Europe grapples with Coronavirus resurgence as Italy and Austria re-enforce lockdown restrictions
During the December 2020 to January 2021 holiday period, several European countries implemented varying COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions to control virus spread over Christmas and New Year.
Italy
Italy implemented a nationwide partial lockdown from December 24 to January 6. During this period, inter-regional travel was prohibited except for work or health reasons. Bars, restaurants, and other hospitality establishments were closed after 6 PM, and gatherings were restricted during the holidays. These measures aimed to curb expected surges from holiday socializing, balancing public health with economic activity.
Austria
Austria imposed a full national lockdown starting early November 2020, which extended through the holiday season, including December and January. This lockdown involved stay-at-home orders, closure of non-essential shops, and a ban on gatherings through at least early January 2021.
Sweden
Sweden maintained a less stringent, recommendation-based approach rather than strict lockdowns. In December 2020, Sweden advised against non-essential travel, limited large gatherings, and recommended working from home and reducing social contacts over holidays, but did not impose full lockdowns.
France
France imposed a second national lockdown starting late October 2020, which was partly eased in mid-December 2020. For the holiday period, France replaced strict lockdowns with a curfew and travel restrictions, limiting movement during Christmas and New Year's Eve. Cross-regional travel was curtailed, public gatherings were banned, and night curfews were enforced.
Key points:
- Italy and Austria both had strict lockdowns covering Christmas and New Year, including bans on travel and public gatherings.
- France had eased lockdown but maintained a curfew and travel bans for holidays.
- Sweden maintained a more relaxed approach, primarily using recommendations rather than legally enforced lockdowns.
The varying strictness reflected each country’s pandemic situation and policy strategy at that time.
In other news, French President Emmanuel Macron is self-isolating in his Versailles residence after testing positive for COVID-19. Shops, except for grocery stores and pharmacies, will be closed during the lockdown in Austria. Travel between regions in Italy is prohibited during the lockdown.
In Italy and Austria, stringent lockdowns were imposed during the Christmas and New Year holidays, restricting inter-regional travel and public gatherings to control the spread of COVID-19. On the other hand, Sweden opted for a more lenient approach, discouraging non-essential travel and large gatherings but not enforcing full lockdowns. France partially eased their lockdown and implemented a curfew and travel restrictions instead.
