The Omicron mutation has once again sounded the alarm around the world.
Countries with resilient and modern health systems "see" the risk of collapse coming with the result that they turn to the tightening of measures or even the implementation of a lockdown.
Other countries pay more attention to their vaccination program, considering it the ideal solution that will bring an end to the pandemic.
Restrictions on bars and restaurants in Germany
Germany has decided to impose new restrictions on going out to bars and restaurants. To enter, customers are required to prove either that they have taken the booster dose, or to submit a negative 24-hour rapid test, in addition to the vaccination or recovery certificate. "It's a strict rule, but it is necessary," Soltz said. Already, the country has reduced gatherings to 10 people and closed nightclubs, and citizens must have a vaccination or disease certificate to enter bars and restaurants, as well as all unnecessary shops, theaters and the like. cinemas.
At the same time, Soltz and the state governors agreed to reduce the 14-day quarantine or self-isolation period, a decision already adopted by other countries. Citizens who have taken the booster dose will no longer be quarantined if they come in contact with a case, Solz said. The rest are asked to enter a period of self-isolation after 7 days if they have no symptoms from which they will come out with a negative test.
The number of cases is constantly increasing in Germany. The Robert Koch Institute reported 304,4 new cases per 100.000 inhabitants in the last seven days, while 24 new infections were recorded in the last 56.335 hours.
Romania reduces the quarantine period
Romania also decides to reduce the quarantine period for patients, their close contacts and travelers from high-risk countries, depending on their level of vaccination.
Romania has the second worst vaccination performance in the EU, with only 40% of the population vaccinated. Omicron is expected to be dominant in mid-January, culminating in 25.000 cases and a 20% increase in hospitalizations. The number of cases has tripled in the last week. There will also be discrimination in isolation time, as Covid vaccinated patients will be left in isolation for 7 days and unvaccinated in isolation for 10 days.
At the same time, the use of a mask becomes mandatory in outdoor and indoor public places, while the use of a fabric mask is prohibited and only surgery or a mask of increased protection will be allowed.
France expects a peak in 10 days
At the same time, France is expected to reach the peak of the new epidemic wave in about ten days, according to the relevant officials. The average number of cases has increased to over 200.000 in the last seven days.
President Emanuel Macron says many citizens will choose to take the boost to mitigate the effects of the disease, which will allow him to avoid imposing significant new restrictions.
Omicron hits the British NHS
Britain is facing problems in the national health system, something that the British Medical Association points out. Doctors say such a level of staff shortages has never been found, with doctors, nurses and staff under enormous pressure to fill the gaps.
The situation is difficult. The army has been mobilized in London, some hospitals are being called upon to cancel regular surgeries, and there are problems in dealing with other incidents.
Measures in Sweden as well
Sweden is also introducing restrictions, which are seeing an increase in cases and hospitalizations. Bars and restaurants can only serve seated customers, and the public must also be seated at larger events. The government is making it clear that there will be further measures, such as the mandatory use of vaccination certificates more widely.
However, the new wave of Covid cases has been combined with pressure from the admissions of seasonal flu patients and a large number of sick or isolated medical staff, increasing the pressure on health services tested by recurrent outbreaks. of the virus.
Compulsory vaccination in Italy for those over 50
Italy is seeking the vaccination of two million citizens in one month. Vaccination centers will remain open 24 hours a day to achieve the goal.
The Italian Government Gazette published all the new restrictive measures adopted by the government of Mario Draghi. According to new information, retirees and the unemployed over the age of 50 will be given until February 1st to be able to get at least the first dose of the vaccine.
At the same time, employees over the age of 50 will have until February 15 to be able to obtain the "super green vaccinated pass". In this case, to anyone who tries to go to work without being vaccinated, the fine will reach 1.500 euros.
Lockdown in the Netherlands
One week before Christmas, a new lockdown was imposed on the population in front of its new wave Covid-19 and in the spread of the Omicron variant.
All non-essential stores, restaurants, bars, cinemas, museums and theaters are closed until January 14 and schools at least until January 9.
Outdoors gatherings of only two people are allowed, except for exceptions such as funerals. However, no traffic restrictions were decided.
On Christmas day, the day after and for the New Year period, the citizens were able to receive exceptionally at home four guests over the age of 13. On the other days, this number is reduced to two.
Austria - They "see" a doubling of cases and tighten measures
A five-day quarantine with a negative molecular diagnostic test, mandatory use of FFP-2 mask and outdoors and measures to ensure the operation of critical areas was decided by the Pandemic Management Committee, in view of the increase in cases expected in the coming days.
The Austrian government has decided to tighten regulations, as experts expect the number of cases to double next week.
According to the new decisions, from now on one can quarantine after the fifth day with a negative diagnostic test, while those who came in contact with a detected case will not be quarantined if they have been vaccinated with the booster dose or so they and the case wore an FFP-2 mask.
Employees in areas critical to the functioning of the state will be able to continue working with daily tests and the use of the FFP-2 mask. two meters - e.g. in queues, sidewalks, gatherings. State governments may impose even stricter mask use.
The government is also urging public and private companies to implement teleworking where possible.
As for the "green pass", from February 1 it will be valid for six months with the primary vaccination and for nine months with the boosting dose.
Information from: SigmaLive / First Issue / ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