Germany Discusses Extension of Partial Lockdown
France Implements Random Border Checks
Netherlands Enforces Mandatory Mask Wearing
[Asia Economy Reporter Ki Ha-young] Various measures such as partial lockdowns and border checks are being implemented across European countries to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).
Germany, which recorded the highest number of deaths, discusses extending partial lockdown
According to major foreign media on the 2nd (local time), Germany set a new record for the highest number of daily deaths due to COVID-19. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI), Germany's equivalent of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reported that 487 new COVID-19 deaths were recorded the previous day. Accordingly, it is expected that German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hold a video conference with the governors of the 16 federal states in the afternoon to discuss extending the partial lockdown, which was extended until the 20th of this month, further into January next year.
Previously, Germany extended the partial lockdown introduced on the 2nd of last month to prevent the spread of COVID-19 until the 20th of this month. Accordingly, hotels and other lodging facilities are not allowed to accept travelers, and cultural and sports facilities such as cinemas have been closed. Restaurants can only offer takeout and delivery services, and stores can admit one customer per 10 square meters. From this month, the number of people allowed to participate in private gatherings has been limited to a maximum of five. However, from the 23rd of this month to January 1st next year, during the Christmas holidays, control measures will be relaxed to allow gatherings of up to 10 people. Children under 14 years old are not included in the limit.
France implements border checks to prevent COVID-19 spread from ski resorts
France is conducting border checks to prevent ski resorts from becoming hotspots for COVID-19 spread. This is to restrict ski trips ahead of the Christmas holidays.
Prime Minister Jean Castex appeared on BFM TV and announced that random checks will be conducted in cooperation with police in regions bordering Switzerland and Spain. Castex warned that those caught at the border after visiting foreign ski resorts could be ordered to quarantine for seven days and undergo COVID-19 testing. Earlier in the pandemic, ski resorts in Europe became centers of COVID-19 spread.
France, which imposed a second lockdown from October 30th, will enter the second phase of easing movement restrictions from December 15th, allowing free travel without carrying movement certificates. Under the second easing phase, ski resorts can accept guests, but collective facilities such as ski lifts must remain closed, according to government policy.
Netherlands mandates mask-wearing in indoor public places
In the Netherlands, a law mandating mask-wearing to prevent the spread of COVID-19 took effect on the 1st (local time). Accordingly, masks must be worn in indoor public places such as schools, supermarkets, restaurants, government offices, museums, and stores. Violators face fines of up to 95 euros (approximately 130,000 KRW).
To enforce this mask mandate, the Dutch parliament adopted a special law that overrides constitutional provisions guaranteeing bodily freedom. Until now, the Dutch government had only recommended mask-wearing in crowded public places starting at the end of September, excluding public transportation.
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