As the new Omicron variety spreads across Europe, all European governments are reinstating coronavirus limitations. Meanwhile, many countries in Europe have implemented post-Christmas bans and increased social separation measures. Because the new strain has already established itself as the dominant strain in many European countries. For now all European leaders re-instituting it.
- UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has ruled out any additional limitations for England before Christmas. Although Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have all imposed social mixing restrictions. In a statement, he mentioned
“We don’t think today that there is enough evidence to justify any tougher measures before Christmas.”
- Pubs, cafes, and restaurants in Sweden will only be able to serve seated customers, and employees are encouraged to work from home if at all possible. Omicron cases are projected to rise, according to Swedish Health Minister Lena Hallengren, who also warned that “the pressure on the health care system is increasing.”
- The Netherlands has already implemented tighten restrictions, announcing a stringent lockdown on Monday, but BBC Europe correspondent Nick Beake reports that other European nations are hoping to postpone tighter curbs until after the holiday season. According to the most recent EU estimates, there have been over 89 million cases and 1.5 million Covid-related fatalities in Europe.
- German Chancellor: “Coronavirus doesn’t take a Christmas break, we cannot – and must not – close our eyes to the next wave which is beginning to loom over us”. Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced that from 28 December, alcohol limits will return that restrict private gatherings to 10 people and nightclubs will close. Football matches will also be played behind closed doors from then on.
- On Saturday, more than 25,000 people took part in more than 100 protests around France against vaccine requirements and other restrictions related to the Ebola pandemic. It was the 23rd weekend of such demonstrations. Tourist and business travel from the UK has been restricted by France, with exceptions for French nationals and residents, as well as those with strong reasons to travel.
- Meanwhile, hundreds of far-right demonstrators gathered in Bucharest, Romania to oppose a measure that would require employers to have a COVID pass or “green certifications” to prevent the spread of coronavirus illnesses.
Omicron was first identified in southern Africa last month but has now spread around the globe. It has been detected in at least 38 of the 53 countries in the WHO’s European region and is dominant in several, the organization says.