LOCKDOWNS IN EUROPE
Analysts at Deutsche Bank have come up with a ballpark idea of global lockdown lifts. They rely on what’s been seen in China, where daily life is returning to normal, even if the economy is still showing a strain.
- Italy’s first lift may come on 7 May
- Spain, France, Belgium are looking at 18 May
- Germany and the U.S. may start to lift restrictions on 22 May
- United Kingdom at 23 May
Probably countries will stagger their reopenings, and travel may be the last thing to get back to normal. Immunity passports could be developed if the technology is there, otherwise travel may come with mandatory periods of self-isolation.
Another big unknown is how Covid-19 might flare up again. Another big outbreak later in 2020 may mean resumption of restrictions in some countries. But by the end of summer, researchers will understand how it spreads, testing will be more sophisticated and public health officials and politicians will be better able to control an outbreak without draconian measures, they say.
The risks? Problems for governments having to run high levels of stimulus that could create debt loops and potentially a political crisis in Europe, if southern economies don’t get enough financial solidarity to fight their outbreaks. And then there are the mental issues surrounding isolation. If more lockdowns are required, countries may be required to address that big issue, which could exacerbate physical problems.
Lockdowns in Europe
- Austria: Under lockdown. People have to wear face masks while shopping in supermarkets. Hotels are closed completely for tourism. People that are particularly at risk due to prior illnesses must be relieved from work requirements. Measures are extended until April 13 and the government will evaluate later if it can ease measures step-by-step after April 13.
- Belgium: Belgium went on lockdown on March 17. The government asked citizens to stay at home and limit contact to their closest family. Residents’ travel is limited to essential visits to supermarkets, pharmacies and banks or case of emergency. Lockdown has been extended to April 19.
- Croatia: Croatia is on partial lockdown. Public areas are to be avoided.
- Czech Republic: Czech Republic shut most shops and restaurants for 10 days as of March 14 and banned foreign travel on March 16. Grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, post offices, gas stations, and takeaway restaurants were allowed to remain open. The country has closed schools and banned many public events.
- Denmark: Denmark enacted a lockdown on March 11, which it has now extended to April 13. It restricts assembly of over 10 people, and closed schools, restaurants, libraries, and other businesses.
- Estonia: Estonia: On 13 March, the Estonian government declared a state of emergency until 1 May. All public gatherings are banned, including sports and cultural events; schools and universities are closed; border control has been restored with health checks at every crossing and entry point. Sports halls and clubs, gyms, pools, aqua centers, saunas, daycares, and children's playrooms are closed . At least 2 meters distance between people should be kept in public places, and up to two people are allowed to gather in public space.
- France: Full lockdown implemented on March 16, banning public gatherings and walks outside. Cafes, restaurants, cinemas, nightclubs, shops closed.On March 27, France extended its lockdown until April 15 in light of growing infection and death rates.
- Germany: Lockdown to April 19. Shut down of shops, churches, sports facilities, bars and clubs in 16 Länder. Gatherings over two people are banned. Bavaria is the first federal state to have gone into a full lockdown.
- Greece: Lockdown to be extended well beyond April 6.
- Hungary: Two-weeks lockdown as of 27 March. People are allowed to go to work and do basic errands and exercise in the open, but not gather in large groups. Epidemic expected to peak in Hungary in June or July.
- Ireland: Two-week nationwide lockdown. On March 24, Ireland announced that it was closing non-essential shops, restaurants and cafes can only do takeaway, and all sport have been cancelled. Schools, colleges, childcare facilities, and cultural institutions were closed on March 12, and later the country's pubs
- Italy: Nationwide lockdown went into effect on March 10, restricting virtually all aspects of life, including retail leisure, worship, and travel. Large sporting events, schools and universities, museums, cultural centers, swimming pools, and spas have been shut down throughout the country. While public transportation and airports are still operating, only essential travel is allowed, and those who want to travel for valid work or family-related reasons need police permission. All stores except for grocery stores and pharmacies are closed.
- Latvia:Latvia is on lockdown. Schools, universities and museums are closed and many government institutions are now working on a skeleton crew. Nightclubs, entertainment centres and fitness clubs have also been closed, but currently quite a few restaurants and bars are still open providing they adhere to social distancing guidelines. Shopping malls are closed on Saturdays and Sundays, but supermarkets, pharmacies and opticians are allowed to remain open within these centres. All events and concerts have also been banned and Lutheran and Catholic churches have cancelled scheduled services for now. All commercial international transportation for passengers has been suspended including buses, ferries, planes and trains. For the first time since becoming members of the Schengen zone, neighbouring Lithuania and Estonia have reinstituted border controls. Social distancing rules are also being enforced, and a minimum distance of 2m from all people must be kept except members of your own household. Groups of more than 2 people who are not family members can be fined hundreds of euros by the police.
- Lithuania: Lithuania has shut its borders to prevent nearly all foreigners from entering, and to prevent most Lithuanians from leaving the country, with the exception of business trips. Lithuania has closed schools.
