 Poster: A snowHead
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| @Blighty1066 wrote: |
| We arrived in Austria last night after driving across from Holland. Normally we would use the tunnel bit our only option was to do the Harwich crossing. To make the 48hr requirement we had to use the randox 1 to 3 hr pcr test at stansted airport on Thursday afternoon and then went to catch the 11pm ferry. No one has checked our pcr at all!!!! I'm abit miffed but at least we know we are clear and have done everything right. Our vaccine status has been checked and everyone is/ should be wearing ffp2 masks. I actually feel safer here than in the UK Very Happy |
For anyone else tempted by the Dutch route to Austria (thanks @Blighty1066) the rules which allow you to avoid the current 10 day quarantine on entry to the Netherlands are here: exceptions to mandatory quarantine
It feels quite tight to reach Austria from Holland within the 48hour limit for a PCR test window though:
- Thursday afternoon test
- Friday results arrive, 11pm ferry departure from Harwich
- Ferry arrives Hoek van Holland 8am Saturday (not sure whether you need a negative test result at this point if you are staying in Holland less than 12 hours: exceptions to mandatory negative test results)
- Drive like the clappers to reach Austria before the 48hrs are up. (950km+)
It is all rather academic if there are no checks on entry to Austria by road, but I think it would make me uncomfortable  .
@Blighty1066 - I get that there were no checks on your PCR results on entry to Austria, but do you think you made it to Austria within 48 hours of your tests?
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@meeper, the chances of anyone checking on entry to Austria by road are tiny. As has been pointed out many of the Dutch & Danish visitors to Austria (who are subject to the same restrictions as the UK) had no idea about the requirement for 3rd shots & tests. if you are concerned there are tests at Munich Airport which is pretty much en route from Holland (assuming central/east Tirol or Salzburgerland), 3 hour PCRs are not cheap (lateral flow with a certificate free) but no issue with timing stress. If you take the test Thursday afternoon I cant see how you would get to Austria within 48 hours, especially as you might be faced with winter weather. There are plenty of speed restrictions on the Autobahns not that many stretches where you can cruise at 200km/h! Assuming an 08:00 departure from the ferry port (optimistic), it is 10 hours even with minimum rest breaks so that is 18:00 CET / 17:00 UK earliest. it would have to be a late afternoon early evening test on the Thursday.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Quick notes on our experience with travelling to Austria over the past week under COVID rules.
We travelled to Salzburg and on to Schladming from Jan 1st - 8th. Randox Health failed with late PCR tests results that were due on midnight the day before departure. In our party a couple boarded without them in Dublin and luckily received them while in the air. No documentation was asked for when we boarded in Dublin and no checks were made that we were aware of even through we had uploaded our docs to the Ryanair app.
When we landed our COVID documentation was checked by the airport police after passport control. However, Not everyone was checked. Given we did not have an updated ecard to include our booster in our app, the Austrian form posted here (thanks snowheads!) that was signed by our GP gave us what we needed and was accepted. While in resort we used the 2 shot QR code whenever asked rather than the paper form with booster as we were covered and it was easier than the paper form.
In resort we experienced very little issues with mask wearing. There was a very high level of compliance on the lifts and in restaurants. Many areas did not use the greencheck app to validate vaccination status and opted to either not check or visually check on entry to restaurants/ bars.
Up the mountain things are very relaxed. It was great to have snow under foot. Again, mask wearing was complied with almost fully when queuing for lifts. Also additional lifties were standing half way down most queues just checking masks. 2m rule I would say though is non existent and there is a squeeze in lifts like always so no reduction there. Apres Ski was significantly curtailed but was still in full swing in a number of establishments.
On return, the checks were comprehensive on checkin. COVID vaccination status and Passenger Locator Forms were checked before we were issued with boarding cards. We didn’t need tests to get back as the rules had changed mid week which was lucky for us.
As a first time visitor to Schladming I was very impressed with the village and resort but will post more in the other thread on that.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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| Redial wrote: |
Quick notes on our experience with travelling to Austria over the past week under COVID rules.
