Filenews 15 December 2020 - by Alekos Michaelides
Restrictive measures to intercept the current wave of the coronavirus pandemic apply throughout the world and of course in all the countries of Europe. Recently, the Ministry of Health published a list of the measures in force in most European countries, where there is considerable unanimity.
However, decisions are constantly changing and depending on the epidemiological picture presented by each country individually. Recently, Germany has decided to impose a strict lockdown on residents, who, as federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has said, will suffer the biggest restrictions in the country's modern history.
Eyenews presents in detail the measures in force in the countries of Europe, trying to stem the wild wave of the coronavirus pandemic.
Cyprus (15,101 cases, 78 deaths):
Stricter measures have been in force in Cyprus since Friday 11 December, most notably the curfew between 21:00 and 05:00, with few exceptions. The measures, which will remain in force until 31 December, put a maximum of 10 people in homes, including underage children. Also, the church is held without the presence of believers, while it is forbidden to hold meals / dinners and any other events for weddings and baptisms, but religious ceremonies (weddings, baptisms, funerals) with a maximum number of 10 people are allowed.
Since 14 December, Lyceums and Universities have been operating with distance learning, while since 11 December all dining areas, outdoor and closed theatres, amphitheatres, cinemas and theatres, as well as closed shopping centres, as well as gymnasiums and dance schools, have been suspended.
Greece (124,534 cases, 3,625 deaths):
In Greece the curfew (21:00 – 05:00) is in force from 13 November, and local lockdown was preceded according to the epidemiological picture of the areas. From 15 December, the nationwide curfew is in force from 22:00 to 05:00, while for travel during the day SMS is required. The retail trade remains suspended, while the exception is the operation of the pick-up outside the store, while since 14 December the hairdressers and bookstores have reopened. For Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, more than 9 people from two families are not allowed to gather in homes. Since 16 November, schools in Greece remain closed and operate with distance learning.
Germany (1,337,078 cases, 21,975 deaths):
Since the beginning of November, Germany has been in partial lockdown, while the sharp rise in new crown cases has forced the states and Chancellor Angela Merkel to impose stricter restrictions. Since 16 December, therefore, following a decision by the Chancellor and the Prime Ministers of the 16 German Länder, a general Lockdown of three and a half weeks has been imposed in Germany. They close, retail, schools and kindergartens while the number of people in private meetings is limited to five people from two different households. Four other people in the close family environment will be able to participate at Christmas, while on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, gatherings are banned in public places and fireworks are banned. Alcohol consumption is also prohibited in public places. Functions in churches are permitted provided that the social distance of one and a half meters is respected and a mask is used.
France (2,376,852 cases, 57,911 deaths):
France is the most affected country in Europe when it comes to crown cases and restrictions have been in place for some time, mainly since 30 October. Although 15 December was heralded as a day of easing of restrictions, the country's epidemiological picture does not allow complacency. According to the country's prime minister, Jean Castex, the curfew from 20:00 in the evening until 06:00 in the morning will continue until 31 December. Museums, theatres, cinemas and entertainment venues remain closed until 7 January.
Britain (1,849,403 cases, 64,170 deaths):
In Britain, the big problem is seen in London and parts of south-east England. As of Wednesday morning (December 16th), according to Health Minister Matt Hancock, London is entering a tough lockdown due to an increase in daily cases. London, south and west Essex and the southern regions of Hertfordshire are entering the highest alert level which means thousands of bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants will be closed, as will theatres, while football matches will again be held without spectators. People from different households will be able to meet in groups of six outdoors.
Italy (1,843,712 cases, 64,520 deaths):
Italy, which holds the black lead in coronavirus deaths, has been in place local lockdown since the beginning of November, and from 21 December to 6 January it will be banned from one region to another. On 26 December and New Year's Eve, every Italian should remain in his place of permanent residence. The curfew will continue to apply from 22:00 to 05:00, while on New Year's Day it will last longer and will expire at 07:00 in the morning. Restaurants and cafes will be open until 18:00, while shops will be open until 21:00. The Lyceums in Italy will reopen on 7 January.
