Filenews 26 April 2021 - Theano Thiopoulou
The shadow of lockdown continues to cover Europe at a time when what we call a third wave - coupled with a low vaccination programme - has brought back new strict measures even in countries that have attempted to open up their economy. Other countries are now trying to open up their economies and others are now taking tough ban measures such as Cyprus.
Greece is the country, coming out of a long and strict lockdown. After six months of lockdown, the much-suffering catering industry reopens on May 3. From Easter Monday, cafes, restaurants and other related businesses will only be reopened outdoors, with distances in table seats and mandatory self-testing twice a week for their employees. Food outlets had been closed since November 7, when the country went into general lockdown.
High schools and primary schools reopen on 10 May. And this is where self-diagnostic checks will apply to students, teachers and administrative staff. on Saturday, May 15th, tourism opens in Greece. With specifications for guests who have been vaccinated, as well as for those who will have to travel by test.
At a time when many countries, such as Italy, Belgium and Switzerland, have planned to relax restrictions, Europe's first economy, Germany, is going against the tide. Activates the emergency brake to protect against infectious diseases. If the case index exceeds 100, a curfew is automatically imposed from 22:00 to 5:00, catering businesses close, while retail outlets operate only by appointment and negative test for coronavirus. If the cases exceed 150, the shops operate only with the click & collect system, while in the 165 cases schools are closed. Entry into the country for travellers from areas with particularly high dispersion of coronavirus is completely prohibited, while the same applies to travellers from countries where high rates of coronavirus mutations have been recorded. Any traveller, regardless of the country of departure, is required to demonstrate a negative coronavirus test at the airport, otherwise he or she cannot be admitted to the country.
Since last November the French focus has literally died, and with the outbreak of the third wave of coronavirus, the closure of schools has also been ordered. The ban on citizens from travelling no more than 10 kilometres has been imposed horizontally and is being followed by strict police controls. The French government has been considering a partial relaxation of restrictions since May.
A months-long tight lockdown in Great Britain is coming to an end, with the recent opening of the focus and the gradual lifting of all restrictions by 21 June. However, recommendations remain strict to those travelling to and from England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales to demonstrate a negative coronavirus test to border authorities.
Until April 30
At least until April 30, Italy will remain in a nation-by-nation state of emergency, with strict restrictions on every citizen and visitor to the country. Spain has managed to cope with the second and third waves of coronavirus with fewer losses, compared to countries such as France and Germany. Each region implements its own health and distancing protocols, in terms of focus, entertainment spaces and the daily traffic of citizens.
Austria, as it prepares for a significant reduction in restrictions on its national lockdown since May, is implementing a strict digital data entry system for every visitor. Ireland remains in a global lockdown with hard, horizontal measures. Portugal has begun phasing out its lockdown restrictions, however, the country's government does not encourage unnecessary travel to and from its borders. Finland remains in lockdown until April 30. Some commercial activities and outdoor dining are expected to open soon. Denmark is preparing to reopen its economy as of next month.
Despite the full opening up of Israel's economy, regulations on the entry of citizens of foreign countries remain particularly strict.
