[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jaehee] As the year-end approaches, COVID-19 cases have surged significantly in Europe, leading to proposals for re-lockdowns and mandatory vaccinations. With about 70% of the world's COVID-19 cases coming from Europe, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has recommended booster shots for all adults.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) on the 24th (local time), approximately 2.43 million new COVID-19 cases were reported in Europe from the 15th to the 21st. This accounts for 67% of the global new cases. This is an 11% increase compared to the previous week. The incidence rate per 100,000 population was also highest in Europe at 260.2.
In Germany, plans for mandatory vaccination are emerging. Despite recent strengthened restrictions such as partial lockdowns, the spread of COVID-19 continues. The German Ministry of Health is reportedly preparing to mandate vaccinations for workers in nursing homes and clinics starting January 1 next year.
Italy announced new quarantine measures on the 24th that will restrict unvaccinated individuals from entering indoor public places starting from the 6th of next month. Accordingly, citizens who have not been vaccinated will be prohibited from entering indoor restaurants, pubs, as well as cultural and sports facilities such as museums, art galleries, theaters, cinemas, and gyms. This effectively strengthens quarantine regulations to a level equivalent to mandatory vaccination.
France and the Netherlands have also announced plans to strengthen quarantine regulations. France stated it will announce new COVID-19 measures on the 25th. The strengthened measures are expected to include expanding booster shot eligibility to those aged 40 and above. Additionally, the application of health certificates proving vaccination completion will be reinforced. In France, health certificates are required to enter cafes and restaurants.
Austria has already entered a nationwide lockdown starting from the 22nd. Following Austria, neighboring Slovakia has also decided on a lockdown.
Richard Sulik, Slovakia's Minister of Economy, stated, "There will be a nighttime curfew, cancellation of large-scale cultural and sports events, and closure of general stores except for essential goods retailers." Slovakia, with a population of about 5.4 million, recorded 10,315 new COVID-19 cases and 71 new deaths on that day. Along with the Netherlands, Czech Republic, and Hungary, Slovakia recorded the highest number of new cases ever on that day.
As the situation worsens, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has recommended COVID-19 vaccine booster shots for all adults.
Andrea Ammon, Director of the ECDC, stated in a press release regarding the COVID-19 situation in Europe, "Booster shots should be considered for all adults aged 18 and above, prioritizing those aged 40 and over." Although the ECDC's recommendations are not binding, they are used by the European Commission and member state governments in policy decisions.
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