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France It reopened nonessential stores this month, allowing holiday shopping to begin. But an increase in new infections since then means that while travel is allowed starting December 15, a nationwide curfew will begin from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m., lifting for December 24, but not on Christmas Day or New Years Eve. Bars and restaurants won’t reopen until January and private gatherings are limited to six adults.
GermanyThe “closing light”, with bars and restaurants closed since November, has not proven effective and the country has closed more, closing all essential bar shops (such as supermarkets and pharmacies), as well as hair and beauty salons. until at least 10 January. A maximum of five people from two households can meet, except on December 24, 25 and 26, when up to four close relatives from other households can be invited.
AustriaThe strict lockdown has ended and the country is carrying out a massive program of 10 million tests over the next fortnight with the goal of allowing more families to reunite during the holiday period. Christmas markets have been canceled.
ItalyThe prime minister has said that stricter restrictions will be needed during the holiday period, but these have yet to be announced. Interregional travel is already prohibited from December 20 to January 6, except for work, health or emergency reasons, and Italians cannot leave their home cities on Christmas, Saint Stephen or New Year’s Day. Midnight Mass on December 24 was brought forward so that the faithful can return home before curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. across the country.
Spain has called for people to be held accountable, but will allow movement between regions “for family reasons” between December 23 and January 6. Regional curfews, which run from 10 p.m. to midnight, will be delayed until 1.30 a.m. on December 24 and 31, when the meeting limit will be raised from six to ten, a measure that will also apply on Christmas Day. and New Year.
the Netherlands has imposed a harsh Christmas blockade, closing non-essential shops and businesses, gyms, museums, cinemas and theaters for five weeks until January 19. Bars and restaurants have been closed since mid-October. Schools are shifting to online learning and people are being advised to stay home. Households can invite up to two people a day, except from December 24 to 26, when the maximum limit is raised to three, excluding children under 13 years of age.
Belgium It has said that households can be in close contact with a single additional person during the Christmas period, although people living alone will be able to meet two others. Fireworks will be banned on New Years Eve to limit gatherings.
Poland It will allow people to spend Christmas only with their immediate family, with no more than five guests to be invited to each home until at least December 27, and travel outside of people’s home cities will be prohibited.
Brittany is relaxing restrictions on the “Christmas bubble” holidays that allow up to three households to mingle between December 23-27. Scientists, government advisers and medical experts have called for an urgent rethink, suggesting the move could result in a disastrous third wave in the New Year.
Jon henley Correspondent in Europe
