The Austrian federal government is launching compulsory PCR tests for people returning from Spain, Holland and Cyprus, according to a statement by health minister, Wolfgang Mückstein.

However, people who have been fully vaccinated and those who have recovered from the virus with at least one vaccination are exempt, according to the Austrian press agency.

Mückstein didn’t specify a date as to when the mandatory tests would come into effect.

The health minister added that the government was worried about the number of coronavirus cases in Austria relating to travel, whether they are returning travellers or people arriving in the country.

Mückstein added: “Around a third of new infections can be traced back to travel, and numerous infections are spread by people who return to travel. The federal government is therefore turning the screws a little tighter in this area. 

“In this way we are containing the rapid spread of the virus and protecting those people who are currently unable to get vaccinated.”

The health minister also said that additional lockdown measures would consider hospitalisation and fatality rates as well as case numbers.

The testing for arrivals from Spain, the Netherlands or Cyprus applies to citizens and residents of Austria, including people who are citizens or residents of other countries.

As per a Kurier report, PCR tests can be undertaken at the airport and will be provided free of charge.

People who refuse to take a test could be fined as much as €1,450.