Omikron is spreading further and further in Europe – in some countries already at breakneck speed. Rules are tightened and there are lockdowns. The news ticker.
- The omicron variant is spreading rapidly.
- Denmark tightened its corona rules from Sunday.
- The Netherlands are in a lockdown again.
- This news ticker is updated regularly.
Amsterdam / Copenhagen / London – Rising numbers of infections, the classification of European countries as virus variant and high-risk areas, lockdowns – it feels like a déjà vu. In spring 2021, the delta variant of the corona virus * caused a new wave in Europe. Now it’s omicron.
In Germany, the new variant still plays a subordinate role. However, experts agree that this will change in January at the latest. Some models show a rapid increase in new corona infections this year. Virologist Christian Drosten fears “massive sickness-related absences from work” * – also in essential professional groups. Among other things, he refers to current developments in Great Britain.
Omikron: Great Britain becomes virus variant area
The corona situation there has worsened again due to Omikron. The country reported multiple daily records in the number of new infections * in the past week. On Saturday (December 18) there were around 90,000 – more than 10,000 of them Omicron cases. Three times as many as on Friday. The capital London therefore declared a disaster.
As of Monday (December 20), the United Kingdom will be considered a virus variant area, as the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) announced on Saturday evening. People entering Germany then have to be in quarantine for 14 days – regardless of whether they have been vaccinated or have recovered. This period cannot be shortened by taking a test. “We cannot prevent the spread, we can only delay it. The longer it takes for Omikron to have a grip on Germany, the better, “said Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) of the dpa.
Omikron: Stricter corona rules in Denmark
With the exception of Luxembourg, all German neighboring countries are in future on the list of high-risk areas. The RKI announced on Friday that France and Denmark would also be classified as such from Sunday (December 19). There, the corona numbers have recently increased rapidly – also because of Omikron *.
On Friday, the number of daily corona cases * in Denmark reached a record level of around 12,000. More than a fifth of them are Omikron, said Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. The result is stricter rules until at least mid-January. Theaters, cinemas, zoos, amusement parks and sports facilities have to be closed since 8 a.m. on Sunday. According to government regulations, restaurants are only allowed to open until 11 p.m. in the evening.
Omikron: Netherlands are going into lockdown
The Netherlands go one step further. Because of the spread of Omikron * there has been a new lockdown since Sunday at 5 a.m. This should initially apply until January 14th. “It is inevitable,” said Prime Minister Mark Rutte on Saturday evening in The Hague. “We have to intervene to prevent worse.”
Almost all shops, restaurants, cultural and sports facilities, schools and hairdressers must remain closed. The only exceptions are shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies, which are important for the supply. As a rule, each household can only receive two guests. Exceptionally, up to four visitors are only allowed over Christmas and at the turn of the year. There will be no curfew for the time being, promised Rutte. (ph with dpa) * Merkur.de is an offer from IPPEN.MEDIA
Header list image: © Peter Dejong
