Europe Faces COVID-19 Resurgence... Some Countries Reinstate 'Lockdown Measures'

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[Asia Economy Reporter Yuri Kim] Amid the resurgence of COVID-19, some European countries have once again implemented lockdown measures.

The Austrian government announced on the 19th that it will enforce a nationwide lockdown starting on the 22nd (local time). Accordingly, going out will be restricted except for certain exceptional cases such as purchasing essential goods or exercising. This lockdown will last up to 20 days. Since this fall, Austria has seen a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases, setting new daily records for new infections. The resistance to vaccination is also relatively high compared to other Western European countries. Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg stated, "We ask that people comply with quarantine measures and practice social distancing for up to 20 days for the Christmas holidays," and said that COVID-19 vaccination will be mandatory starting February next year.

Germany, where daily new cases have exceeded 60,000 and the situation is severe, is also facing the possibility of a nationwide lockdown. According to Bloomberg and other sources, Health Minister Jens Spahn said at a press conference on the 19th, when asked about a full lockdown like Austria's, "We are in a situation where nothing can be ruled out." He said the fourth wave of COVID-19 has pushed Germany into a "national emergency," and that vaccination alone will not reduce the number of confirmed cases. Bavaria has already decided to introduce lockdown measures in high-infection areas. The Bavarian state government announced that pubs and clubs will be closed for three weeks, and all Christmas markets this year will be canceled.

Earlier, Chancellor Angela Merkel and the governors of the 16 states held an emergency meeting and agreed on plans to restrict the activities of unvaccinated individuals. In regions where the hospitalization rate of COVID-19 patients exceeds a certain level, only those vaccinated against COVID-19 or those who have recovered from the virus will be allowed to visit restaurants, pubs, gyms, and attend sports and cultural events.

The United Kingdom is emphasizing additional booster shots and vaccination for adolescents. The UK government plans to include booster shot records in the vaccine pass.

Greece is also significantly strengthening regulations on unvaccinated individuals. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced in a national address on the 18th that starting from the 22nd, unvaccinated citizens will be banned from entering all indoor public places. As a result, unvaccinated people will be unable to use indoor restaurants, cinemas, theaters, hair salons, gyms, and more without exception.

Earlier, the Netherlands introduced partial lockdown measures, including banning non-essential shops from operating after 6 p.m.

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