Netherlands and Austria, Which Removed Masks, Tighten COVID-19 Restrictions Again

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Western European countries, which are implementing so-called 'With Corona' policies that do not mandate mask-wearing in most public places, are strengthening quarantine measures again due to a surge in confirmed cases.

Hugo de Jonge, Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport of the Netherlands, stated on the 1st (local time), "The number of COVID-19 hospitalizations is rapidly increasing, so we cannot avoid implementing new policies." The Dutch government eased most quarantine measures on September 25.

Minister de Jonge did not specify the details of the measures. However, local media expect the government to mandate mask-wearing in public places and expand the use of the 'Corona Pass,' which proves vaccination status and other criteria.

In the Netherlands, with a population of about 17.6 million, the number of confirmed cases has been rising sharply recently. The number of confirmed cases on this day was 7,700, a 45% increase compared to a week earlier.

The number of patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 reached 1,200, the highest level in five months. Most hospitalized patients are unvaccinated. Foreign media reported, "General patients have to be sent home to secure beds for COVID-19 patients."

Austria, which had removed restrictions on private gatherings and business hours, also saw six out of nine states independently strengthen quarantine policies.

The state of Nieder?sterreich plans to allow only recovered COVID-19 patients or vaccinated individuals to enter restaurants, pubs, and event venues starting from the 8th.

Wearing masks rated 'FFP2,' similar to Korea's KF94 grade, will be mandatory when entering most indoor facilities such as shopping centers and supermarkets. In Austria, vaccinated individuals have not been required to wear masks in most public places, including supermarkets and pharmacies, since August.

Before Nieder?sterreich, other states such as Vienna, Tirol, Ober?sterreich, K?rnten, and Steiermark announced similar quarantine strengthening policies. The federal government is also preparing stricter measures.

Austria reported 4,523 confirmed cases on this day, a 59% increase compared to the previous week (2,850 cases). The number of intensive care unit (ICU) patients, a key indicator used by the Austrian government when adjusting policies, reached 292. If this number reaches 300, only recovered or vaccinated individuals can use restaurants and pubs at night. If the ICU patient count exceeds 600, unvaccinated individuals must stay at home unless there is a special reason.

Russia, which succeeded in developing a domestic COVID-19 vaccine, also suspended operations of most stores in its capital, Moscow, from the 28th of last month until the 7th. Russia reported 40,402 confirmed cases and 1,155 deaths on this day. The vaccination rate remains at about one-third.

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