"Protecting children"

After the attack: kindergarten closes its doors

Fear has been running rampant in Villach since the terrorist attack.(Bild: Evelyn Hronek)

After the religiously motivated attack, fear is running rampant in the city of Drau. Many people are worried about their safety, especially in the areas around the main train station, and the Drau areas are being avoided - especially in the evenings. And barely a week after the terrible attack, the first steps are already being taken.

Security precautions around schools and kindergartens have been increased. The private daycare center operator "Sonnenstrahl" near Westbahnhof has also reacted and tightened its own security measures.

Parents whose children are cared for in the operator's facilities received a letter after Saturday's attack, which is available to the "Krone". In it, they were informed that the front doors would remain locked.

"This step is to protect the children and staff. We have been considering such a measure for some time. Now it seemed sensible to finally implement it," Sophie Nelhiebel, Managing Director of "Sonnenstrahl", confirmed to the "Krone".

This means that the doors to the daycare centers will now remain closed between 9 and 11.30 am and from 1 to 2 pm. Access is then only possible by prior arrangement and by the educational staff themselves. 

Carnival parades canceled
The Villach carnival parade and all TV broadcasts of the carnival sessions were canceled after the horrific attack - we reported. Now other guilds are following suit: There will also be no parade in Arnoldstein this year.

The event had been planned for Shrove Tuesday, March 4: "Our thoughts are with those affected and their families at this difficult time. Now it is particularly important to be there for each other and stand together," says the municipality. The Rose Monday concert is to take place.