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It warns against an increase in infection and more so in hospitals if measures are stopped too soon.
There is no doubt that this Christmas will be different. There are many signs that it is becoming less social across Europe. Photo: Paul Chiasson / The Canadian Press / NTB
To control the virus, the European Agency for Disease Control (ECDC) recommends that strict measures be taken to control coronary heart disease. Preferably until December 21.
The ECDC has analyzed the measures in the EU / EEA and the UK. A report was published on Thursday presenting long-term forecasts for each European country until December 25.
Here’s what the infection control agency thinks we can expect
ECDC has made a forecast of what to expect for hospitalizations and deaths as a result of the pandemic at Christmas, in relation to the measures that have been introduced.
If people can come together freely as of December 21, there will be a significant increase in hospital admissions and deaths as early as the first week of January, the ECDC believes.
If the measures soften this week or next, the increase may come before Christmas Eve.
If the guidelines that have now been introduced are kept until the end of December, the Infection Control Agency predicts that more than two-thirds of countries can expect a decrease in the number of people infected. The same reduction also applies to hospitalizations and deaths.
In other words, in order to meet on Christmas, the measures must be kept strict for as long as possible, believes the ECDC. Social freedom dictates more infected.
The European Infection Control Agency recommends sticking to strict measures until around Christmas. They are based on the population of the EU / EEA countries and the UK. Photo: Virginia Mayo / AP
Even though the closure has an obvious positive effect on the pandemic, several countries are choosing to open something before the recommended deadline of December 21.
France and the UK are both countries that gradually open before Christmas. According to the ECDC hypotheses, this could lead to a new peak of infection in late December.
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There are many unanswered questions before Christmas this year. This is how other European countries solve Christmas with contagion measures.
France eases measures on December 15
President Macron announced a plan for partial reopening on Tuesday last week. From Saturday the usual hairdressers and shops will be open. The population can walk in a larger radius from their home and can be out for up to three hours a day. day.
They still need to bring an approval when they are outdoors.
The approval order expires on December 15. Then also the French cultural activities are opened. It is not allowed to go out between 21 and 07, but it is allowed on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. New guidelines were announced on January 20.
Strictly in the UK a few more weeks
In the UK, the government recently introduced strict measures that will last until December 16. Robert Jenrick of the Conservative Party tells The Guardian that it should be possible to ease restrictions after this date.
The country is now divided into three levels of infection control. Two out of five people in England must now abide by the strictest rules in the country.
These rules include:
- Indoors, you can only socialize with your own home.
- Outside you can meet a maximum of six people.
- All restaurants, accommodation and entertainment venues are closed and it is not allowed with the public at sporting events.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson tried to deliver a reassuring message during a press conference Thursday night: “Your level is not your destiny.”
England is divided into tiers with different infection control rules. Two out of five must abide by the strictest rules. Photo: Matt Dunham / AP
In the Nordic countries, a different Christmas is coming. In both Denmark and Sweden, the infection is increasing. In Sweden, a peak of infection is expected in mid-December. In Denmark, there were several days in a row in November with more than 1,200 positive corona tests, according to NRK. There are many signs that infection measures are being expanded here.
Unclear in Denmark after December 13
After December 13, the recommendation to limit social contact in Denmark no longer applies. Here, the recommendation is to have contact with a maximum of ten people. What will happen at the end of December is still unclear.
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has made it clear that people must prepare for a very different Christmas, as is the situation now.
A couple of rules have already been decided that will last until December. There is a requirement for the use of face masks and the prohibition of selling alcohol in shops and kiosks after 10 pm.
Little après ski in Sweden
In Sweden, health authorities estimated on Thursday that a peak of infection could occur in December.
During a press conference on the same day, Prime Minister Stefan Löfven called on everyone to persevere. He also said that Christmas will be different this year. The same is emphasized by the Swedish state epidemiologist Anders Tegnell. By the end of this week, the Christmas rules will be completely clear in Sweden.
However, Tegnell has given some messages:
- There should be little Christmas parties only with those with whom you normally associate.
- It will be possible to travel, but it must be done responsibly.
- The apres ski in the mountains cannot be done like in spring.
Announce new tips this week
On Wednesday of last week, the Norwegian krone’s measures were extended for three more weeks. This means that relief before December 16 is unlikely. Erna Solberg told a press conference that Norway could start vaccination in early 2021. This means that a spike in infection before then can have major consequences.
Bent Høie told NRK on Monday afternoon that clear answers will come this week on how to celebrate Christmas during the pandemic. The advice is aimed at how you can plan the Christmas parties, how many you can invite and other questions that many want to answer.
