Is Europe going to lockdown again? All the recent changes in EU countries

The latest Covid-19 wave in Europe is hitting harder than before. With numbers reaching new highs, many countries are taking action to prevent more damage.

Only a month before Christmas, most European countries announced new Covid-19 restrictions. In some countries, it’s only domestic rules and usually involved limitations for non-vaccinated individuals. But some countries announced new restrictions for those coming from abroad.

These are the latest main changes

Austria

Starting November 22th, Austria is under a full lockdown. It started as a lockdown affecting only those who were not fully vaccinated but the government shifted to a full one quickly.

The current lockdown includes a ban for tourists from entering Austria. Non-essential businesses are forced to close and going out is allowed just for essential reasons.

Also, Austria has announced they will make vaccination mandatory for all adults in the country until February 2022.

Belgium

Until December 12, (and then a softer version until January 28), companies are obligated to let their employees work from home.

Also, wearing a mask outside is mandatory with extra attention to Christmas markets where many people are gathering.

It is also mandatory to present a vaccination/recovering certificate when entering restaurants, gyms, events, etc.

Bulgaria

Following a low vaccination rate, Bulgaria is tightening domestic restrictions.

Individuals require to show a "green certificate" to participate in indoor activities, including going to restaurants, cinemas, gyms, and shopping malls.

A green certificate can be proof of vaccination, recent recovery, or a negative test result taken within the previous 48 (antigen) or 72 hours (PCR).

The Czech Republic

Starting November 22th, unvaccinated individuals will not be able to enter indoor services such as cosmetic salons, restaurants, bars, and large events.

Only vaccinated individuals and those who were sick with Covid-19 in the past 6 months will be allowed access to most indoor facilities.

Providing negative COVID-19 test results will no longer serve as a green certificate.

Germany

In Berlin, Germany’s capital, unvaccinated people are forbidden from entering restaurants, museums, and other public places. This is also applied if they show negative test results.

In Bavaria, one of Germany’s highest infected areas, the authorities announced the cancellation of all Christmas markets and the closing of bars, clubs and, nightclubs until at least the middle of December. Christmas market is also canceled in Munich.

Greece

Starting today, unvaccinated individuals cannot enter indoor spaces such as restaurants, cinemas, theatres, museums, and gyms.

These individuals are required to show a negative result from a recently taken COVID-19 test to enter open-air cafes, restaurants, and bars, as well as religious spaces. The test must have been carried out within the last 72 hours before using it.

Slovakia

Only vaccinated individuals are allowed to enter public events and indoor venues such as restaurants, gyms, non-essential shops, and shopping malls.

Vaccinated individuals and those who have recovered from COVID-19 within the past half a year will be exempted from the measures.

In high-risk areas, restaurants can only serve takeaway, and facilities such as gyms will be closed.