ECDC inserts into “dark red” zone Eastern Europe, the whole of France and a large part of Germany and Spain. Romania is yellow. Meanwhile, governments are running for cover in view of the Christmas holidays. There are those who opt for a curfew, like in Catalonia, and those like Greece who opt for the obligation of outdoor masks and the banning of Christmas concerts.
New peak of infection in the United Kingdom: about 120 thousand – In the United Kingdom, around 120,000 cases have been reported in the last 24 hours (119,789) with 147 deaths. The strain, first identified in South Africa, is said to have a 50% to 70% lower chance of hospitalization, according to the British Health Protection Agency, but the government has reiterated that there are no restrictions before 25 December. will be imposed, even if subsequent squeezing is not ruled out.
Germany towards fourth dose and stricter lockdown – Germany is preparing to raise its guard further: the health minister speaks of a possible need for a fourth dose, announcing that he has already ordered 80 million BioNTech doses, adapted to the new mutation. And it does not rule out the possibility of resorting to “a tougher lockdown”, even if no further tightening is expected.
Spain, compulsory masks even outside – People in Spain will again have to wear masks when outdoors, according to new plans announced by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. The Iberian country has recorded a record 49,823 cases and the Omicron variant is believed to be responsible for nearly half of the infections. The government declares that the requirement for masks “should be made into law before Christmas”.
Holland’s appeal to citizens: ‘Don’t go to lunch in Germany’ – “Dutch, don’t go to Germany to escape the lockdown”. The appeal comes directly from Prime Minister Mark Rutte, in a document shared with North Rhine-Westphalia’s President Hendrik Woost. With their country declaring an almost complete lockdown, the Dutch have actually decided to avoid the shutdown by going out for lunch or shopping in nearby Germany.
