BERLIN—The Austrian government said Wednesday that it plans to end most of the country’s COVID-19 restrictions on March 5, though wearing masks will remain obligatory in some places. Chancellor Karl Nehammer announced the decision at a news conference in Vienna. Officials stressed that the pandemic is not yet over but a stabilization of new infections allows Austria, which recently became the first European country to enshrine obligatory vaccinations for most adults in law, to open up step by step. In a first step starting Saturday, proof of vaccination or recent recovery will no longer be required to attend events, go to restaurants, bars or hairdressers, and various other activities. Proof of a negative test will suffice for those things. “On March 5, the bulk of the restrictions that burden people so much will end,” Nehammer said. The entry requirements and most other restrictions will be dropped altogether, with night clubs …