We travelled to Salzburg and on to Schladming from Jan 1st - 8th. Randox Health failed with late PCR tests results that were due on midnight the day before departure. In our party a couple boarded without them in Dublin and luckily received them while in the air. No documentation was asked for when we boarded in Dublin and no checks were made that we were aware of even through we had uploaded our docs to the Ryanair app.
When we landed our COVID documentation was checked by the airport police after passport control. However, Not everyone was checked. Given we did not have an updated ecard to include our booster in our app, the Austrian form posted here (thanks snowheads!) that was signed by our GP gave us what we needed and was accepted. While in resort we used the 2 shot QR code whenever asked rather than the paper form with booster as we were covered and it was easier than the paper form.
In resort we experienced very little issues with mask wearing. There was a very high level of compliance on the lifts and in restaurants. Many areas did not use the greencheck app to validate vaccination status and opted to either not check or visually check on entry to restaurants/ bars.
Up the mountain things are very relaxed. It was great to have snow under foot. Again, mask wearing was complied with almost fully when queuing for lifts. Also additional lifties were standing half way down most queues just checking masks. 2m rule I would say though is non existent and there is a squeeze in lifts like always so no reduction there. Apres Ski was significantly curtailed but was still in full swing in a number of establishments.
On return, the checks were comprehensive on checkin. COVID vaccination status and Passenger Locator Forms were checked before we were issued with boarding cards. We didn’t need tests to get back as the rules had changed mid week which was lucky for us.
As a first time visitor to Schladming I was very impressed with the village and resort but will post more in the other thread on that. |
Nice, some sanity... the whole world has lost its mind with these idiotic rules for healthy people.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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@meeper, we were really worried about the 48 hr time limit so we paid for the 1 to 3 hr rapid pcr test at stansted which is en route for us to Harwich anyway. It was very good but the downside was hanging around for the results in the stansted area in case it was inconclusive and we had to go back for another test. It worked well for us as the results came back 1.5 hrs later and then we just carried on to Harwich so by the time we reached Austria it was half 7 in the evening so about 27hrs after our test. The journey wasn't too bad at all. We took our time but with 2 of us driving we kept rolling and only stopped twice for fuel.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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@Blighty1066, what did you have to put on the NL quarantine document to prove exemption. Did you just say short stay< 12 hours or did you have to show proof of hotel bookings etc.
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| Redial wrote: |
We travelled to Salzburg and on to Schladming from Jan 1st - 8th. Randox Health failed with late PCR tests results that were due on midnight the day before departure. In our party a couple boarded without them in Dublin and luckily received them while in the air. No documentation was asked for when we boarded in Dublin and no checks were made that we were aware of even through we had uploaded our docs to the Ryanair app.
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Thanks for the trip report, all sounds like it's manageable and common sense is applied. Curious why you needed a PCR traveling from Dublin? My understanding is that no PCR test required if coming from Ireland and fully vaxxed (2 shots plus booster, or 1 shot J&J plus booster)
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| james75 wrote: |
Has any one managed to get a GP to sign a proof of recovery certificate for entry to Austria for a teen? If so, how much did they charge, and how does this translate in to 2g status?
Thanks |
Yes, they charged £40 to sign it, in the end I ten tested negative on PCR so didn’t have to use it though.
Edit: sorry, that was for me not a teen.
Last edited by After all it is free  on Sun 9-01-22 11:50; edited 1 time in total
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Is there still an update expected tomorrow from the Austrian authorities? If no change I've decided to rebook my trip to Badhofgastein next Saturday.
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@PowderQueen, we took a printed copy downloaded from the nl government site and just put transit as reason for exemption but also did the online submission too which was better as at the passport check they already had our details online. It was easier than I thought but just be aware that when the ferry says it docks at 8am it then took us 1.5 hours to get off the boat and through passport control.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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| JimboS wrote: |
| Is there still an update expected tomorrow from the Austrian authorities? If no change I've decided to rebook my trip to Badhofgastein next Saturday. |
Too worried about the risk of a positive PCR before you go? I well understand that worry.
Anybody in Austria know what the feeling is regards what way the restrictions will go? More or less restrictive?
