As the number of Covid-19 cases continues to rise across Europe, many countries have reintroduced certain restrictions during the holiday season.
Here are the most important things to know:
France
France imposed restrictions on travelers entering the country from the United Kingdom, in order to delay the arrival of the Omicron coronavirus variant. Only essential travel from the UK to France is allowed, regardless of vaccination status. The travel restrictions were enforced from December 18.
French Prime Minister Jean Castex announced on December 17 that major outdoor events and gatherings on New Year’s Eve would be banned. This includes alcohol consumption in public spaces and the cancellation of fireworks and concerts.
France reported 91,608 new Covid infections on Thursday, a record high since the start of the pandemic.
Spain
Spain has reinstated its nationwide mandate for wearing masks outdoors — with exceptions for sports and large areas — from Christmas Eve, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced Wednesday.
Meanwhile, some governments are regionally tightening restrictions even more, with Murcia banning non-essential activities from Dec. 24 to Jan. 14, according to the regional government’s press release.
In Catalonia, leaders have imposed a curfew from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m., closed nighttime venues and limited social gatherings to 10 people, according to the release.
The measures will affect municipalities with more than 10,000 inhabitants with an incidence of 250 per 100,000 since December 17. They will last 15 days, starting on Christmas Eve.
Italy
Nightclubs will be closed and people will not be allowed to eat in public squares from Dec. 30 to Jan. 31, according to a government press release. On Friday, the mandate of the outer mask returned and the use of the Covid pass will be expanded from February 1.
The Netherlands
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced a strict lockdown from December 19. Indoor gatherings are limited to a maximum of two guests through January 14, except on Christmas and New Year’s Eve, when that limit is extended to four guests. All schools and extracurricular activities will also close until at least January 9.
Belgium
Belgium is canceling indoor events and activities, including indoor Christmas markets and villages, cinema screenings and shows from December 26, Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said at a press conference. These measures extend to the interior spaces of amusement parks and zoos. However, some activities, such as weddings and funerals, are still allowed. Museums and gyms remain open.
Germany
Germany will impose strict contact restrictions from December 28 to contain the spread of Covid-19 and ban New Year’s Eve gatherings. A maximum of 10 people may gather in groups, regardless of whether they have been vaccinated or recovered. Private gatherings for unvaccinated people are limited to two additional people per household for both indoor and outdoor activities, the government said.
Unvaccinated people are only allowed to use public transport with a daily negative Covid-19 test.
Nightclubs in Germany remain closed.
Football matches are again played without spectators. The German health minister said he would not rule out a hard lockdown if the number of cases continues to rise.
Switzerland
Only those with a vaccine passport or proof of recovery will be allowed in restaurants and indoor event spaces from December 20, and masks must be worn at all times unless consuming food or drink.
Private gatherings are limited to 10 people if they include those aged 16 and over who have not been vaccinated or have not recovered from Covid-19. In environments where it is not possible to wear a mask or have a seat requirement, admission is restricted to vaccinated or recovered individuals, who must also provide a negative test result. This rule applies to bars and clubs, as well as to sporting and cultural amateur activities. Only people who have been fully vaccinated, boosted or recovered from Covid-19 in the past four months do not need to take another test.
Austria
The closing time of 10 p.m. will be imposed on the catering industry from December 27 and will remain in effect on New Year’s Eve. Access to Christmas markets is only for vaccinated and/or recovered people.
FFP2 masks (filtering face piece) are mandatory in many areas. Proof of vaccination or recovery is required to enter hotels, restaurants, leisure centers, gyms, cultural institutions, Christmas markets, ski lifts/cable cars and body-related services such as salons.
Restaurants, cafes and bars have a curfew at 11pm, with the exception of New Year’s Eve. Bars and clubs will remain closed for the time being. Après-ski is not possible.
Denmark
Denmark announced the closure of cinemas, theaters and museums, also bans the sale of alcohol after 10 p.m. and asks catering establishments to close earlier. Those restrictions are now in effect.
Portugal
Schools, bars and clubs will all close in Portugal from December 26 to January 10, Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa announced on Tuesday. People have also been told to work from home, and negative tests will be required for ceremonies such as weddings and all cultural and sporting events.