Europe has seen unprecedented levels of coronavirus infection, with around 1.5 million new cases of COVID-19 reported each day.
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| [COVID restrictions in Europe] |
In recent weeks, Europe has seen unprecedented levels of coronavirus infection, with around 1.5 million new cases of COVID-19 reported each day. This is owing to the emergence of a more infectious strain of omicron, which accounts for nearly all COVID-19 recorded cases globally - this kind of virus spreads far quicker than its predecessor, the delta variant. Scientists warn that the current wave has not yet hit its height in a number of nations in the area. Despite this, the authorities of various European countries have taken an unusual step: they have opted to partially or totally eliminate coronavirus limitations.
At the end of November 2021, the first cases of omicron infection in Europe were reported. At the time, around 2.5 million new COVID-19 infections were found on the continent each week. However, with the emergence of a new and more virulent strain of coronavirus, this figure has quadrupled: 10 million new cases were recorded in the region between January 17 to 23. The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that by March, 60 percent of the European continent's population would be infected with a new strain of coronavirus.
In light of this, a number of European governments have opted to relax covid regulations. This is partly due to the fact that the proportion of hospitalizations among patients infected with a novel strain is substantially lower than among patients infected with existing coronavirus strains. Furthermore, several nations have achieved quite high vaccination rates: vaccinated persons are less likely to require hospitalisation, resulting in a lesser load on hospitals. Finally, rigorous sanitary standards had a significant impact on the industry and economics of European governments, and the Europeans themselves were sick of the limitations.
United Kingdom
The British government took perhaps the most dramatic approach - in England, it was decided to abolish all limitations completely. British citizens are no longer required to wear masks indoors, and they are no longer required to produce their passports while attending nightclubs, concerts, or football events. The authorities also let British citizens to visit relatives in nursing homes and rescinded their advise to businesses to move personnel to remote employment.
It is worth noting that this decision was made against the backdrop of a scandal involving Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who was convicted of violating quarantine measures: when severe restrictions were in effect across the country, the head of government and his subordinates threw parties on Downing Street.
Local authorities make the decision to suspend or tighten limitations in other regions of the United Kingdom, although there is also a progressive easing of the prohibitions.
Denmark
Denmark dropped the remaining restrictions on February 1st, becoming the first country in the European Union to do so. The country has repealed the requirement to wear masks and eased limits on the operation of catering companies. "Today we can find a grin again," Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated as she announced the limitations were lifted.
Denmark has also reduced the regulations for entering the nation, no longer requiring a test before to departure. Furthermore, the kingdom now accepts all WHO-approved vaccinations, and anybody who has been vaccinated with a medicine on the list is welcome to enter. Previously imposed limits on ship cruises have also been removed.
France
The French government likewise opted to relax some of the limitations. The first step will begin on February 2nd, when the country will discontinue the required wearing of masks in public and relax limitations on the number of people to concerts, sporting events, and other public activities. The mandated remote work from home will likewise be eliminated across the country as of February 2. Nightclubs will reopen in France two weeks later, on February 16, and food and drink will be permitted at stadiums and cinemas.
Simultaneously, French authorities have increased pressure on unvaccinated citizens. Previously, citizens of the nation could enter pubs, restaurants, and other facilities by producing a so-called sanitary permit, which was provided not only after getting vaccinated or recovering from COVID-19, but also after a negative test result. Since January 24, the final choice has been discontinued; in this way, the country's administration is attempting to boost the population's level of immunisation. Simultaneously, French President Emmanuel Macron pledged to "mix with crap" anti-vaxxers.
Austria
Austria, too, embraced the road of relaxing restrictions: on January 31, the country's lockdown for the unvaccinated was lifted. Previously, people were only permitted to leave their houses when absolutely essential, such as to go to the shop or pharmacy. Opponents of vaccination, however, would not have to rejoice for long: a day later, on February 1, the legislation requiring forced vaccination went into effect, making it the first of its sort in Europe.
The government will notify every household of the new rules and will provide a deferral until March 15 for those who previously elected not to vaccinate due to an unjustified cause. Following that, fines will be imposed: anyone caught for the first time will face a charge of 600 euros, with the sum increasing to 3.6 thousand euros per year for subsequent offences. Furthermore, summonses will be issued on a regular basis to vaccination opponents requesting that they get vaccinated. The law will apply to all citizens above the age of 18, with the exception of pregnant women and anyone for whom vaccination is medically contraindicated.
Simultaneously, the authorities intend to relax sanitary requirements. The hours of operation of businesses and restaurants will be extended beginning February 5. It will no longer be necessary to produce a certificate of immunisation or an ailment to enter stores beginning February 12.
Netherlands
The Netherlands has had some of Europe's most stringent coronavirus regulations. However, the kingdom's authorities opted to follow the lead of other European countries, although with the caveat that they "take risks." Restaurants, pubs, theatres, and museums that had been shuttered in the previous month are reopening around the country. However, their hours of operation will be limited to 22:00, and you will be required to provide either a negative test or a document of immunisation or prior sickness at the door. It was agreed to close nightclubs and limit the number of visitors to sports and public events to 1,250.
Finland
Finland's government also opted to lift some of the limitations. Restaurants will now be open until 21:00, with a 75 percent maximum seating capacity. Bars were told to close at 18:00 and to stop serving alcohol an hour sooner.
Swirl under the rays of sun
Simultaneously with the relaxation of sanitary restrictions in a number of European nations, the European Union Council resolved to reduce the requirements for entering the union's countries. From February 1, the traveler's covid status, rather than the epidemiological situation in the country from which he arrived, will be the deciding factor for entering EU countries. States with a high rate of coronavirus propagation, on the other hand, will be an exception.
To enter the European Union, you must have an electronic EU certificate verifying immunisation, previous sickness, or a negative test. Those who do not have such a document must have a coronavirus test no later than 24 hours before or after their arrival.
The back-passers
Some European governments have opted not to ease restrictions immediately. Germany is one among them, ranking second in the area in terms of new COVID-19 cases. The rapid pace of viral propagation, according to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, justifies the necessity for epidemiological precautions. Authorities are particularly worried that the country has a larger proportion of unvaccinated elderly people than a number of other European countries.
The WHO also warns against being reassured by claims that the spread of omicron would terminate the epidemic. According to Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the organization's CEO, the situation is just the opposite: the world is creating an excellent environment for the creation of new coronavirus variants. According to WHO specialists, the virus will get more infectious as time goes on, and new strains may be even more harmful and lethal than earlier ones.