Medical mouth and nose protection is currently being produced at Swano-Tex in Vienna-Liesing. The plan is to switch to FFP2 masks in about three weeks. The Federal Government’s FFP2 regulation came as a complete surprise, says managing director Harald Fischl to “Wien heute”. Currently, as a certified medical device dealer, they are using quality masks made in China. “Today I had inquiries about two and a half million pieces that should be delivered. These are quantities that we are not used to. “
Up to six million FFP2 masks from Liesing per month
In the medium term, however, the need for FFP2 masks could be completely covered by masks produced in Austria, says Fischl. “In a few weeks,” he estimates. “We can then produce up to six million pieces a month here, according to the competitor producing around 25 million pieces, 30 million pieces, per month. That means that this capacity is easily enough to supply Austria. “
The FFP2 masks, which will be offered in all supermarkets from Thursday, come exclusively from Austrian production, it is said. They will be available at cost of 59 cents each. In addition, the masks will be exempt from VAT until mid-year. That was decided on Wednesday in the National Council. ÖVP and Greens also want to give the green light in a special session in the Federal Council on Friday. Details of who should receive free masks are still being worked out, including how the masks will be distributed by next Monday, according to the Ministry of Social Affairs.
Liesingen company converts to FFP2 mask production
From Monday, FFP2 masks are mandatory in public transport and in grocery stores. By then, low-income households should also be given masks and these should also be available in shops.
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ÖBB do not expect problems
Meanwhile, the ÖBB do not expect any difficulties from the new FFP2 mask requirement: “Since the FFP2 mask requirement will also apply in open shops, we are currently assuming that there will be no significant problems in everyday life,” said an ÖBB spokesman on APA request. Support the hygiene measures.
The spokesman also said that the FFP2 mask requirement will not change the framework of the rules that have already been in force. If the form of the necessary mask changes, “the ÖBB employees will also check this FFP2 mask-wearing requirement as before”. Likewise, the “so far well-functioning personal responsibility of the passengers” will continue to be relied on.
“The obligation to wear a mask on trains and buses of the ÖBB is observed very well overall,” said the spokesman. The railway also pointed out that around 1,000 people were working on cleaning at ÖBB. They continue to ensure “intensive cleaning of trains and buses”. This applies above all to areas that passengers frequently come into contact with, such as grab handles, buttons and toilets.
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