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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| RedandWhiteFlachau wrote: |
This booster thingy continues to create massive confusion. My reading of the Austrian "Exceptions" rule is different and is consistent with what my contacts at Salzburg Airport have been telling me. The rule states:
"Exceptions:
A) The entry ban and the obligation to self-isolate do not apply if both of the following are provided:
proof of a “booster vaccination” (third vaccination or second vaccination in case you have been jabbed with Johnson & Johnson or in case you have recovered and were vaccinated twice thereafter, third vaccination done at least 120 days after the second one; Johnson & Johnson: 14 days after the first one ) AND
a negative PCR test taken less than 48h before the time of entry to Austria."
This line is the critical one. "third vaccination done at least 120 days after the second one". So if you had your second dose less than 120 Days ago, you are compliant with the exemption rule as adults CANNOT get a third dose. That is how the Military Folks at Salzburg are dealing with it. I checked. Just don't fly to Innsbruck. |
We have a group member travelling to Salzburg who has been double jabbed, but is not elegible for the booster, due to the 120 day rule. Has anyone checked the compliance, in practice? It will be a huge relief for us if this works.
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@JimboS, @Pastorius, the latest changes to rules were announced last Thursday. Normally it is two weeks after such an announcement before any further changes.
Following the Silvester tourism weeks, the infection rates are very high right now. Major changes are not expected. The government wants to avoid a further lockdown.
Last edited by So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much  on Sun 9-01-22 11:59; edited 1 time in total
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You know it makes sense.
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| JimboS wrote: |
| Is there still an update expected tomorrow from the Austrian authorities? If no change I've decided to rebook my trip to Badhofgastein next Saturday. |
I’m not aware of any updates tomorrow. The existing rules have only just been tightened/enforced.
There is bound to be some concern at the increases in infection rates, notably in Tirol (Kitzbuhel) and Salzburg ((St Johann). Hard to say what the Federal States may do, given they will be mindful of the school holidays and peak weeks in February.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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| Zedster wrote: |
| RedandWhiteFlachau wrote: |
This booster thingy continues to create massive confusion. My reading of the Austrian "Exceptions" rule is different and is consistent with what my contacts at Salzburg Airport have been telling me. The rule states:
"Exceptions:
A) The entry ban and the obligation to self-isolate do not apply if both of the following are provided:
proof of a “booster vaccination” (third vaccination or second vaccination in case you have been jabbed with Johnson & Johnson or in case you have recovered and were vaccinated twice thereafter, third vaccination done at least 120 days after the second one; Johnson & Johnson: 14 days after the first one ) AND
a negative PCR test taken less than 48h before the time of entry to Austria."
This line is the critical one. "third vaccination done at least 120 days after the second one". So if you had your second dose less than 120 Days ago, you are compliant with the exemption rule as adults CANNOT get a third dose. That is how the Military Folks at Salzburg are dealing with it. I checked. Just don't fly to Innsbruck. |
We have a group member travelling to Salzburg who has been double jabbed, but is not elegible for the booster, due to the 120 day rule. Has anyone checked the compliance, in practice? It will be a huge relief for us if this works. |
I thought it was pretty clear: 3 jabs plus negative PCR for entry. The third (booster) jab isn’t checked for the time that has passed since the 2nd vaccination. If it’s possible to have the third, then all should be ok.
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Poster: A snowHead
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The 10th was being discussed as a possible update a few pages back but that may have just been a date thrown out by the "village idiot".
We will self isolate till next Friday then and hope it all goes to plan.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@JimboS, good luck 
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Where does the green pass come into play? I meet the 2 jabs plus booster after 120 days criteria, not bringing kids, can prove vaccination status on NHS app. Do I need green pass too?
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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@Cacciatore, thanks
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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| kb36 wrote: |
| Where does the green pass come into play? I meet the 2 jabs plus booster after 120 days criteria, not bringing kids, can prove vaccination status on NHS app. Do I need green pass too? |
No, not required. You’ll be fine with the NHS app. I also tend to suggest having a few hard copies to hand just in case of any technical issues or power loss on the phone.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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@Cacciatore, Thanks for that, now let's do some skiing
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| shredder wrote: |
| Redial wrote: |
We travelled to Salzburg and on to Schladming from Jan 1st - 8th. Randox Health failed with late PCR tests results that were due on midnight the day before departure. In our party a couple boarded without them in Dublin and luckily received them while in the air. No documentation was asked for when we boarded in Dublin and no checks were made that we were aware of even through we had uploaded our docs to the Ryanair app.
