The summer will not be quite as carefree as hoped. In some countries, the corona measures have not yet been largely lifted, in others there are new restrictions due to the delta variant.
Across Europe, according to official information from the governments, the number of new infections is currently only falling in Poland, Ukraine and Romania – in all other countries the corona cases have increased again in the past two weeks. And in some cases massive. In the first few countries, this is already having an impact on the number of hospital admissions despite the ongoing vaccination campaign.
Blick shows what the situation is like in the holiday countries – and how the governments react.
Dance ban in Greece
The Greek islands in particular have been hard hit. Nationwide, the number of new infections is already 65 percent of the Corona peak. And that despite almost 42 percent fully vaccinated. Now Athens is taking action: Compulsory vaccination for nursing and health staff and in closed rooms of cinemas, theaters and restaurants. There is also a ban on dancing. Economy Minister Adonis Georgiadis (48) announced the “summer of the sedentary”: “The impression should not be created that Greece has lost control of the pandemic.”
Long-distance trains and shopping malls in France
The number of cases in France has been rising again since the beginning of June. President Emmanuel Macron (43) is therefore tightening the corona rules. From July 21, a negative corona test or proof of vaccination or recovery will be required in the theater or in the cinema. This applies as soon as more than 50 people come together. Proof is still only required if there are more than 1000 people. These measures are not enough for Macron. From August, proof will also be required in long-distance trains, bars, restaurants, shopping centers and hospitals.
Curfews in Spain
In Spain there is already talk of a fifth wave. New infections are increasing particularly among younger people who have not yet had access to mass vaccinations – in the group of 20 to 29 year olds, according to “El Pais”, there are almost 800 cases per 100,000 inhabitants per day. The regional governments are reacting by reintroducing the toughest corona measures. In the Valencia region, for example, there is again a curfew in 32 municipalities, and Catalonia massively limits public and private meetings.
Portugal at attention
After the hospital collapse in January and a hard lockdown until Easter, the Portuguese have to fear for health and freedom again. For the first time, the number of Covid 19 patients in the hospital is as high as it was last at the end of March. A night-time curfew was introduced a week and a half ago. In regions with a particularly bad corona situation, including Lisbon, you are only allowed on the street between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. with good reason. In addition, the interiors of restaurants in these regions are reserved for those who have been vaccinated, tested or recovered.
Great Britain is waiting for great freedom
Although the number of new infections is increasing critically here too, England will lift almost all corona measures on July 19 and largely return to normal. Freedom Day means: distance rules and mask requirements end, nightclubs are allowed to reopen, and there are no longer any audience restrictions. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson (57) warns: “This pandemic is far from over. This disease continues to put you and your family at risk. “
Yellow zones in Italy?
Four of the 20 Italian regions could become yellow zones again in view of the increasing number of cases – including Sicily. That would mean moderate restrictions. For museums, for example, tickets have to be reserved and the changing rooms of fitness studios are closed.
Corona special minister Francesco Figliuolo (60) is meanwhile vigorously promoting vaccination privileges based on the French model. The “green pass” is intended to be the entry ticket to venues such as cinemas, theaters, bars, cafes and restaurants.