Epidemic is at our doorstep - but so far all tests are negative
This was reported by Nina Sorger from the Burgenland state crisis team upon APA request. Agriculture Minister Norbert Totschnig (ÖVP) assessed the situation at the Berg border crossing near Hainburg (district of Bruck an der Leitha).
Border Controls and Disease Mats
As the day before, no major traffic jams had formed at the highway border stations Nickelsdorf and Kittsee on Sunday, the police announced. It also remained calm in Lower Austria. The real stress test is expected to occur on Monday due to commuter traffic. Burgenland's Deputy Governor Anja Haider-Wallner (Greens) and Burgenland's Economic Councillor Leonhard Schneemann (SPÖ) once again urged in a joint press release on Sunday to definitely plan for delays on Monday and to start the journey in good time for those wishing to enter from Hungary or Slovakia. For trips from Central and Southern Burgenland to Northern Burgenland, shortcuts through Hungary should be avoided.
In Nickelsdorf, five disease mats have been rolled out, and similar measures would be taken in Kittsee, as police spokesman Helmut Marban explained to the APA on Sunday. In Klingenbach, two lanes are prepared.
Overall, as of Sunday afternoon, crossing the border in Burgenland is still possible via the following crossings equipped with disease mats: Kittsee - Jarovce (A6), Nickelsdorf - Hegyeshalom 1 (A4), Nickelsdorf - Hegyeshalom 2, Pamhagen - Fertöd, Klingenbach - Sopron, St. Margarethen - Sopronköhida, Deutschkreutz - Kopháza, and Rattersdorf - Köszeg. All border crossings in the districts of Oberwart, Güssing, and Jennersdorf remain open and passable without hindrance. However, the police have also intensified their controls in these districts regarding the import ban on live cloven-hoofed animals and fresh meat products from Hungary and Slovakia.
In Lower Austria, disease mats are laid out at the two border crossings in Hohenau an der March (district of Gänserndorf) and Berg.
Minister Totschnig Visited Border Crossing
"The epidemic is right at our border," warned Totschnig during his visit to the border crossing. The primary goal is to prevent it from entering Austria. Farmers are rightly concerned about their animals and their livelihoods. Everything humanly possible is being done to prevent the spread of the epidemic, said Federal Police Director Michael Takacs, who accompanied Totschnig. Totschnig emphasized that all necessary precautions have been taken. He also appealed to the public to adhere to the regulations. "Avoid contact with animals, do not bring animal products from affected areas. Everyone can contribute!" said the Minister. The seriousness of the situation should not be underestimated.
Drivers Understand the Measures
During the vehicle searches, no illegal goods have been found so far. According to the current regulation of the Ministry of Health, raw meat or hunting trophies may not be brought into Austria. According to the police, there have also been no cases where drivers have complained excessively about the measures.
Currently, 40 soldiers from the Federal Army are deployed in assistance to support border controls and epidemic control, as Federal Army spokesman Stefan Friebe informed the APA. The deployed soldiers belong to the Guard and are stationed at the two border stations Nickelsdorf and Kittsee.
(APA/Red)
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