Conflicting Approaches in Europe Over Lifting COVID-19 Lockdowns... Spain and Germany Lift, France and UK Extend

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] While some European countries such as Spain and Germany have begun transitioning to normalization stages regarding the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) lockdown measures, others like France have extended lockdowns, making divergent 'choices.'

According to the Associated Press and others on the 13th (local time), Spain, the European country most severely affected by COVID-19, has eased restrictions on economic activities in certain sectors such as construction and manufacturing, where working from home or remotely is difficult, based on the judgment that the spread has somewhat subsided. Although shops, bars, and restaurants remain closed, about 300,000 non-essential workers have started economic activities, thus stoking efforts to revive the economy.

Germany is also reviewing whether to partially ease the travel restrictions, which are currently in place until the 19th. The German National Academy of Sciences has advised the government to gradually lift restrictions under the condition that the spread of COVID-19 stabilizes at a low level. Jens Spahn, Germany’s Minister of Health, said, "We plan to proceed step by step," adding that as social distancing measures have been effective and the increase in new confirmed cases is gradually easing, it is time to consider recovery.

On the other hand, the French government announced on the same day that the nationwide travel restrictions will be extended until May 11. French President Emmanuel Macron admitted, "France was not sufficiently prepared for this epidemic," and said, "If asked when we can return to daily life, I would like to answer, but honestly, I do not have a definite answer." France plans to gradually normalize schools and daycare centers after May 11, but will extend closure measures for restaurants, hotels, cafes, theaters, and others. In the UK, where confirmed cases have recently surged, there is also a possibility that travel restrictions will be extended until next month. Dominic Raab, the acting Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary, expressed the view that it is too early to ease the measures.

These divergent decisions in Europe are drawing attention to whether a joint response at the EU level will be implemented. The European Union (EU) Commission is scheduled to deliver a four-page document titled "European Roadmap Towards COVID-19 Exit" to member states on the same day. This document was created following demands by EU leaders during last month’s meeting for common guidelines on lifting lockdown measures, and it includes provisions that individual member states must notify the Commission in advance if they plan to lift travel restrictions or other measures.

The EU advised that even if lockdown measures are gradually lifted in specific regions, once eased, COVID-19 cases may rise again, and the key criterion for deciding to ease lockdowns is whether there are sufficient hospital beds to accommodate severe patients. It also recommended maintaining mandatory quarantine periods for the elderly and those with suspected symptoms, gradually reopening bars and restaurants but only for limited hours for the time being, and continuing the ban on foreign arrivals for the time being.

Based on this document, the EU Commission plans to announce an exit strategy this week that includes criteria and details for the phased lifting of COVID-19 lockdown measures.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.