Fighting the corona virus: Europe is cracking down

Fighting the corona virus: Europe is cracking down

Massive rapid tests, red zones and curfews – Europe is fighting the corona virus by all means. Some countries close almost completely, others take special routes. Almost nowhere are the measurements softer. An overview.

Away from home alone with a good reason

In FRANCE the rules are some of the strictest. People can only go outside if they have a valid reason, for example to go to work. Walking and sports are only allowed within one kilometer of the place of residence for one hour a day. Whoever leaves home must bring a form with the reason. All non-essential businesses are closed. Theaters, cinemas, restaurants and cafes are also tight. Schools and nurseries remain open.

Even the government in GREECE has put on the emergency brake: a three week lockdown has been set from 6:00 am on Saturday morning. Except for the essential stores like supermarkets, everything is closed. There is a curfew from 9 pm to 5 am Anyone who wants to go shopping or go to the doctor must inform the authorities via SMS. Kindergartens and elementary schools are open, all other schools are closed.

In AUSTRIA As in Germany, there is a partial blockade. The gastronomy and almost all the cultural and leisure offer are initially closed until the end of November. Between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., people can only leave their homes for good reason. In contrast to the spring closure, this time commerce and most schools will remain open.

Only essential stores allowed

With more than 1,500 people infected with corona for every 100,000 inhabitants in 14 days, Belgium and the Czech Republic have been hit hard by the pandemic in Europe. The measures are correspondingly strict.

In BELGIUM most stores are closed. Restaurants, cafes, and bars are as dense as hair, massage, and beauty salons. There are only exceptions for essential businesses. There are curfews at night. Each household can only receive one person per week; with singles there are two, but not at the same time.

In CZECH REPUBLIC An emergency applies until November 20 with extensive exit restrictions and night curfew. Restaurants and schools, as well as most stores, are closed.

Since Saturday there have also been stricter rules in POLAND. Close to cinemas, theaters, and shopping mall stores. Gyms and swimming pools are also closed. Hotels can only accept business travelers. Only grocery stores and pharmacies remain open.

the NETHERLANDS They have already been in partial lockdown for three weeks. Museums, theaters, swimming pools, amusement parks and zoos are also closing. In public, only a maximum of two people are allowed to meet, and in private you should not receive more than two guests per day. All public buildings are closed. The adjustment will initially apply for two weeks.

Red zones and regional differences

The one hit particularly by the first wave ITALY he tightened his rules further on Friday. For the 60 million Italians, there is a night curfew from 10 pm to 5 am The country is divided into three risk zones: red, orange and yellow, depending on the infection rate. There are currently four red regions: in the north, the economically strong Lombardy, Piedmont and the Aosta Valley and in the south of Calabria. People can only leave their home during the day to go to work, to the doctor or to the supermarket. After the protests, the government decided on Saturday night new measures to help affected companies and workers.

In SPAIN There is a night curfew throughout the country, except in the Canary Islands with a low crown number. Also, the rules are very different depending on the region. Most restaurants and cultural establishments are closed, almost all the autonomous communities and many municipalities are cordoned off. Kindergartens and schools are still open. Some regions now require all-day lockouts, such as in spring. The Madrid government has so far rejected it.

Mass testing as a special form

the SLOVAKIA it goes in a particularly controversial way. A week ago, nearly all residents over the age of ten had a rapid antigen test within two days. Since then, 38,000 people who have tested positive have been in quarantine. A second round of massive testing followed on Saturday and Sunday. If you can’t take a negative test, you can’t even go to work.

In BRITAIN With Liverpool in the North West of England, an entire city is being tested for the corona virus for the first time. The nearly 500,000 residents are expected to undergo rapid tests in about 10 days. In England, gastronomic, cultural and sports centers have been closed since Thursday. Unlike in Germany, the trade, apart from supermarkets and some other shops, is closed for a month. Schools and universities remain open. People should only leave their homes for valid reasons before December 2.

Soft measures and appeals to reason

SWEDEN has made international news with its Sonderweg. There are hardly any restrictions there in a country comparison: citizens can still visit restaurants and pubs there, but with a maximum of eight people at the same table. In addition, in many regions of the country there are urgent recommendations to avoid contacts, local transport and events. Above all, the country is based on the common sense of each individual.

Also in the SWITZERLAND bars and restaurants are still open, but only until 11 pm Events with more than 50 people are prohibited, as well as sports and cultural activities with more than 15 people. The dance halls are closed. The individual cantons have taken even stricter measures. There is also an extended mask requirement.

One of the countries where a relatively large amount is still allowed also includes BULGARIA. There are restaurants and cafes still open. However, a maximum of six customers can sit at a table. Theaters and cinemas can open at 30 percent capacity. Sporting events can only be held without an audience. Protection of the mouth and nose is also mandatory outdoors when distance is impossible. (sda / dpa)