Brussels: Ahead of the new year, the new form of the coronavirus ‘Omicron’ is discouraging people and countries are taking different steps to deal with it. Some countries have immediately reimposed restrictions and some are hesitant to spoil the fun of people’s celebrations.
In Britain, cases of infection due to ‘Omicron’ are increasing continuously and their health minister Sajid Javed said on Monday that no other restrictions will be imposed in England before the New Year. However, in England, there are about 100,000 cases a day and hospitals are more than 70 percent full.
Javed said, “After the new year, we will see whether there is a need to implement other rules, but till then at least other restrictions will not be imposed.” Elsewhere in the UK, nightclubs have been ordered closed and other gatherings banned in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales, reflecting different strategies for dealing with the crisis in the country. Meanwhile, the Netherlands has already closed all non-essential shops, restaurants, and bars and extended school holidays.
The new rules, issued from Monday, banned shopping with large groups, ordered the closure of cinemas, and banned concerts.
At the same time, French Prime Minister Jean Castex said that from next week only two thousand people will be able to participate in programs organized in closed centers and five thousand people in open programs. People have been appealed to stay seated during concerts. People will not even be allowed to stand in the bar.
There will be a ban on eating and drinking facilities in cinemas, sports centers, and public transport. If possible, it has been suggested to work from home three days a week. These new rules will remain in force for at least three weeks. This step has been taken after France reported the highest number of cases of more than 100,000 infections in a day.
US President Joe Biden’s administration is pushing for vaccinations, ‘booster’ doses, and rapid testing. At the same time, in New York City, almost all businesses (large and small) have been asked to restrict workers who have not had vaccines at the workplace. This rule came into effect on Monday.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, America’s top specialist in infectious disease, says the “situation will get worse before it gets better” and that the US should consider making vaccinations mandatory for passengers on domestic flights as well. “When you make vaccinations mandatory, it encourages more people to get vaccinated,” Fauci told MSNBC.
In Greece, officials have announced additional restrictions. Health Minister Thanos Pleveris said that from January 3, it will be mandatory to put on ‘high-protection’ or ‘double masks’ in supermarkets and public transport. Entertainment venues will be closed at midnight and the spectator capacity in football stadiums will be reduced to 10 percent.
In other parts of Europe, however, there was hesitation to impose stricter restrictions. Nightclubs will be open in Poland on New Year’s Eve. At the same time, only minor restrictions have been imposed in Russia. However, several precautions will be taken during the 10-day holiday period starting from New Year’s Eve. Russia will also not impose any additional travel restrictions. In Belgium, cinemas and art centers have been closed.