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Thanks for the trip report, all sounds like it's manageable and common sense is applied. Curious why you needed a PCR traveling from Dublin? My understanding is that no PCR test required if coming from Ireland and fully vaxxed (2 shots plus booster, or 1 shot J&J plus booster) |
You’re correct. Some in the group required a PCR under the rules due to age, availability etc. In my case we didn’t require a PCR but when I saw cases jumping in Ireland the week after Christmas, and the panic some Snowheads had for access to PCRs when things changed in the UK the week before, I booked them anyway. My incorrect assumption at the time was that Ireland was going to put on the naughty step like the UK given cases rocketed here that week and overtook the UK very quickly. (In my defence, Les Arcs in March 2020 was such a long time ago I wasn’t taking any chances of not seeing some snow ).
I think the real point though is the failure in services from Randox Health. There were stressed out people all over Dublin airport and the line to the Randox desk (where some of group went to try and resolve matters before the flight) there were many stories of missed flights as results didn’t arrive before midnight the night before. If I did need them, I’m not sure I would have been as brave as others to get on the flight without them. However, as this thread isn’t about Randox Health I’ll try not to derail the conversation.
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| JimboS wrote: |
The 10th was being discussed as a possible update a few pages back but that may have just been a date thrown out by the "village idiot".
We will self isolate till next Friday then and hope it all goes to plan. |
I think it was Scarlet that mentioned that 31 January would possibly/maybe be the next review
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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[quote="Redial"] Given we did not have an updated ecard to include our booster in our app, the Austrian form posted here (thanks snowheads!) that was signed by our GP gave us what we needed and was accepted.
Can you tell me where the link is to the Austrian form you mention? One of our party travelling next week as had the booster but it’s not showing on his app and apparently it could take 21 days to update now he’s asked for it to be updated.
He’s obtained a print out from his GP of what jabs he’s had and when but now I’m wondering if he also needs this firm?
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@Blighty1066, thanks for the info on the Hook of Holland route.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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Thanks, appreciate that
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Just landed at Salzburg flew BA from Heathrow, up loaded the NHS pass (pdf) and the negative PCR, pre departure and received confirmation we could check in.
At the airport thorough check of our documentation by the agent
Landed at Salzburg no issue with passport control then on to the border police who are in the baggage hall, checked the NHS booster QR code and the PCR test againt our passports.
All very efficient
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You know it makes sense.
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| Redial wrote: |
Quick notes on our experience with travelling to Austria over the past week under COVID rules.
We travelled to Salzburg and on to Schladming from Jan 1st - 8th. Randox Health failed with late PCR tests results that were due on midnight the day before departure. In our party a couple boarded without them in Dublin and luckily received them while in the air. No documentation was asked for when we boarded in Dublin and no checks were made that we were aware of even through we had uploaded our docs to the Ryanair app. |
Didn't even consider waiting around stansted to see if the results were inconclusive. Do they give you a free retry if that's the case?
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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| radar wrote: |
| I think it was Scarlet that mentioned that 31 January would possibly/maybe be the next review |
Nope, not me, I haven’t a clue! I do know that Tirol is very keen to avoid another lockdown though.
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Poster: A snowHead
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I know we shouldn't rely on the press, but anyone local know if there is any truth in the report in the Kurier that talks about the potential introduction of 2G plus in Tirol for four weeks?