Spain (1,730,575 cases, 47,624 deaths):
Up to 10 people per household will be able to gather for Christmas and New Year, in a festive relaxation of the current rule that sets a limit of 6 people, in Spain.
The curfew will be moved to 01.30 from 11.00 p.m. from 24 to 31 December. Travel between the regions will be prohibited from 23 December to 6 January, with the exception of visits between family members.
Belgium (608,001 cases, 17,951 deaths):
Belgium has entered a new lockdown since 2 November. In public places up to four people are allowed to gather, hairdressers and gyms are closed, as are resorts and zoos. The curfew across the country remains from midnight until 05:00 in the morning, while in Brussels from 22:00 to 06:00. Belgian households will be able to contact an extra person at Christmas. People living alone will be able to meet two others. Fireworks will be banned to avoid gathering people and trips abroad are not recommended.
Netherlands (612,746 cases, 10,034 incidents):
The toughest measures since the beginning of the pandemic were announced on Monday (December 14th) in the Netherlands. Since 15 December, the country has been quarantined for five weeks due to the dangerous increase in incidents. All non-essential shops will remain closed, with the exception of supermarkets, food shops and pharmacies, and schools will be closed from 16 December. Museums, cinemas, theatres and gyms, as well as zoos, will be closed, too. Prime Minister Mark Rutte recommended that Dutch citizens stay in their homes and welcome a no more than two people a day, adding that the measures would last until January 19th.
Poland: (1,135,676 cases, 22,864 deaths):
Poland, which records high numbers, has remained in lockdown since early November. Schools, restaurants and sports centres are closed and there is a proposal to extend the measures until 17 January. Up to 5 people will be able to be invited to each household under the new rules that will apply until December 27.
Czech Republic (581,079 cases, 9,609 deaths):
The Czech government, which has also been in a short lockdown regime since November, has allowed shops and restaurants to open from 3 December ahead of the festive season, but since 14 December it has announced the reintroduction of the night-time curfew measure, as well as the closure of restaurants and bars for Christmas. The measures announced also provide for a limit of 6 people for indoor and outdoor gatherings and a ban on drinking alcohol outdoors from 18 December. Shops and services will remain open.
Romania (556,335 cases, 13,385 deaths):
A new lockdown has been imposed in Romania since 6 November. Schools remain closed and shops close at 21:00 at night. The dining areas and entertainment centres are closed.
Portugal (348,744 cases, 5,559 deaths):
In Portugal the night curfew (23:00 – 05:00) applies, while on Christmas and New Year's nights it will be moved from 23:00 to 02:00. There will be no numerical limit on concentrations per household, but outdoor parties will remain under prohibition and outdoor gatherings will be limited to six people. Nightclubs, dining areas and gyms remain closed.
Sweden (320,098 cases, 7,514 deaths):
In 'separate' Sweden, which did not take action during the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic, strict measures to contain the hard wave are being promoted. In this context, limited shop opening hours, a reduction in the number of people at gatherings and the closure of retail and gyms are promoted.
Austria (320,036 cases, 4,400 deaths):
In Austria, whose government applies regular mass free coronavirus tests, there is a strict lockdown with current exit restrictions (20:00 – 06:00) to be lifted for Christmas Eve and New Year's Day. Six adults and six children will be allowed to celebrate together. A strict lockdown was in place in the country from 17 November to 6 December, while from the 7th the schools and shops, hairdressers and salons opened. The focus remains closed and hotels, theatres, cinemas and cultural events remain closed.
Hungary (283,870 cases, 7,130 deaths):
Viktor Orban's Hungary has been in place for some lockdown since November 11, with high schools, high schools and universities, as well as restaurants closed. A curfew is in force during the evening hours (20:00 – 05:00) and large gatherings are prohibited. New measures are expected to be announced on Monday 21 December.
Bulgaria (179,449 cases, 5,688 deaths):
Bulgaria has also been locked down since 27 November, with schools and universities as well as kindergartens closed. Private gatherings will be limited to 15 people and all restaurants, bars, cafes and night centres will be closed. Following protests on the part of businesses, the government decided to allow smaller shops to remain open and sporting events to continue without spectators. Theatres will remain open at 30% of their capacity.
