Britain today refused to rule out restrictions on rallies, a day after the Netherlands imposed a fourth lockdown caused by the rapid spread of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus and while other European countries are considering imposing measures for Christmas.
Omicron’s infections are multiplying rapidly in Europe and the United States, doubling every two to three days in London and elsewhere, and dealing a severe blow to financial markets, which fear the impact on the global economic recovery.
This variant has been found for the first time in the southern countries of the African continent and in Hong Kong and has so far been reported in at least 89 countries. The severity of the disease it causes remains unclear.
The Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced a lockdown on Saturday, ordering the closure of all non-essential stores, as well as restaurants, hairdressers, gyms, museums and other public spaces from yesterday, Sunday, and until at least January 14th.
THE Austria, as of today, requires the demonstration of a negative PCR test by travelers who have not received the booster dose. Even double-vaccinated people will be quarantined until they can test negative. Apart from those who have received the booster dose, those who have received a vaccine dose and have proof of a previous illness are also exempt from the obligation. Austria becomes the sixth country in the EU. requiring a negative test from arrivals within the bloc, after Portugal, Ireland, Cyprus, Greece and Italy.
Its board of experts German Government said yesterday in a statement that it is necessary to limit social contacts, with evidence so far showing that booster doses alone are not enough to limit the spread of the virus. Epidemiologists have expressed concern that the pandemic wave will be so severe that it resembles a natural disaster, so measures as they point out should be taken immediately.
Denmark on the other hand, decided to close all entertainment venues in the near future, while restaurants will be required to serve their last meal at 10 pm and operate with fewer customers
THE Ireland announced on Friday that bars and restaurants will close at 8 pm and that the occupancy of venues at public events is declining. Italy is also considering new measures to avoid an increase in cases, as newspapers wrote yesterday.
Shares fell and oil prices fell more than 3% today. European and British stocks fell to a two-week low, losing 1.9% and 1.8% respectively.
The Israel added the US to its list of countries to which it prohibits travel, citing concerns about Omicron. US epidemiologist Anthony Fauci said Omicron was “scanning the whole world” and called on Americans to boost the vaccine.
Since the beginning of the month, the number of Covid-19 cases in the US has increased by 50%, according to a Reuters count. New York State recorded a record number of cases for the third day in a row, with more than half confirmed in New York City.
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