has been under isolation since Tuesday, 17 March 2020.

Sölden im Ötztal: The municipality of Sölden has been under isolation since Tuesday, 17 March 2020.  

These measures placing certain municipalities in Tirol under complete quarantine will remain in place until further notice. They apply to locals, Austrian holidaymakers and staff working for accommodation providers in these municipalities. Everything is being done to ensure the best possible provision of services in these municipalities.

Rules of concut for people in or from isolated municipalities

• All people who have been in Tirol are urgently advised to self-isolate for 14 days. This particularly applies to people who have spent time in Ischgl, Kappl, See, Galtür, Heiligenblut, Sölden, St. Christoph am Arlberg or St. Anton am Arlberg since 28 February 2020.
• All people who have had contact with people who have been in these regions should also self-isolate at home for 14 days, even if they are not currently showing any symptoms.
• Healthy people currently in the Paznaun Valley or St. Anton are subject to the same restrictions on free movement as the rest of the population in Tirol. People who are currently in the Paznaun Valley or St. Anton and have mild symptoms should self-isolate at home as soon as these symptoms appear and avoid social contact. These measures should be applied for at least 14 days and, beyond that, for at least three days once they are no longer showing symptoms. If their state of health deteriorates they should call 1450 immediately.
• People who are sure they have had contact with a person infected with the Coronavirus should self-isolate for 14 days at home, starting from the point in time when they last had contact with the infected person. 
• Holidaymakers from abroad who were spending their holiday in the Paznaun Valley or St. Anton but are now travelling home are urgently recommended to self-isolate for 14 days at home, even if they are not showing any symptoms. 

Can I cancel my holiday?

Detailed information can generally be provided by your accommodation provider, the online booking platform you used to book your holiday, your travel company or, where relevant, your travel insurance provider.

Moreover, the Austrian Association for Consumer Information (VKI) provides a hotline for legal questions relating to travel: 0800 201 211 (Monday to Sunday, 9:00 until 15:00). If you are already abroad, you can find online advice (German only) here. 

Are there restrictions on entering and leaving Tirol?

Entering and leaving Tirol is only permitted in exceptional circumstances. This applies to all border crossings as well as to Innsbruck Airport and all public transport. The borders with Italy, Switzerland and Germany are closed. The only people allowed to enter Tirol are those who live in Tirol and those providing services in the supply chain or critical infrastructure.

• Travel from the Austrian federal provinces of Vorarlberg, Salzburg and Carinthia to Tirol is only possible in exceptional circumstances due to the quarantine conditions currently in place.
• Germany: The German government has issued a decree effective from Monday, 17 March 2020 closing the border between Austria and Germany. The only people allowed to enter Tirol are those who live in Tirol and those providing services in the supply chain or critical infrastructure.
• Italy: The Austrian government has issued the highest travel warning for Italy. This means checks will be carried out on people wishing to cross the border from Italy to Austria. The only people allowed to enter Tirol are those who live in Tirol and those providing services in the supply chain or critical infrastructure.
• Switzerland: The Austrian government announced on 13 March 2020 the introduction of checks on the border between Tirol and Switzerland. The only people allowed to enter Tirol are those who live in Tirol and those providing services in the supply chain or critical infrastructure.

Is it likely that restrictions will be imposed on public life?

The regional government of Tirol has announced further measures to combat the spread of the Coronavirus. All ski resorts and accommodation providers (hotels, apartments, private rooms, etc.) will be closed. The Austrian government has also taken additional measures to reduce social contact to a minimum throughout the country. Here is a list of the measures which have been announced:   

• All ski resorts are closed (until at least 13 April).
• All accommodation providers for tourists are closed from Monday, 16 March 2020, (until at least 13 April 2020). This applies to hotels, holiday apartments, chalets, AirBnB, private rooms, etc. as well as campsites.
• No bookings will be accepted for holidays in Tirol made via online booking platforms until the end of the general quarantine period (currently until at least 5 April 2020). Any such holiday bookings will be invalid.
• Since Sunday, 15 March 2020 there have been restrictions on free movement of people in Tirol. For more details click here. 
• A ban on gatherings of more than five people has been introduced in Tirol. There is also a ban on all events.
• Parks, playgrounds and sports grounds have been closed.
• All restaurants, cafés and bars are closed.
• Shops are closed – except food shops, pharmacies, banks, pet food shops, drug stores, post offices and other services essential for daily life.
• All schools in Austria are closed. Optional supervision will be provided for pupils.
• All courses (where possible) at universities and universities of applied sciences have been switched to online learning.

Is it possible to get a refund of the Snow Card Tirol?

For questions regarding the Snow Card Tirol please please contact snowcard@tirol.at. We are eager to answer as soon as possible. 

Is it possible to get a refund for ski or lift pass?

For detailed information please contact the place where you bought your ski or lift pass. In most cases that will be the ski resort or ski network indicated on the pass.

Can I use public transport to travel around Tirol? 

