After the omicron wave, a loosening wave is now sloshing through Europe. On Monday, the next EU countries lifted almost all corona measures.
Brussels/Budapest – Omikron has set records in the number of infections with the corona virus* in many countries. But the peak seems to have passed. After the omicron wave, a loosening wave is now sloshing through Europe. England has long since lifted all corona measures. Likewise the Nordic countries Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Iceland and Finland. On Monday (March 7th), two other EU countries conceded almost all corona rules.
Corona measures: Belgium is lifting almost all the rules – “An important tide is turning”
Belgium* lifted almost all Corona* measures this Monday. The use of the Corona Pass has ended for the time being. People no longer have to present proof of vaccination or a negative corona test in restaurants, bars or fitness studios. In addition, there are no longer any restrictions on events. In future, masks will only be mandatory in hospitals and on public transport in Belgium.
“An important tide is turning,” Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said on Friday (March 4). The number of infections and hospital admissions is now steadily declining, it said. According to the government, nine million of the 11.5 million inhabitants of Belgium are fully vaccinated and more than seven million have received a booster vaccination. The Belgian Corona Committee agreed to meet again on March 25 – ideally to completely lift the last mask restrictions.
Corona rules: Masks are only compulsory in Hungary in hospitals and retirement homes
In the EU country Hungary*, almost all corona measures were also lifted on Monday. Nobody has to wear mouth and nose protection anymore in publicly accessible indoor spaces and on public transport. The mask requirement only applies in hospitals and retirement homes. Events with more than 500 participants have so far only been allowed to attend those who have been vaccinated, who have recovered or who have tested negative. Now such major events are freely accessible again.
Hungary had already abolished many measures to contain the corona pandemic * last summer. At that time, the entry restrictions and the 3G rule for gastronomy were abolished. The rules were not reintroduced when further corona waves hit the country in autumn and winter.
Corona measures: Germany and Austria are also relaxing
Critics accuse the government of Prime Minister Viktor Orban of serious omissions in dealing with the pandemic. In the country with ten million inhabitants, more than 44,000 people have died as a result of a corona infection – in neighboring Austria with nine million inhabitants there were around 15,000.
Austria also relaxed massively last weekend. There are no access restrictions, no upper limit for events and no more curfew. There is only an FFP2 mask requirement in parts of the trade. In addition, the regulations in retirement homes and clinics are stricter. However, the capital Vienna is going its own way and is not participating in all the opening steps. New corona loosening also came into force in Germany on Friday (March 4th) *. From March 20th, all “more profound” corona protection measures in this country are to be abolished. (ph with dpa and afp) *Merkur.de is an offer from IPPEN.MEDIA
