Europe's Approach to Preparing for Christmas in the 'COVID-19 Era'

Despite Calls to Prevent the Third Wave, Restrictions Temporarily Eased

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] "Christmas will not be the same as in previous years." - CNBC

As Christmas, the biggest holiday in the Western world, approaches, major European countries are gradually announcing plans to temporarily ease COVID-19 restrictions. Despite calls to prevent a third wave ahead of the New Year, the decision is based on allowing families and friends to meet and spend time together at least during Christmas.

According to BBC and other sources on the 27th (local time), the UK has decided to temporarily relax the limit on gatherings, which is currently restricted to 3 people, from December 23 to 27, around Christmas. Up to three households can form a "Christmas bubble," allowing grandparents, parents, and children to meet. This measure lifts the ban on family meetings that had been in place for several months due to COVID-19.

Prior to this, the UK planned to differentiate COVID-19 restriction levels by region after the second lockdown ends on January 2. Level 1 allows indoor and outdoor meetings of up to 6 people, Level 2 bans indoor meetings, and Level 3 generally prohibits meetings with other households even outdoors. Despite the eased rules, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned that "this Christmas will be different" and urged caution.

France is also gradually easing restrictions ahead of Christmas and New Year. From the 28th of this month, non-essential businesses will be allowed to operate, the permitted travel distance per day will be extended from 1 km to 20 km, and up to 30 people will be allowed to gather in places of worship.

If COVID-19 spread is controlled, from December 15, the travel ban will be lifted and replaced with a curfew from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. the next day. However, the curfew will be temporarily lifted on Christmas Eve, December 24, and New Year's Eve, December 31.

Germany, on the other hand, initially tightened restrictions ahead of Christmas but plans to temporarily ease them during the holiday. Currently, gatherings of up to 10 people from two households are allowed, but starting January 1, the limit will be tightened to 5 people from two households. However, from December 23 to January 1, the limit will be relaxed back to 10 people from two households.

Italy, which has been severely affected by COVID-19, plans to specify what is allowed and not allowed in each region during the Christmas period. Italy currently classifies regions into Red, Orange, and Yellow zones based on the speed of COVID-19 spread, with inter-regional travel banned. According to local media reports, some easing will be made to allow families to gather at Christmas, but large gatherings will remain prohibited. Politico reported that shops are expected to reopen for the Christmas shopping season.