• Local public transport: Local public transport systems are being adapted as the situation develops. Trains are operating according to a reduced timetable to ensure essential journeys are still possible. The regional authorities in Tirol and the Austrian Federal Raiwlays are planning to switch to a Sunday service with extra trains during the busiest periods of the day in the morning and in the afternoon. This change will take place on Monday, 23 March 2020.
• Long-distance public transport: All regional night buses and night trains will be suspended as of Saturday, 21 March 2020. Trains will run every two hours between Feldkirch and Vienna. These trains will continue to stop at the main railway stations on the route, but they will continue to not stop in St. Anton.
• Rail cargo transport: Rail cargo transport – in particular the ROLA service between Wörgl and Brenner – will continue to operate in order to ensure a supply of essential goods. Starting immediately, all lorry drivers will have the option of either travelling on the train or, alternatively, being transported to the destination by bus. This is an additional hygiene measure.
• Travelling home from Munich Airport: It is possible to travel home from Munich Airport both by car and using public transport. However, please be aware that travelling by train is only possible via Salzburg (Munich-Salzburg, Salzburg-Innsbruck). Please check departure times online. Travellers will need to provide personal ID and proof of residence in Tirol. If you have parked your car at the airport, you will be allowed to drive back to Tirol.
• Timetable information and rules: The regional authorities in Tirol urgently advise all travellers to check the current timetable before beginning their journey. For all the latest changes please visit the websites of the regional public transport operator VVT, the Austrian Federal Railways and the public transport operator in the city of Innsbruck, IVB. Please be aware that the VVT- Customer Centre in Innsbruck is currently closed to the general public but can be reached by e-mail (info@vvt.at) and telephone (0512/561616) from Monday to Friday, 7:30 until 18:00. Public transport may only be used to complete essential tasks (food shopping, etc.) not possible in the municipality where you live. On all public transport it is essential that passengers keep a minimum distance of one metre apart.

More information is provided by the regional authorities. For the latest on travel arrangements visit Innsbruck Airport, the Verkehrsverbund Tirol and the Austrian Federal Railways. 

Where can I get more information?

The Austrian Federal Ministry of Health provides information on its website (in German) about the spread of coronavirus worldwide and the current situation in Austria. For the latest up-to-date information please visit the website of the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES) and the updates provided by the die regional government of Tirol.

A hotline operated by AGES gives information on transmission, symptoms and prevention of coronavirus: 0800 555 621 (7 days a week, 24 hours a day)

For information about the current situation in specific areas of Tirol, please call your accommodation provider.

Important general information from the Austrian government

The Austrian government calls on every person to do their bit to combat the spread of the Coronavirus. This means reducing social contact to a minimum. Young people in particular are strongly encouraged follow these protective measures in order to protect older members of society.

Updates

Latest update: 23.03.2020, 08:10 a.m.

Update 18 March 2020: On Wednesday, 18 March 2020 all of Tirol’s 279 municipalities were placed under quarantine. For more information on the latest developments please see the questions and answers above and visit the live blog (in German only) operated by the Tiroler Tageszeitung newspaper.

Update 16 March 2020: On Monday, 16 March 2020 all accommodation providers in Tirol will close for the winter season at 24:00. All restaurants, bars, etc. are closed. Flights abroad from Innsbruck will be possible on Tuesday, 17 March 2020. After that they will be suspended.

Update 15 March 2020: On Sunday, 15 March 2020 all ski resorts in Tirol ended the winter season. Many decided to close before this deadline in order to help the authorities in their efforts to combat the spread of the Coronavirus. The ski resorts will remain closed until at least 13 April 2020. 

Update 15 March 2020: On Sunday, 15 March 2020 Germany announced that it will close the border with Austria effective from Monday, 16 March 2020. Please be aware that this does not apply to holidaymakers returning home, to people travelling to and from work and to the transport of goods.

Update 15 March 2020: On Sunday, 15 March 2020 the regional authorities in Tirol announced new, far-reacing measures for the whole of the region. There will be restrictions on movement for all people in Tirol beginning immediately on Sunday, 15 March 2020. This means that, with a few exceptions (work, food shopping, helping those in need), people must stay at home. 

Update 15 March 2020: On Sunday, 15 March 2020 the Austrian government announced a general ban on gatherings throughout Austria. This includes the closure of all sports grounds and playgrounds. All restaurants will close on Tuesday, 17 March 2020.

Update 14 March 2020: On Saturday, 14 March 2020 the Austrian government announced that all people who since 28 February 2020 have been in the municipalities currently under isolation should self-isolate at home for 14 days, even if they are not currently showing any symptoms.

Update 13 March 2020, 20:15: The Robert Koch Institute in Germany has added Tirol to its list of international high-risk areas.

Update 13 March 2020: On Friday, 13 March 2020 (applicable from 14:00) the Paznaun Valley including the municipalities of Galtür, Ischgl, See and Kappl as well as the municipality of St. Anton am Arlberg have been isolated.

All locals, visitors from Austria and members of staff working for the accommodation providers in these municipalities are affected by these travel restrictions. Work is underway to ensure the best possible provision for people in these municipalities. This isolation order will initially apply for 14 days.

All guests from other countries will be registered. They will then receive a form which will allow them to pass through the checkpoints and travel home. All guests from other countries will receive an information sheet with clear instructions telling them to travel straight home without stopping on the way and then to self-isolate at home and contact the health authorities in their own country. The home countries of these people will also be contacted by the Austrian Ministry of Health.

Update 12 March 2020: On 12 March 2020 the regional government of Tirol decreed new preventative measures aimed at combating and limiting the spread of the Coronavirus. All cable cars and other ski lifts in Tirol will close at the end of the day on Sunday, 15 March 2020. Accommodation providers (hotels, apartments, private rooms, etc.) will close on Monday, 16 March 2020. Further details will be given by the regional government in a press conference at 10:00 on Friday, 13 March 2020.

These comprehensive measures have been decided on in close cooperation with the authorities and the local tourism industry. The health and safety of the local population, staff and guests from around the world is our number one priority.

Update 11 March 2020: The Silvretta Arena ski resort in Ischgl will close on Saturday, 14 March 2020 on the instructions of the regional government of Tirol. The nearby ski resorts of Kappl, See and Galtür will remain open. This step has been taken due to a concentration of Coronavirus cases in Ischgl.

We take the greatest possible care to ensure that this information is as complete and up-to-date as possible. While the information provided by Tirol Werbung is based on official information provided by the authorities, Tirol Werbung itself is not a government authority. Official information is available directly from the respective responsible authorities.