Croatia (175,886 cases, 2,640 deaths):
Since the end of November, Croatia has been subject to strict measures in force until 21 December. The new measures include limiting outdoor gatherings, public places to 25 people and private parties to 10 people, as well as closing dining areas, banning wedding receptions until Christmas.
Slovakia (132,984 cases, 1,175 deaths):
In Slovakia, which conducts mass tests on almost the entire population, public gatherings of more than six people are prohibited, the use of a mask is compulsory, while swimming pools, gyms, theatres and cinemas remain closed. The measures are in force until 29 December.
Denmark (109,758 cases, 941 deaths):
Further measures were imposed in Denmark and restrictions have been in place since the beginning of November. Bars, restaurants and museums have been closed since 9 December in 38 municipalities across the country, including Copenhagen, and pupils in the last grades of primary school, secondary school and university students remain at home. The new restrictions will remain in place until 3 January.
Slovenia (96,314 cases, 1,459 deaths):
In Slovenia, nightclubs remain closed, but not dining areas and gyms, and restrictions apply to public gatherings.
Lithuania (95,021 cases, 825 deaths):
Lithuania has been in tight lockdown since Wednesday, December 16, in an attempt to end the pandemic. Leaving the house will only be allowed for work, basic goods purchases, care for the sick, funerals and walks only with people of the same household, Prime Minister Ingrida Simonetta announced. Shops that do not sell essentials will be closed, while concentrations between different households have been banned. The Lithuanian government said that in addition to the three-week lockdown, other restrictions such as the closure of restaurants, gyms, primary and secondary schools would remain in place until 31 January.
Ireland (76,185 cases, 2,124 deaths):
Ireland exited the hard lockdown on 1 December, but strict restrictions are in place. Among other things, no social/family gatherings or visits to houses or gardens are allowed, with the exception of weddings (up to 25 persons) and funerals (up to 25 persons). From 18 December to 6 January, visits to houses by persons belonging to two different family units are allowed, with no limit on the number of persons. The movement of persons outside the county where they reside is prohibited, with the exception of those travelling for work, training or for an emergency/emergency reason. From 18 December to 6 January this prohibition will not apply. Schools and nurseries remain open. Restaurants and cafes (including bars/pubs serving food) opened on December 4th, as did hotels. Pubs that don't serve food and nightclubs will remain closed and won't open even during Christmas.
Luxembourg (41,272 cases, 396 deaths):
In Luxembourg, which records high numbers in population proportions, lockdown status remains, with closed nightclubs, dining areas and gyms, but without restrictions on public gatherings.
Norway (40,022 cases, 387 deaths):
Norwegians will be able to invite up to 10 people home twice between Christmas and New Year. Apart from these two days, the limit of 5 people remains at house meetings. Nightclubs and dining areas remain closed.
Finland (30,810 cases, 453 deaths):
Restrictions are in force in four Finnish municipalities from 10 November to 20 December. In particular, events with a presence of more than 10 people are prohibited, while schools operate with distance learning. Restaurants in Helsinki can be open from 05:00 in the morning until 23:00.
Latvia (25,675 cases, 349 deaths):
In Latvia, restaurants, gyms and restrictions apply to mass public gatherings.
Estonia (18,055 cases, 149 deaths):
In Estonia the use of a mask in all public and indoor areas is mandatory. The Government of the country has not announced a plan to lift the restrictions, not even for the holiday season, as the epidemiological picture shows no improvement.
Malta (11,101 cases, 166 deaths):
Malta has similar restrictions to Cyprus, as nightclubs, dining areas, gyms are closed and there is a limit to mass public gatherings.
Iceland (5,557 cases, 28 deaths):
In Iceland, from 31 October, there is a ban on gatherings of more than 10 people, while bars and clubs remain closed across the country. The regulations will remain in force until 12 January.
Liechtenstein (1,514 cases, 18 deaths):
In Liechtenstein, the dining areas remain closed.
*The elements in the parentheses are as recorded by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) as at 14 December.
