In recent days, there has been a lot of talk about the possibility that the new Italian government led by Mario Draghi will introduce more restrictive measures to contain the coronavirus pandemic. Among other things, there is a lot of controversy surrounding the hypothesis that the government is adopting a form of lockdown similar to that introduced in March of last year during the first wave of infections: it would be a practical total lockdown, which faces many. Resistance, and today it is much more likely that in the end it will be decided to intervene only locally, to contain any outbreak.
The new lockdown hypothesis is dictated by the spread in Italy of the so-called “English variant” of the virus, which according to the latest estimate by Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS) represents an average of 17.8 percent of all infections. Those who in recent days have supported the idea of ​​re-imposing a very severe ban, use the argument that it is, in fact, not very solid: that is, even the governments of other European countries, concerned above all about the spread of virus variants, to impose lockdowns again, so as not to undermine their systems National Health.
Although several European countries have imposed new restrictions recently, these measures are by no means comparable to those in force in Italy and in most parts of Europe last March.
last week Germany Announced the extension of the lockdown already in effect from before Christmas until March 7: the measures stipulate that all non-essential business activities remain closed, the obligation to wear masks on public transport, and to meetings with people who do not belong to the family unit. Limited to one person at a time, school closures and smart work as possible. The German lockdown does not imply a stay-at-home obligation.
Travel restrictions have been imposed with the Austrians Tyrol and the Czech Republic, with very careful border checks for all travelers: you can only cross the border for work or study reasons, and carriers must show a negative coronavirus test taken at the latest. 48 hours before.
Another place where some form of insurance is in effect is on fileEngland, Which, like Italy, has divided the restrictions into regions of greater or lesser epidemic risk. Since the start of January, much of England has been in the highest risk category (fourth) as citizens are advised not to leave the home except to make basic purchases, work from home unless this is impossible, and only stay in contact with their partners. You can meet people who are not only part of your family outdoors, one at a time. All schools have also been closed.
Across the UK – where vaccinations began as early as December 8 – there are 15 million people vaccinated with the first dose, which is a record in Europe: In Italy, where vaccinations began on December 27 at the moment, there are 1.8 million people who have received it. First dose dose. Also for this reason is British Prime Minister Boris Johnson He said That in March, the more restrictive measures introduced to contain the epidemic could be eased gradually.
As in Italy, there is talk of potential new restrictions also in France and Spain, where no real lockdown has yet been imposed. at France The curfew is in effect from 6 pm to 6 am, with businesses obliged to close and citizens to stay in their homes unless urgent needs are postponed; Bars and restaurants are closed, as are cinemas, theaters, museums and ski resorts.
Spain has a curfew whose hours vary from region to region and generally start between 10 pm and 11 pm and end at 6 am. The rules for business closures also vary by region: restaurants, for example, are closed in most parts of the country but not in Madrid, which – which Has decided To keep it open despite the high number of infections.
Government Netherlands She had a curfew imposed from 9 pm until 4.30 am, but a court in The Hague on Tuesday morning He had ordered To delete it. According to the court, the curfew was imposed by the emergency law without there being a real “serious emergency”. The government had appealed, and Tuesday evening the Court of Appeal Proven trueIn doing so, he reimposed the curfew.
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