Here are a some of the latest restrictions announced around the continent:
Large outdoor parties and gatherings on New Year’s Eve have been prohibited in France. The use of alcohol in public places will likewise be prohibited, as will the typical New Year’s fireworks and performances.
On December 19, the Netherlands imposed a severe shutdown. Indoor gatherings are limited to two visitors until January 14, except on Christmas celebrations and New Year’s Eve, when the limit is increased to four guests. In addition, all schools and extracurricular activities will be closed until at least January 9.
Indoor events and activities in Belgium have been cancelled, including indoor Christmas markets and villages, movie showings, and plays beginning on Sunday. These safeguards apply to amusement parks and zoos’ interior areas as well.
Any huge New Year’s Eve gatherings in Germany are prohibited due to severe contact restrictions. Beginning December 28, a maximum of ten persons will be permitted to gather in groups, regardless of whether they have been vaccinated or recovered. Non-vaccinated individuals may ride public transportation only if they have a daily negative Covid-19 test. Germany’s nightclubs and discos will stay closed. Football matches will once again be played without the presence of spectators.
Since Monday, only people with vaccination passports or proof of recovery have been permitted inside Swiss restaurants and indoor event venues, and masks must be worn at all times unless ingesting food or drink. If there is one individual under the age of 16 who is unvaccinated or has not recovered from Covid-19, private meetings are prohibited to 10 persons.
As on December 27, Austria will impose a new 10 p.m. closing hour on the hospitality industry, which will stay in effect on New Year’s Eve. Only those who have been vaccinated or who have recovered are permitted to enter Christmas markets. People who do not have documentation of immunisation or recovery may only leave their home for essential supplies, to go to work, or to exercise.
Denmark has closed cinemas, theatres, and museums, as well as forbidding the sale of alcohol after 10 p.m. and requesting that hospitality facilities close sooner.
Spain has resumed its universal regulation for wearing masks outside beginning on Christmas celebrations, with exceptions for sports and big areas.
Meanwhile, some regional governments are tightening limits even further.
From December 30 to January 31, Italy will down nightclubs and prohibit people from dining in public spaces. The outside mask regulation has been reinstated, and the usage of the Covid pass will be expanded beginning February 1.
From December 26 to January 10, all schools, pubs, and clubs in Portugal will be closed. People have been instructed to work from home, and negative tests will be needed for all Christmas celebrations, including marriages, as well as cultural and athletic activities.
