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The European Commission on Wednesday asked the countries of the European Union (EU) to define “clear criteria” for Christmas, which should stipulate a maximum number of people per meeting, encourage “domestic bubbles” to spend the holidays and stimulate celebrations. online.
In strategy Staying safe from covid-19 during the winter, released this Wednesday, the community executive suggests that countries consider implementing “domestic bubbles”, that is, “encouraging people to spend vacations with the same people and further reduce social contacts.” Another tip is to introduce or maintain a “night curfew”.
And, according to Brussels, “the organization of meetings and social events should be encouraged online, such as year-end celebrations in the workplace ”, while religious ceremonies should be online, on television or radio ”.
In addition, the European Commission emphasizes that countries should consider “the possibility of not allowing massive gatherings and of defining clear criteria for the exceptional events allowed”, both inside and outside. In the case of “some temporary relaxation” and if some type of event occurs, “it must be accompanied by strict requirements for people to isolate themselves before and after […], preferably at least seven days ”.
The same applies to the preference for teleworking, with countries “encouraging employers to allow people to work from home or from where they intend to spend their Christmas festivities a few days before and after” so that they can also isolate yourself “before returning to the workplace.”
In the case of the most susceptible population, Brussels calls on the Member States to “take measures to guarantee adequate care for vulnerable people, especially in the case of restrictions and bans” of movement, alluding to “the elderly who live alone or in residences “. , disabled, mentally ill or homeless.
With regard to schools, Brussels suggests that “to reduce the risks of transmission in the post-holiday period”, countries should consider “extending school holidays or introducing a learning period online ”.
Travelers should get a flu shot
The European Commission has also urged EU countries to encourage anyone who wants to travel in the coming weeks, especially at Christmas, to get vaccinated against the seasonal flu and there is no discrimination in restrictions applied to travelers.
The community executive argues that it must “ensure that if travelers are requested to quarantine and tests, that is, in the situation in which a country has reduced transmission levels to almost zero, these requirements are proportional, non-discriminatory, communicated clearly and easily followed ”. It should also be assessed “how the tests may lead to the lifting of quarantine or other restrictions for travelers.”
Another advice from the institution is that member states “reinforce communication campaigns to strongly discourage people with COVID-19 symptoms from traveling.” The European Commission also insists that free movement be maintained in the EU.
Last weekend, after questions from the Lusa agency, the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) considered that traveling to the EU during Christmas and the end of the year will have “little impact” on the spread of the covid -19. , due to “significant internal transmission” in the countries.
Testing access should be easy and free
The Commission also says that countries should ensure easy and free access to rapid tests, in order to quickly identify cases of COVID-19 infection. According to the European Commission, “every 17 seconds, a person dies in the EU from covid-19”, it is essential to control the spread of the virus and prevent more deaths and serious diseases.
Brussels also recommends that the response time of molecular tests (PCR) be less than 24 hours and the use of rapid antigen tests (TRAg) should serve to increase responsiveness.
With regard to detection, the European Commission recommends strengthening the use of digital contact warning applications, such as StayAway Covid, as well as manual contact monitoring.
