Europe embraces restricted Christmas amid pandemic

By Busra Nur Bilgic Cakmak

ANKARA (AA) – Europe is embracing restricted Christmas celebrations this year, with many countries taking precautions to stem the spread of coronavirus.

The World Health Organization warned Wednesday that COVID-19 transmission across the European region remains "widespread and intense," urging people to wear masks at Christmas family gatherings.

- Germany

As Germany recorded its worst figures to date with 952 deaths and 27,728 cases, the country entered a stricter lockdown on Wednesday, closing non-essential shops, schools and daycares.

Restaurants and cafes will only offer takeaway services, at least until January.

However, as announced by Chancellor Angela Merkel on Sunday, close family members will be able to spend Christmas together on Dec. 24-26, but under restrictions. Meetings of up to four adults from other households will be allowed during this period.

She also urged the public to self-isolate for a week before Christmas Eve family gatherings to reduce the risk of contagion.

“We would like to appeal to all citizens, if you are inviting other households for Christmas, please reduce your contacts for seven days before you do that,” she said.

The government banned selling fireworks for New Year’s Eve.

Drinking alcohol in public was also banned between Dec. 16 and Jan. 10.

- France

France lifted lockdown restrictions on Tuesday after introducing them in late October, but night curfews will continue.

Travel during curfew hours will only be allowed for health or work after prior permission by local authorities.

The wearing of masks in all indoor and outdoor spaces will remain mandatory.

All movie theaters, concert and ballet halls, museums, and theaters will stay closed until Jan. 7.

Prime Minister Jean Castex appeared on TV on Tuesday to discuss recommendations by the country’s task force on COVID-19.

“The Scientific Council is saying something very reasonable – first, to confine yourself eight days before Christmas, if you can, whenever possible.”

- Italy

The government is still discussing stricter anti-coronavirus measures for the upcoming holidays, following the example of Germany and other European partners, in a bid to avoid a third pandemic wave early next year.

Experts and ministers led by Premier Giuseppe Conte, however, are divided over new restrictions, which could include an almost total lockdown around the main festivities.

The government is worried that a relaxation in the rules during the Christmas holidays could favor huge get-togethers and family reunions, fueling a third wave of contagion across the country.

- UK

The UK is preparing for more relaxed restrictions although London entered Tier 3 measures, with the strictest restrictions introduced on Wednesday.

Gatherings of more than six people will be banned as well as socializing in public spaces, while people will not be able to meet indoors or outside of their houses if they are not from the same household.

In the city, where theatres and cinemas have been forced to close their doors once again, football stadiums will be closed again to fans, while indoor gyms will be shuttered.

Wedding ceremonies limited to 15 people and funerals not exceeding 30 are allowed to be held.

On the other hand, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Wednesday that up to three different households will be able to mix for five days over the Christmas period.

In a press conference at Downing Street, Johnson said there are worrying signs of case numbers rising, urging people to exercise "extreme caution" during the festive season.

Thousands of people are expected to travel across the country to visit family and friends on Dec. 23-27.

The UK has a three-tier system in place on local measures against the virus outbreak.

The death toll from novel coronavirus in the country stands at 64,908 – the highest in Europe.

- The Netherlands

The Netherlands on Tuesday announced a second lockdown until Jan. 19, 2021, due to the rising COVID-19 infections.

According to new measures announced by Prime Minister Mark Rutte, only essential shops will remain open during the five-week lockdown such as groceries, pharmacies, and bakeries.

Dutch households will not be allowed to gather in large numbers during Christmas, with only two guests over age 13 allowed.

Schools will stay closed until Jan. 19, and all public places, including hairdressers and daycare centers, will remain shut until the same date.

Rutte also called on the public to avoid non-essential travel in and out of the country.

- Spain

Spain reported its highest jump in daily novel coronavirus infections in weeks on Wednesday, with the Health Ministry confirming another 11,078 cases.

Reacting to the new surge in case numbers, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez warned that there could be a last-minute change of plans on the precautions to be taken during the holidays.

“If we have to make the plan stricter, don’t have any doubts that the central government will ask regional governments to tighten measures,” he said in a tense parliamentary session.

At the moment, the Health Ministry recommends allowing people to travel to visit friends and family throughout the season, while relaxing the curfew and allowing up to 10 people to gather on festive days.

Yet regional governments have the final say on what its residents will be allowed to do.