This is how Europe tightens up in the run – up to Christmas – VG
Europe has once again become the epicenter of the pandemic and now sanitary napkins and corona passes are being introduced in several countries.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Europe accounts for more than half of the 48,000 covid deaths worldwide in the first week of November.
Several countries are now tightening up due to a lot of infection. Corona pass in particular is an initiative many countries are using. A corona passport shows that you have been fully vaccinated, have undergone covid-19 disease within the last six months or have a new coronate test.
Last week, the Norwegian government opened up for the municipalities in Norway to be able to use corona passports.
On Monday, the Ministry of Health and Care Services told VG that they are working together with FHI and the Norwegian Directorate of Health to get the legal and practicalities in place as soon as possible, so that the municipalities can use the certificate.
Corona passport to go to work in Denmark
In September, coronavirus was no longer defined as a socially critical disease in Denmark, and thus the latest measures disappeared, but this has changed. The infection is back and now also has Danish restrictions on who enters restaurants and large events.
The country still has around half a million people who have been offered vaccines, but who have not. At the same time, infection and hospitalizations are rising.
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Now the Danish government and the health authorities are tightening their grip to get people vaccinated. Among other things, the Danes must show corona disease or test themselves several times a week to get to work.
The agreement is valid as long as covid-19 is declared and a socially critical illness in Denmark, prior to one month.
Sweden will introduce corona passports
On Wednesday, the Swedish government received a recommendation from the public health institute FHM to introduce a corona passport, Sweden’s Minister of Social Affairs Lena Hallengren stated during a press conference on Wednesday.
– This is a difficult message to give. We all want the pandemic to be over, says Hallegren.
Sweden does not introduce a requirement to use the vaccination certificate at indoor events with less than 100 participants, but the proposal provides a legal basis for requiring a corona passport at public gatherings.
Minister of Culture and Democracy Amanda Lind states at the same press conference that this will take effect from 1 December.
According to VG’s corona special, 68.7 percent of Sweden’s population is fully vaccinated. During the 14 days, 10,981 new cases of infection have been registered in the country. Over 1000 of these were registered yesterday.
High infection rates in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, corona passports are now required to enter public places.
Last week, the Netherlands experienced the highest infection rates since the start of the pandemic, the newspaper reports The Telegraph. Over 187,000 people have been infected with the virus in the last 14 days, according to VG’s corona special.
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The introduction of the corona passport is something the Dutch authorities have done to be able to ease the requirement of 1.5 meters distance, so that people can go out and enjoy life, but then in a safe way.
Coronapass in Germany
On Tuesday, more than 53,000 new cases of infection were registered in Germany, and there are several initiatives in the country.
I the public space usually applies a distance of at least 1.5 meters between people. It is, as a general rule, mandatory on public transport, in shops and other places where there are many people.
You must have a corona passport to go to restaurants in Berlin and several German states.
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The infection is declining in England
While the rest of Europe is struggling with an ever-increasing infection pressure and more hospital admissions, England has had a weak one downward trend the last few days.
The infection has also remained relatively stable since October.
Still, Prime Minister Boris Johnson does not appear to be out of concern. Monday this week he went out with a ready call to the British.
– It would have been a real tragedy if those who have received vaccine doses now become seriously ill or die because they do not take the third dose. A new wave is on its way across Europe, and to equip us against it, everyone must be vaccinated.
At the same time, he emphasized that a new closure at Christmas is not ruled out if the trend of infection should reverse.
Most Christmas markets that were canceled across the UK last year due to the pandemic are scheduled to return this year. It has nevertheless been reported that someone will be closed for another year, due to the pandemic. The Christmas market in Leeds was already in September canceled due to the pandemic.
Neither a face mask nor a Corona certificate is required by law.
Mandatory for face masks in Spain
It is mandatory to use face masks in Spain for anyone over the age of six indoors and on public transport. Mouthpieces may also be used outdoors if you can not keep 1.5 meters away from others.
The region has different infection control measures depending on the infection situation, for example limits on the number of people who can gather.
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France is increasing the pressure
France has had one weakening infection trend since October, and recently the number of positive tests has increased considerably. On Monday this week, nearly 20,000 new cases of the virus were reported, up from 12,000 as an average week before.
To get into cafes, bars and cultural events, the French now have to show a valid vaccine passport.
Like England, the French government now wants everyone to agree to the third dose. Thus, it has been decided that from 15 December, those over 65 who have refused the third dose will have to lose their valid vaccine passport.
The Christmas markets seem to be going as planned this year, with bandages restricted and a requirement of 2 meters distance.
Vaccinated people are allowed to join Italy
Also in Italy you must have one valid vaccine passport to enter both the university, the workplace, gyms, cinemas and other cultural offerings.
The country has had an increased infection trend since the beginning of November, but has not experienced as many cases as other countries in Europe. The infection record this autumn is just over 8500 cases in one day.
At festivals and fields, it is also necessary to show a valid vaccine passport to get admission. The Christmas markets in the country are scheduled to go as usual after they were forced to cancel last year due to the pandemic.
The requirement for a valid vaccine passport has so far been set for 15 December this year.
Austria shut down for unvaccinated
Austria is running a hard line – and located its many unvaccinated inhabitants in a lockdown from Monday 15 November. Health Minister Wolfgang Mueckstein said at a press conference on Sunday that the intervening measures would last a ten-day period.
Almost nine million people live in Austria. According to VG’s corona special, 63 percent in the country are fully vaccinated. It is one of the lowest vaccine rates in Western Europe.
Children under the age of 12 are exempt from lockdown, but other unvaccinated people can only leave their homes to go to work or handle necessary daily items.