This seems to be the case in Germany’s neighbors

Brussels. Despite all of Brussels’ appeals: no common European path can be found in the Corona crisis. Even a year after the onset of the epidemic, the governments of the individual states are doing their own thing when it comes to locking and loosening. What is common about the fight against the third virus wave in Europe is that vaccination campaigns are slower than the spread of viral mutations.

This is what it looks like in our neighboring countries and popular holiday destinations for Germans:

Corona situation in France

In France, the 14-day event is currently larger than in Germany. Especially in the Moselle region, the number of infections has increased in recent days. Entry into the German federal states of the Rhineland-Palatinate and Charland is possible only by negative tests.

Shops and schools are open in France, restaurants and cultural institutions are closed. There is a curfew order from 6 p.m. After all, the economy is putting a lot of pressure on President Emmanuel Macron not to order even drastic measures. Macron also seems to want to avoid it. Because there are presidential elections next year, and the government is deeply concerned that right-wing extremists under Marine Le Pen will benefit from unpopular anti-Corona rules.

Corona situation in Belgium / Netherlands

The Dutch government imposed a curfew from 9 pm to 4.30 am at the end of January to prevent the spread of the British virus. Against this, violent demonstrations initially took place, which developed into real street battles. The curfew order was recently extended to March 15.

Communication restrictions have been in place in Belgium since early November. When outside, masks should be worn and store opening hours will be shorter. Unnecessary foreign travel is also prohibited. Controls meanwhile have reduced the number of infections. But the number of relapses has been on the rise for some days, and more and more people are being treated in hospitals again. That’s why the Belgian government doesn’t want to discuss easing this weekend.

Corona situation in Austria

Despite the increasing number of corona, Austria is relying on regional easing. Initially, it will affect the western state of Vorarlberg from March 15. There, the innkeepers should also be allowed to entertain guests inside the house. However, a negative corona test must be submitted. In addition, children and young people should be allowed to play more games together. The government in Vienna has not yet announced any details.

From March 27, at least outdoor dining should be possible again in other parts of the country. Hotels are set to reopen in April. The Austrian federal government reopened its stores three weeks ago.

Corona-lage in Italy

The corona situation has recently worsened again, especially in the south of the country. Due to this, there have been locks in the Basilicata and Molise areas since the beginning of the week. On the other hand, people in the Mediterranean island of Sardinia can still expect normalcy. The island has been a white zone since Monday, where only a small number of infections have been reported. Public life should be gradually opened up. Theaters and cinemas should be allowed to reopen to restricted audiences from March 27, even in the so-called less-infected Yellow Zones. Schools at high risk of red zones, on the other hand, will be closed again.

Corona situation in Spain

It currently looks great on the balearic island of Mallorca. After a mandatory seven-week break, restaurants are allowed to receive guests again – but only outside. Bars should close again at 5 p.m. Elsewhere in Spain, regionally different corona rules apply. The only restriction that applies nationwide is the night curfew order. Otherwise, the governments of the 17 regions of the country can decide for themselves what conditions to impose. As a rule, they are more accommodating than officers in Germany.

Corona situation in Denmark

Denmark is changing its locking rules as the number of infections has dropped sharply since the end of last year. Since the beginning of the week, retail stores with less than 5,000 square meters of retail outlets have been allowed to reopen, not in a shopping center. In large stores, customers have to book a time slot to shop there.

Corona situation in the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic has the highest rate of new epidemics in all EU countries. That’s why the locking was tightened again at the beginning of the month. For the first three weeks, people are only allowed to leave the district where they live in exceptional circumstances. This includes work trips, doctor visits or the mistakes of officials.

Activities and games are only allowed in their own community and visitation of relatives is prohibited. Only stores that provide essential items such as food and medicine are still open.

The Prague government plans to use more than 25,000 police officers and 5,000 soldiers to monitor the rules. Anyone who ignores the locking rules will have to pay a fine of more than 400 euros.

Corona situation in Poland

Germany’s eastern neighbors have the highest number of new infections daily, with an average of 10,000 patients. That is why the government in Warsaw has ordered a tight lockout again since the weekend. However, the ski areas are still open. Cinemas, theaters and hotels were also allowed to resume operations at 50 per cent capacity. It is currently unclear whether the rising numbers will lead to a tightening of the rules again.

Corona situation in Great Britain

Not only has Brexit torn down all the bridges to the EU, but it is also going its own way in the fight against Corona. The UK is committed to providing people with at least the first dose of the vaccine. By the end of February there were already 20 million people. This should reduce the number of new infections and the number of hospital admissions.

The children are scheduled to return to school on March 8. After three weeks, people can meet again in small groups for outdoor games. Shops and hairdressers will be closed until April 12. After that, hotels and restaurants will also be allowed to reopen outside. Theaters and theaters are set to reopen from May 17. The last phase of the gradual deregulation is set to take place on June 21, when all restrictions on social behavior will be lifted.

However, the easing plan was not set in stone. It should be suitable for the infectious process. For example, if the numbers rise again due to the spread of virus variants, there may be delays in openings as well.