- Netherlands: Netherlands: The Dutch government introduced a raft of measures to combat coronavirus on March 23. These include: All gatherings to be banned up to June 1, but an exception will be made for funerals and religious ceremonies with fewer than 30 people, if the 1.5 metre rule can be kept. People should remain home unless they have to go out to work, to do shopping or to care for other people. You can go out for a walk to get some fresh air, but not in a group. Keep 1.5 metres away from other people. No more than three people should visit in your home at the same time, and only then if they can keep 1.5 metres apart If any member of a family is ill, the entire family should stay home, apart from people in an essential profession. Shops and public transport companies must take measures to ensure people remain 1.5 metres apart. Companies which do not comply can be fined €4,000. Services which involve direct contact with others, such as hairdressers and nail bars, are closed until April 6. Casinos are also being closed down. Mayors have the power to close areas where people gather in larger groups, such as parks and beaches. People who do not stick to the rules can be fined €400. Earlier measures included: Schools and daycare centres are closed up to April 6. Schools and daycare centres provide supervision for the children of healthcare, public transport and emergency service workers, so they can continue to work. Teachers organise distance learning for children who are at home, with priority for children who are due to take final exams this year. Cafes and restaurants, but not hotels, are close up to April 6. Sports clubs, fitness centres, gyms and sex clubs are closed up to April 6. The April 6 deadline is likely to be extended
- Norway: Norway went into a two-week lockdown on March 12. This has now been extended through Easter. Schools are closed except for children of citizens in essential roles, like healthcare and transportation. Buffet restaurants remain closed, although regular restaurants can seat patrons at least one meter apart. Anyone coming into Norway must go into quarantine, and healthcare workers assisting patients are not allowed to travel out of the country. Norway had already closed ports and airports.
- Poland: On March 13, the country banned foreigners from entering the country as well as shut all restaurants, bars, and casinos. People from abroad entering the country will be subject to a mandatory 14-day quarantine. Limitations imposed to continue until April 11. However, the country will continue on with elections on May 10, which has raised concerns over both safety and fairness.
- Portugal: On 2 April, the Parliament approved the extension of the State of Emergency, requested by the President. The State of Emergency will remain until 17 April, subject to further extensions of similar duration.
- Romania: Romanian authorities announced lockdown measures on 25 March. Individuals are only allowed to leave their homes to buy groceries, seek urgent medical attention, and for work, with a signed note from their employer. All shopping malls are closed, except for business selling food, veterinary products, and pharmaceutical products. Additionally, elderly whore are aged 65 and above are only permitted to leave their homes between 11:00 to 13:00 (local time) for essential reasons, such as purchasing necessities. Authorities will place individuals who do not comply with the curfew in institutional quarantine facilities. All foreign nationals are also banned from entering the country. Schools and public gatherings are suspended.
- Russia: Russia has closed its borders and canceled any international flights, except for those bringing Russians home. Moscow residents were ordered to stay at home — they can only leave to go to the grocery store or pharmacy, take out the trash, or walk their pets within 100 meters of their home. Residents are monitored. At least 27 other regions in Russia have followed Moscow's lead. Bills with harsh punishments for quarantine rulebreakers were pushed through parliament. Those who break quarantine and infect others — or spread misinformation about the coronavirus — will face up to five years in jail.
- Slovakia: Slovakia has closed its borders to non-residents on March 15, and banned public events.
- Slovenia: Partial lockdown in force since 20 March. Gatherings and other events in public areas are banned. People are only allowed to leave home to go to work, the pharmacy and to buy daily necessities at their closest shop. People are also allowed to go outdoors and to parks, but only alone or with people living in the same household.
- Spain: Spain imposed a nationwide quarantine on March 14. The lockdown was extended to at least April 12. People are only allowed to leave their homes for work, the bank, medical appointments, and to buy essentials. Restrictions have been further tightened with only essential workers allowed to go to work; everyone else is only allowed to leave to purchase food or medication, visit the sick, go to the hospital, or walk dogs. Bars, restaurants, and hotels are closed across the nation.
- Sweden: Sweden is one of few countries in the world which has not yet implemented a full-scale lockdown in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. While the country is not under full lockdown, there are some measures in place to fight the spread of the virus. Social distancing has been recommended and gatherings have been limited to a maxiumum of 50 people. People have been told they should work and study from home wherever possible, and bars and restaurants have been instructed to only serve people who can fit on the premises if they’re seated, rather than standing, in an effort to minimise crowding.
- Switzerland: Switzerland is on lockdown. All private and public events are banned. Restaurants and bars are closed. All schools and higher education centres are closed until April 4. Public transport remains in operation but people are advised to avoid using the service where possible. The borders are closely controlled, with restrictions on who can enter the country. Those wishing to enter Switzerland from “risk countries” will not be admitted unless they are Swiss citizens, registered Swiss residents, or have a valid business reason for travel.
- United Kingdom: Full lockdown on March 23. Citizens are only allowed to leave their homes for essential work, exercise, and purchasing food or medicine. Citizens are only allowed one form of outdoor exercise a day. Gatherings of more than two people — excluding people who live together are banned, as are most ceremonies other than funerals.
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