Healthcare infrastructure in Europe has been stretched to its limit, forcing many governments to take drastic measures to control it coronavirus global pandemic.
However, the situation in the United Kingdom is improving as compared to other countries in Europe. The number of daily cases has been falling since peaking earlier this month. Official government figures show that Covid-19 cases are increasing in Portugal, Germany, Austria, Sweden and the Czech Republic. The numbers also appear higher in Italy and Spain, although the peak has decreased.
Status of European countries and measures to control the Kovid-19 epidemic:
France: The French government is introducing new vaccine passport rules for visitors to cafes and restaurants from next week. The announcement was made by French Prime Minister Jean Costax in a televised address.
“Until now, a negative COVID-19 test was enough for people in France to enter cafes, restaurants or other places,” Castex said,
The vaccination pass will be effective from next Monday.
France set a daily record on Tuesday when 464,769 new cases of Covid-19 were reported. According to the French Public Health Agency, this number was 425,183 on Thursday.
Germany: The country’s seven-day Covid-19 incidence rate rose to more than 600 for the first time, with 638.8 new infections per 100,000 residents.
“Due to the highly contagious Omicron variant spreading across Europe, daily infections in Germany also reached a new record with 133,536 cases within 24 hours. Recorded, almost 52,000 more than the week before.”The Robert Koch Institute for Infectious Diseases (RKI) said this on Thursday.
Austria: The Austrian parliament has passed a law to make coronavirus vaccination mandatory from February. The compulsory immunization law applies to all persons who are 18 years of age and older who are registered in Austria.
People who have not been vaccinated have been asked to take the Kovid-19 vaccine by March 15. The officials will send the notification by post.
Exceptions have been allowed for persons under the age of 18, pregnant women and persons for whom COVID-19 vaccination may be associated with health risks.
United Kingdom: In the United Kingdom (UK), wearing of masks in public places and COVID-19 passports will be removed on 26 January. Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Wednesday that the latest wave was “at its peak nationally.”
Infected people need to be isolated for a full five days, but Johnson said he would try to eradicate it in the coming weeks if the virus figures continued to improve.
Official figures make up 95% of the British population who have developed antibodies against COVID-19 through infection or vaccination.
Ireland: The Irish government will end the 8 p.m. curfew for bars and restaurants by the end of next week, allowing them to remain open until midnight. The newspaper said other restrictions on the hospitality sector, live events and advice to work from home would be waived in the coming weeks.
The number of COVID-19 cases in Ireland has been falling and hospitalizations have been relatively low during the latest wave of the coronavirus pandemic.
Italy: In Italy, the government is expanding its vaccination mandate to all citizens aged 50 and over, and fines up to 1,500 euros on those who come to work without vaccination. A thorough vaccination is required to access public transport, planes, gyms, hotels and trade fairs.
First published:January 22, 2022, 8:11 pm
