This page is updated when COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines evolve or when we receive new information about pandemic-related measures.

Last Updated February 7, 2023, 8:30 a.m.

Recent Updates

Our strong communication and planning along with consistent safety protocols enabled us to successfully manage the COVID-19 challenges over the last few years. Our track record of limited cases across the community reflects the strong partnership, trust, and support experienced between the school and our families.

AIS Vienna is uniquely prepared to manage the ever changing COVID-19 context by way of our American/IB educational approach and philosophy, which supports students’ creative, adaptive and problem-solving skills. Like our students, our leaders, teachers, and staff are similarly “wired” to adapt, create, team, and adjust to the needs of our students, regardless of the model of learning delivery, whether in the classroom or across a virtual connection, while maintaining strong relationships and connection.

Our experiences with COVID-19 may be just as diverse as the places our families are coming from. Each of us may have different expectations and will adjust to the current circumstances in Vienna and at AISV. We will strive to provide clarity and consistency of communication so that students and their families feel prepared, informed, and reassured. Parents are our partners at AIS Vienna and we will continue to work together for the benefit of our students.

Please take a moment to review the following, based on recently released Austrian COVID regulations:

Our COVID Protocols

We now have COVID protocols in place that lineup with the directions we have received from the Viennese authorities. We have applied these instructions so that they provide the best protection for our community, while keeping as many programs running normally as possible. Please review our AIS Vienna COVID protocols below.

Testing

If you are symptomatic, take an antigen test.

1. If the test result is negative and you are well enough to attend school, then do so. Remember, you must be fever free for 48 hours before returning to school. Fever threshold is 37.8C.
2. If the antigen test result is positive, take a PCR test to confirm infection
3. If the PCR test result is positive, then you must not attend school for 5 days. The day when the positive test is taken is day zero. On Day 5 you may test out with a negative PCR test result, or with a Ct score of 30 or higher. You must inform the COVID Response Team of any positive test result – whether a home test or PCR. Tests to return to school must also be sent to the COVID Response Team.
4. For household members of a positive case, we will provide antigen tests to be taken at home before coming to school each day. We also ask that any mask (preferably FFP2) in ES and MS and FFP2 in HS be worn at all times and that more focus is placed on social distancing.

Regular on-campus testing will not take place at this time. Children with symptoms of COVID will be sent to the Nurse’s Office for further evaluation.

For more information on how to make use of the free PCR testing system from the city of Vienna, click here.

COVID Symptoms

If you have symptoms, please stay away from campus and take a COVID test. Anyone showing symptoms on campus will be referred to the School Nurse, Clara Kluckner, for testing.

There are three common clusters of symptoms that have been identified:

1. a respiratory symptom cluster with sore throat, runny nose, cough, sputum, shortness of breath, and fever;
2. a musculoskeletal symptom cluster with muscle and joint pain, headache, and fatigue;
3. a digestive symptom cluster with abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.

These symptoms are also found in other illnesses. If COVID is ruled out, please continue to monitor your child and only send them back to school when they are fever free (below 37.8 C) without medication for 48 hours and feeling well enough to attend a whole school day.

Masks

Wearing an FFP2 mask is proven to be an excellent form of protection. You will not be required to wear a mask on campus. However, we encourage anyone who feels vulnerable or anyone in a crowded environment to feel free to wear an FFP2 mask. If you would like a mask and do not have one, child-sized and adult-sized masks can be collected in the nurse’s office at any time.

Social Distancing & Hand Sanitizing

Avoiding crowds and reducing social contact is another proven way of reducing risk. We ask that, where practical, you keep in mind the importance of social distancing. In addition, we expect you to perform regular hand hygiene by washing hands regular, especially before meals or returning from outside and taking use of the many hand sanitizing stations still set up throughout the school.

We fully expect all community members to follow all current protocols as established by the Austrian government.

Current Recommendations for Vaccination

The Austrian government provides vaccinations free of cost for residents of Austria. These can be done at vaccination centers and most primary physician’s offices (please check with your physician as they may have particular times and days when it is possible to receive the vaccine).

The Austrian government currently recommends that children between 6 months and 11 years of age receive three shots and all persons 12 years and old to receive 3 shots plus a booster shot. The spacing of these shots can be found in this infographic in German or English or through a discussion with your physician or pediatrician. Please remember to send any updates to vaccination status to the School Nurse, Clara Kluckner. This can be done with a photo of the vaccination booklet, a screenshot of the digital confirmation, etc.