New Delhi: Despite good vaccination and health care program in Western Europe, several countries have been witnessing the surge in Covid-19 infections owing to its new wave. The respective countries are reimposing lockdowns to curb the spread of the pandemic. According to the WHO report, there has been a 10% increase in Covid-19 related death rates in Europe in the past week. Besides, an agency official stated that that the continent was “back at the epicenter of the pandemic.”
The United Kingdom which has lifted the Covid-19 restrictions in July has witnessed both spikes and dips in the cases since their PM Borris Johnson insisted the country can “live with the virus.” He further said that the country will reimpose restrictions if only the health service comes under “unsustainable” pressure.
Among 27 countries, 10 of them in the European Union (EU) face a Covid situation of “very high concern’.
Here’s the list of countries that have imposed lockdown-like restrictions:
Austria
In the upcoming week, the country will be imposing a lockdown for unvaccinated people in the two most hit regions. It is also looking forward to implementing the same nationwide. From Monday onwards, unvaccinated people residing in Upper Austria and Salzburg will only be allowed to leave home for certain necessary reasons.
Netherlands
A three-week partial lockdown has been announced in the country amid the Covid-19 surge. The lockdown has come into effect from Saturday night where bars, restaurants, and supermarkets have to get closed at 8 PM. Professional sports matches have to be played in an empty stadium. People are requested to Work from Home if possible. Stores selling non-essential items have to be closed by 6 PM.
Latvia
To control the spread of Covid-19, the country has announced a four-week lockdown. During this period the citizens have to stay at home from 8 PM to 5 AM. Besides, only stores selling essential items will remain open.
Here’s the list of countries that plan to bring back Covid-19 restrictions:
Norway
Norway is implementing nationwide restrictions to control the surge in Covid-19 cases, including authorising towns to use health passes.
Germany
Germany’s disease control centre is urging people to avoid large gatherings amid the surge in Covid-19 cases in the country. According to the Robert Koch Institute, the infection rate increased to 263.7 new cases per 100,000 residents over seven days. The country reported 48,640 new cases on Friday, a day after the infection struck 50,000 for the first time. The country will introduce free Corona tests from Saturday.
Czech Republic
The government has tightened the restrictions and asked children to get tested for Covid-19. The country’s Education minister, Robert Plaga stated that all elementary and high schools are required to test 1.4 million students in two waves on Nov. 22 and Nov. 29.
Iceland
The country has tightened Covid-19 restrictions to curb the spread of the pandemic. Besides, people are meeting at the public gathering are limited to 50 from 500.
