As Covid-19 cases continue to increase across Europe, many countries have restored certain restrictions over the holidays.
Here are the important things to know:
France
France has imposed restrictions on travelers entering the country from the UK, to slow the emergence of the coronavirus variant Omicron. Only essential travel from the UK to France will be allowed, regardless of vaccination status. The travel restrictions were in place starting December 18.
French Prime Minister Jean Castex announced on December 17 that it would ban large outdoor events and gatherings on New Year’s Eve. This includes the consumption of alcohol in public spaces and the cancellation of fireworks and concerts.
France reported 91,608 new Covid-19 cases on Thursday, an all-time high since the beginning of the pandemic.
Spain
Spain Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced on Wednesday that it was resuming the nationwide mandate for mask wearing outdoors – with the exception of sporting activities and large areas – from Christmas Eve.
Meanwhile in the region, some governments are tightening restrictions even further, with Murcia banning non-essential activities from December 24 until January 14, according to a regional government bulletin. .
In Catalonia, leaders are imposing a 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. curfew, closing venues that take place at night and limiting social gatherings to 10 people, according to the statement.
These measures will affect municipalities of more than 10,000 residents with an incidence rate of 250 per 100,000 as of December 17. They will last for 15 days, from Christmas Eve.
Italy
Nightclubs will be closed and people will be banned from eating and drinking in public squares from December 30 to January 31, according to a government statement. On Friday, the outdoor mask mission returns, and the use of the Covid card will be expanded from February 1.
Netherlands
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has announced a strict lockdown starting December 19. Indoor gatherings are limited to a maximum of two guests until January 14, except on Christmas and New Year’s Eve. redundant, when that limit is extended to four guests. All schools and extracurricular activities will also be closed until at least January 9.
Belgium
Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said in a press conference that Belgium will cancel indoor events and activities, including indoor Christmas markets and villages, cinema screenings and screenings, starting from today. December 26. Those measures extend to the indoor spaces of amusement parks and zoos. However, some activities such as weddings and funerals will still be allowed. Museums and gyms will be open.
Germany
Germany will impose strict contact restrictions to limit the spread of Covid-19 starting December 28 and ban New Year’s Eve gatherings. Up to 10 people will be allowed to meet in groups, regardless of whether they have been vaccinated or recovered. Private meetings for unvaccinated people are limited to two additional people per household for both indoor and outdoor activities, the government announced.
Unvaccinated people can only use public transport with a negative Covid-19 test daily.
Nightclubs in Germany will remain closed.
Ball games will once again take place without spectators. Germany’s health minister said he would not rule out a tough ban if the number of cases continued to rise.
Switzerland
Only those with a vaccine passport or proof of recovery will be allowed into restaurants and indoor event spaces starting December 20 and must wear a mask at all times except when eating or drinking.
Private meetings are limited to 10 people if they include anyone 16 years of age or older who has not been vaccinated or has not recovered from Covid-19. In settings where a mask cannot be worn or seating is required, admission will be limited to those who have been vaccinated or recovered, who must also present a negative test result. This rule applies to bars and clubs, as well as amateur sports and cultural activities. Only people who have been fully vaccinated, booster shot or recovered from Covid-19 within the past four months no need to take an extra test.
Shirt
Closing time 10pm will be imposed in the hotel sector since December 27 and will remain the same on New Year’s Eve. Tickets to the Christmas market will only be available to those who have been vaccinated and/or recovered.
FFP2 (face filter fragment) masks are required in many fields. Proof of vaccination or rehabilitation is required to enter hotels, restaurants, leisure centres, gyms, cultural institutions, Christmas markets, ski lifts/cables and services. body-related services, such as beauty salons.
Restaurants, cafes and bars close their curfew at 11 p.m., except for New Year’s Eve. Bars and clubs remain closed during this time. Can’t ski.
Denmark
Denmark announced the closure of cinemas, theaters and museums, banned the sale of alcohol after 10 p.m. and ordered entertainment venues to close earlier. Those restrictions are currently in effect.
Portugal
Schools, bars and clubs will all close in Portugal from December 26 to January 10, Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa announced on Tuesday. People have also been asked to work from home, and negative tests will be required for ceremonies such as weddings as well as all cultural and sporting events.
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