Bans, vaccine certificates and lockdowns – the corona infection is hitting Europe hard.
In France, the fifth wave is described as ”lightning fast,” and in Austria, the most extensive lockdown in months is beginning.
– It applies to everyone, says SVT's EU correspondent David Boati.
Shops and markets have closed, and freedom of movement has been significantly restricted.
Monday marked the start of significantly stricter restrictions in Austria.
– You can go to work if you have to and, for example, to buy food, but shops and restaurants are closed. You should stay home if you can, says David Boati, SVT's European correspondent on site in Vienna.
Closed for at least ten days
The shutdown will be in effect for at least ten days.
In addition, Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg has also announced that vaccination requirements will be introduced from February 1, 2022.
– People see it as black or white. They think it's terrible or great. At least the ones I know do. I wish it wasn't a compulsion, says Austrian Hannah.
Fifth wave ”lightning fast” in France
Recently, the number of cases of Covid-19 has increased in several parts of Europe.
In France, the spread of the virus is already considered to be in its fifth peak wave. The spread of infection has increased by over 80 percent in the past week compared to a week earlier.
– This fifth wave starts lightning fast, says government spokesman Gabrial Attal.
Czech Republic considers state of emergency
The pandemic has also spread in Germany. Outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel stated on Monday that the country must introduce additional measures to mitigate the effects of a fourth wave of the pandemic.
"We have a very serious situation. The current rules are not sufficient," Merkel said in a meeting with party colleagues within the CDU.
The Czech Republic and Slovakia have announced that vaccination certificates are required for entry to bars, restaurants and public events. The Czech Republic is also considering introducing a state of emergency to allow medical students to be commissioned into healthcare where the military is already helping.
Greece also introduced new restrictions on Monday. Face masks are mandatory in workplaces, and access to many premises requires a vaccination certificate or proof of recent recovery.
Sweden is investigating measures
The increase also applies to some extent in Sweden, according to Anders Tegnell, state epidemiologist and head of department at the Swedish Public Health Agency.
Therefore, measures are now being considered.
– The most important thing to get in place is to continue vaccinating, Tegnell said at a press conference on Thursday.
Several groups are now being looked at who need a third dose.
– We will start testing more and more again on everyone with symptoms. And we will also introduce some other measures.
Source: svt.se
