A number of European countries have tightened restrictions due to the increasing spread of the infection.
Here are some of the countries with the strictest restrictions right now.
NETHERLANDS
The Netherlands is once again imposing a lockdown from December 19. Almost all activities in society will close, except for those that are socially critical. The restrictions will apply over Christmas and at least until January 14. This means that restaurants, shops, hairdressers, gyms, cafes, museums must close.
Everyone should stay home as much as possible and work from home. A maximum of four people may be invited home per day.
Norway
Stricter restrictions apply since December 16. Everyone who can will work from home and everyone is urged to reduce social contact. There is also a ban on serving alcohol in bars.
A maximum of ten guests in the home in addition to household members are allowed, but around Christmas and New Year, 20 people are allowed.
Adults are urged to cancel planned group leisure activities.
A maximum of 20 people are allowed at public indoor events without fixed seating and 50 people are allowed where there is fixed seating.
Denmark
Proposal for stricter restrictions presented on Friday and decisions will be made shortly. The proposal involves the closure of, for example, casinos, amusement parks, conference rooms and cinemas.
A corona passport requirement for long-distance travel by public transport is being introduced and restaurants are being forced to remain closed between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. Alcohol sales are prohibited between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
The requirement to wear face masks is being extended to several activities, such as church services and driving schools.
Recommendations for working from home and limited social contacts are also being introduced.
AUSTRIA
In Austria, restaurants, hotels and cafes will reopen on December 20, marking the end of the extensive lockdown that Austria has been in since November.
Restaurants and cafes must still close at 11 p.m. for the time being, and bars and nightclubs are forced to remain closed.
When visiting gyms, hotels, cinemas and museums, for example, you are required to show a certificate proving that you have taken an approved vaccine, tested negative for Covid-19 or recovered from a Covid infection.
LATVIA
Last fall, the Latvian government decided on a national state of emergency from October 11 and for three months.
Only vaccinated and recovered people are allowed to enter restaurants, shopping centers, and stores that are considered non-essential.
Opening hours for shops have been shortened and everyone who can is recommended to work from home. It is also mandatory to wear a face mask in schools. Anyone who does not follow the restrictions risks fines.
GERMANY
From December 2nd, it is a requirement to be fully vaccinated to visit shops, restaurants or events in Germany, it is not enough to have a negative Covid test. Exceptions apply for grocery stores and pharmacies.
A negative Covid test or proof of vaccination is required for public transport. A face mask is required on all public transport journeys.
For those who are unvaccinated, they are not allowed to meet more than two people from another household. The German government wants to introduce vaccination requirements, but the issue has not yet been decided by parliament.
Source: svt.se
