Europe Is Lifting Restrictions Even as COVID-19 Incidence Hits Records and Has Not Yet Peaked

Authorities believe bans are no longer needed.

Most countries in Europe are currently seeing record coronavirus infection rates amid the spread of the Omicron strain — the continent alone is recording more than 1.5 million new cases a day. 

However, some countries are already beginning to ease restrictions for citizens, although previously this was done only when infections were declining. Authorities believe that, given the large number of vaccinated people, health care systems are not at risk of being overwhelmed. 

Austria

Population: 8.9 million. Daily new cases: 25,800, still rising. 

From January 31, Austria will end one of the strictest lockdowns in Europe for unvaccinated people. Since mid-November, those who were not vaccinated were allowed to leave home only to go to a grocery store, a pharmacy or for a walk. 

The government said it will notify every household in the country in writing about the new requirements so that everyone has the opportunity to get vaccinated. So far, about 1.5 million people have not been vaccinated. 

From mid-March, police will begin checking citizens for vaccination certificates, and the fine for not having one will be up to €600. Children and adolescents, pregnant women, people who have recently recovered from the illness and those with contraindications are exempt from mandatory vaccination. 

Denmark

Population: 5.9 million. Daily new cases: 40,000, still rising. 

The government has asked parliament to propose lifting from February 1 all domestic restrictions previously introduced because of the Omicron strain. Restaurants and cafes will be able to operate at any time, nightclubs will open, and the number of participants at mass events will not be limited.

Danes also will not have to wear masks or show vaccination certificates to enter public places. 

For at least another four weeks, the country will keep the requirement to present PCR tests for people arriving from countries with high infection rates. 

All this is happening despite the fact that the number of infections in Denmark continues to rise. The government explained the decision by very high vaccination rates among citizens and a low number of hospitalizations. 

Denmark's health minister said that from February 1, COVID-19 will no longer be "considered a disease dangerous to society." 

Netherlands

Population: 17.6 million. Daily new cases: 55,200, still rising. 

Restrictions introduced in the Netherlands in December because of Omicron became some of the strictest in Europe. The country declared a lockdown — everything was closed except pharmacies and stores selling essential goods. 

From January 15, amid public pressure, authorities allowed shops, fitness centers, hairdressers and sex shops to reopen. However, cafes, bars, restaurants, museums and exhibitions remained closed. 

The government ultimately made concessions and from January 26 allowed cultural institutions, cinemas and catering establishments to reopen. The prime minister noted that by lifting restrictions the government "is taking a risk," since infections continue to rise at high rates. 

United Kingdom

Population: 67.1 million. Daily new cases: 92,000, declining. 

The UK was the first country in Europe to face Omicron. A sharp rise in infections began in mid-December, and in the first week of January reached peak values of 190,000–200,000 cases a day, after which it quickly declined. 

Northern Ireland has taken similar measures — authorities have kept the certificate requirement only for nightclubs, which are due to open soon. 

The UK government announced easing of border restrictions — fully vaccinated travelers will be able to enter the country without restrictions from February 11, while for unvaccinated people mandatory self-isolation will be scrapped and replaced with testing. 

Norway

Population: 5.4 million. Daily new cases: 19,400, still rising. 

From January 26, Norway eased requirements for arrivals from abroad — mandatory quarantine is not required for unvaccinated people; it is enough to present a negative test and take another one after entering the country. 

Also from January 14, the country lifted the ban on selling alcoholic drinks in bars and restaurants. The measure was introduced in mid-December and hit the industry hard — many establishments were forced to close because they could not sell alcohol during the holiday period, so the ban came under heavy criticism. 

Instead, authorities limited the operating hours of bars, as well as the number of people at one table in establishments where alcohol is consumed.