As the autumn season begins, a new wave of COVID-19 infections is emerging, particularly in Austria.

With the end of summer holidays, the number of cases is rising, although hospitals are not yet overwhelmed.

Health authorities recommend vaccinations, especially for the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.

Rapid antigen tests are no longer free, costing around 20 euros, which may affect testing frequency.

The Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety advises wearing masks in crowded indoor spaces like airports and trains to curb the spread.

Despite the increase in cases, the situation is not considered a return to pandemic conditions, as the global health emergency was declared over more than a year ago.