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

Last Updated January 12, 2021, 8:45 a.m.

Recent Updates

Our strong communication and planning along with consistent safety protocols enable us to successfully manage the COVID-19 challenges this school year. Our track record of limited cases across the community reflect the strong partnership, trust, and support experienced between the school and our families.

AIS 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 inside of 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 AIS. 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 and we will continue to work with you for the benefit of our students.

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

Safety Period Extended to February 28

The COVID-19 Safety Period for schools will remain in effect until February 28, 2022. The School Risk Level remains at Level 3 for all schools.

During the Safety Period, the following COVID-19 protocols remain in effect:

Safety Period Restrictions

• External visitors (parents, visitors, special guest speakers, etc.) are not allowed on campus during this time.

Testing

• Pre-Kindergarten: Antigen Test 3 times per week.
• KG-Grade 12: ALL students must Antigen test 1 time per week and PCR test 2 times per week.
• ALL employees must Antigen test 1 time per week and PCR test 2 times per week, or PCR test 3 times per week.
• Individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 should NOT PCR test for a period of 30 days from the first positive test.

Masks

• Masks are mandatory for all employees and students inside the building. For employees and HS students this must be an FFP2 mask. For our youngest students in PK & KG we understand that more latitude must be given. Mask breaks should be taken approximately every 30 minutes with windows open.

Events

• All events are postponed or canceled.

ASAs

• ASAs are suspended until at least through February 28. More specific information will be shared by the Events Office.

Athletics

• Depending on the sport there are different regulations. Currently, swimming may take place as normal and basketball may take place in a limited capacity. More specific information has been shared by the Events Office.

Booster Vaccinations
The authorities have asked us to urge our community to get the Booster shot.

We recognize that members of our community will be disappointed by the extension of the Safety Period and the loss of events and activities, however we continue in our collective commitment to keep our community healthy and safe.

We fully expect all community members to adhere to Austrian travel restrictions and quarantine measures prior to setting foot on campus. We also expect all community members to follow all current protocols as established by the Austrian government.