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@ptex, it has been introduced in Germany, in many places you now need either 2 jabs + recent test or 3 jabs to go into a restaurant or bar. Would not be a surprise if Austria follows suit. I cant see it being an issue here given all the hoops people are having to jump through to get into Austria in the first place.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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| ptex wrote: |
| I know we shouldn't rely on the press, but anyone local know if there is any truth in the report in the Kurier that talks about the potential introduction of 2G plus in Tirol for four weeks? |
I can’t seem to find out much because of paywalls, but it looks like a “suggestion” from the Greens in Tirol, or one of them anyway. I’m not sure how much sway they have here tbh, and I’m not sure if the request it 2 jabs +pcr as in Germany, or 2/3 jabs +pcr. The former will upset anyone who isn’t eligible for a booster, and the latter will upset everyone who got themselves vaccinated I’m not sure how much capacity Tirol has for pcr testing either – they were in short supply quite recently. Hospitality representatives have denounced it as unworkable nonsense.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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| Scarlet wrote: |
| radar wrote: |
| I think it was Scarlet that mentioned that 31 January would possibly/maybe be the next review |
Nope, not me, I haven’t a clue! I do know that Tirol is very keen to avoid another lockdown though. |
Apologies, I would look back to find it but !
If you ever get to Saalbach give me a shout, think I owe you a beer for your insights
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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| radar wrote: |
Just landed at Salzburg flew BA from Heathrow, up loaded the NHS pass (pdf) and the negative PCR, pre departure and received confirmation we could check in.
At the airport thorough check of our documentation by the agent
Landed at Salzburg no issue with passport control then on to the border police who are in the baggage hall, checked the NHS booster QR code and the PCR test againt our passports.
All very efficient |
Just to add, the BA crew were very good on boarding at reminding people without FP2 masks that they needed them for Austria and the flight, all the crew were wearing them.
Edit: I took a print of the screen showing that I didn’t need to complete the Austrian travel form, it showed that I had the booster and negative PCR and then the pop up box showing that I didn’t need to complete the form. It came in handy in reassuring the agent.
Last edited by Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do. on Mon 10-01-22 9:13; edited 2 times in total
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Some news for those worried about testing positive after contracting the virus.
I just tested negative on my pcr test I did yesterday lunch time. That’s pretty much a month after I tested positive on the 12/12/21
Also for those using postal tests. Our randox box in York gets collected at 3pm, I found this out by asking the pharmacy next door. So I did the test at 12:30 pm Sunday then dropped it off at the box at 1pm, received results at 0526 this morning.
I’ve booked a walk in clinic at East Midlands airport next Sunday for £80 each, as for £30 more, I’m just not chancing it
Last edited by You'll need to Register first of course. on Mon 10-01-22 10:30; edited 2 times in total
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Arrived at Innsbruck Saturday. Passport proof of recovery and into Austria
Resort level all bars asking for covid pass and ID curfew at 10pm strictly enforced
Lots of snow yesterday and looking good going forward
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Re. the 10pm curfew. Does this also apply to communal areas in a hotel or B&B? We're staying at a B&B in a few weeks which has a nice lounge area, it's not really a bar but they serve drinks there early evening. If people in the same party were to sit there after 10pm with, say a bottle of duty free, would that be breaking the rules even if the doors were locked and only residents could get in? I'm guessing it would.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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| sah wrote: |
| Re. the 10pm curfew. Does this also apply to communal areas in a hotel or B&B? We're staying at a B&B in a few weeks which has a nice lounge area, it's not really a bar but they serve drinks there early evening. If people in the same party were to sit there after 10pm with, say a bottle of duty free, would that be breaking the rules even if the doors were locked and only residents could get in? I'm guessing it would. |
That’s a really good question!
How big (how many rooms/beds) is the B&B? If under 10 beds, then the rules may be slightly different… the accommodation then comes under Privat Zimmer regulations. If there are mixed groups (other guests) then social distancing and masks are obligatory in communal areas. If you’re sitting together, in a lounge, then it’s possible that you can drink and socialise beyond 10pm. I’d check with the owners to be on the safe side.
We (Mrs C and I) run a Privat Zimmer (B&B) and had a group in for two weeks over Christmas and New Year who essentially had the run of the place. We also provided evening meals which often went on well past 10pm. Since there were no other guests staying, it wasn’t an issue. Everyone fulfilled the 2G requirements (and more as they were from the UK) so there were no issues as far as we were concerned.
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@Cacciatore, yeah, we'll check on arrival. It's a big B&B - it's really a Hotel Garni, I'd guess 40 beds or so. I'm expecting the distancing rules etc to be enforced there for sure.
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