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While the number of new infections in Germany remains at a high level, some European countries have apparently already passed the peak of the second wave. The consequence: careful relief.
Several EU countries have announced a reduction in their wreath restrictions for the Advent season. The background is the decline in the number of new infections.
Belgium criticizes German easing at Christmas
In Belgium, thanks to the decrease in the number of cases, stores that are not of systemic importance will be able to reopen in conditions starting next week. This was announced by Prime Minister Alexander De Croo. However, the crown’s measures around family gatherings during the Christmas season should be strict in Belgium. On December 24 and 25, single people could invite up to two people to their apartments and houses, De Croo explained. Therefore, you need to make sure that people are not alone at Christmas and New Years.
Belgian Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke criticized Germany’s less stringent regulations for Christmas. “If there is something the virus likes, then it is fixed, especially with the change of participants, we must absolutely avoid it,” Vandenbroucke said, according to a report from the Belgian agency. “So I think our neighboring countries are not doing what is appropriate.”
Prime Minister De Croo advised against traveling to red zones abroad and announced checks at the Belgian borders to see if travelers had completed the required form. Then, random checks should be made to determine if the required quarantine time is being respected. “We see that the numbers in our country are developing well,” De Croo said. “The last thing we want is to bring the virus back to Belgium.”
France: relaxation, but no end to the blockade
France recorded 12,450 new infections on Friday. According to health authorities, the country has already survived the spike of new infections in the second corona wave. The mitigations already went into effect on Saturday morning. Non-life essential shops can also reopen subject to conditions, as in Belgium, and people can stay outside longer than before for walks and sports. Masses can be celebrated again with a maximum of 30 believers. The reopening of libraries and archives is also allowed. However, as before, you are only allowed to leave the house for a valid reason. You must carry a certificate with you.
As French President Emmanuel Macron said in his television address on Tuesday, one should refrain from meeting friends and family and all unnecessary outings. Prime Minister Jean Castex also warned that it was too early to talk about ending the shutdown. If the crown numbers continue to fall, the end of the exit restrictions is near. Macron promised to replace them with nightly curfews starting in mid-December.
Italy: only three “red zones”
Starting Sunday, the Italian government wants to declare three “red zones” that so far have been particularly affected by the coronavirus to “orange zones”, as indicated in a decree by the Minister of Health, Roberto Speranza. Starting Sunday, residents of Lombardy and the Piedmont and Calabria regions will be able to move freely in their community between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. They are also allowed to travel between places within their region, for example to go to work or to the doctor or to take your children to school. Shopping centers can also reopen in the regions, while bars, restaurants and bakeries must remain closed.
According to the decree, the Aosta Valley, the Bolzano region, Tuscany, Abruzzo and Campania are still considered “red zones”. In these regions, people can only leave their homes under certain conditions.
Ireland relaxes from December 1
The Irish government also wants to allow more companies and institutions to get back into business before Christmas. As of December 1, shops, museums, galleries and libraries will reopen in accordance with distance and hygiene regulations. As of December 4, restaurants and bars that offer food can also operate again. However, bars that only serve drinks remain narrow. Further relaxation is planned for the Christmas season: between December 18 and January 6, trips and gatherings of up to three households should be possible again.
The relaxation went as far as “we believe that the best balance between health, economics and social considerations is possible,” Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin said, speaking on television. The country’s “victims” had had an effect and brought the infection rate down to one of the lowest levels in Europe.
For six weeks, Ireland had strict closure measures and many stores and establishments were closed. Residents were also restricted to a five kilometer radius around their place of residence.
