Europe Strengthens Lockdown Measures Amid Concerns Over Variant Virus (Comprehensive)

[Asia Economy Reporter Woo Su-yeon] As the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) continues in Europe, concerns about variant viruses are adding to the situation, leading European countries to strengthen lockdown measures again.

In Europe, vaccination began last month starting with the United Kingdom, but the spread has not easily subsided, and with the increase in confirmed cases of variant viruses, the response level through lockdowns is being raised.

According to foreign media on the 14th (local time), the Danish government extended the existing lockdown measures for at least three weeks. Last month, as COVID-19 cases surged in Denmark, measures such as limiting public gatherings to five people and closing restaurants, pubs, and schools were implemented.

As of this day, Denmark's cumulative COVID-19 confirmed cases stand at 185,159, with a total of 1,660 deaths. Additionally, 208 cases of variant virus infections have been confirmed in Denmark so far.

In the Netherlands, where variant virus cases originating from the UK have occurred, a large-scale COVID-19 diagnostic test was conducted on the same day to assess the spread of the variant virus. Recently, 30 variant virus cases were confirmed at an elementary school in the Netherlands, leading to the establishment of a large temporary testing center in Berghschenhoek near Rotterdam.

The Dutch government extended the existing lockdown measures for three weeks on the night of the 12th. Under these measures, all schools, non-essential shops, cinemas, museums, and other public places will be closed.

Deserted streets of London, UK, due to COVID-19 lockdown measures / Photo by Yonhap News

In Belgium, a case of variant virus infection discovered in South Africa was confirmed for the first time on the 13th. On the same day, eight additional cases of the UK-origin variant virus were reported in Belgium.

Switzerland will also enter a re-lockdown starting from the 18th to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and variant viruses. Mandatory remote work will be implemented, and non-essential shops must close. Private protests or gatherings will be limited to a maximum of five people, including children, and restaurants, cultural, sports, and leisure facilities will have their closure period extended by five weeks until the end of February.

Portugal, which is approaching its presidential election, will also enter a nationwide lockdown again starting from the 15th. Shops providing non-essential goods and services must close, and companies are recommended to implement remote work. Essential shops such as supermarkets, pharmacies, gas stations, and banks will remain open, and unlike previous lockdowns, students will be allowed to attend school.

However, the Portuguese government will exceptionally lift lockdown measures on the early voting day and election day of the presidential election. On this day, Portugal's daily confirmed cases were 10,566, with a cumulative total of 507,108 confirmed cases.

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