Europe tightens measures to contain COVID surge ahead of new year – Full list of nations that have imposed restrictions
As Europe is seeing a massive surge in Omicron cases, some nations have been forced to take stricter measures to cope with surging caseload ahead of the new year.
Let us take a look at the various measures taken by nations to curb the further spread of infection:
France
On Tuesday, the French government authorised the sale of antigenic tests in supermarkets until the end of January, and announced a monthly bonus of 100 euros ($113) to all intensive care medical staff. The daily number of Covid-19 cases reached 208,099 on Wednesday, breaking the record on Tuesday and hitting a new high since the outbreak of the pandemic in the country, Xinhua news agency reported.
Spain
To ease pressure on medical staff in Spain, the health authorities decided on Wednesday to reduce the quarantine for people with asymptomatic Covid-19 infections from 10 days to seven days.
It is hoped the new measures could relieve some pressure on the health services, as the Health Ministry reported that over 5,000 health workers were infected with Covid-19 in the 14 days prior to December 23.
UK
The latest data shows that more than 90 per cent of community Covid cases in England are now Omicron. Prime Minister Boris Johnson stressed the importance of booster jabs again on Wednesday, insisting this is the only way to enjoy the New Year “sensibly and cautiously”.
Greece
The Greek government decided on Wednesday to implement further protection measures against Covid-19, as the number of new cases tripled in 48 hours across the country. Faced with this spike, the government decided to bring forward a series of measures that were initially scheduled to enter into force on January 3, and added more restrictions.
Cyprus
In Cyprus, new emergency measures aimed at slowing the runaway coronavirus pandemic are on their way, according to Health Minister Michalis Hadjipantelas.
As of December 30, everyone except those who have received a third dose of a vaccine will have to present a negative 24-hour test before entering entertainment venues, dance clubs and reception halls for weddings.
Portugal
The Portuguese government has also extended its Covid-19 restrictions until January 5. To gain access to restaurants, parties and shows, people must present proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test.
Portugal has registered 26,867 new Covid-19 cases in the past 24 hours, setting a new daily record since the beginning of the pandemic.
Germany
The Omicron variant has been a major factor in the worsening Covid-19 situation in Germany, with cases of the new variant increasing by nearly 26 per cent in one day, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases said on Wednesday. “We must do everything we can to end the pandemic as quickly as possible,” said Svenja Schulze, Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development.
Belgium
In Belgium, the Omicron variant has accounted for 60 per cent of new infections, microbiologist Emmanuel Andre at Catholic University (KU) Leuven, said on Twitter on Monday. However, 77 per cent of the Belgian population have been fully vaccinated since it started the vaccination campaign on December 28, 2020.
Denmark
Denmark`s health officials have urged citizens to “see as few people as possible” during the holiday season, as the country reported a record daily number of 23,228 new Covid-19 cases.