The variant Omicron from CovidWhile it is just as dangerous as the Delta variant, the speed of its spread is a cause for concern. If we refer, for example, to the figures communicated by Santé Publique France, the number of cases in France has doubled in one week. According to the agency, the total number of cases rose from 172 on 11 December to 347 on 17 December. Visit United Kingdom is also seeing an explosion in the number of Omicron cases.
The Omicron wave means that a new tightening of the screws in European countries. Who hope to slow its progress and above all avoid saturation of public health facilities.
The last country to take a radical containment measure, Since 19 December, the Netherlands has been applying strict containment measurestotal. The country's Prime Minister, Mark Rutte, declared on Saturday that the Netherlands was going into strict confinement over the Christmas and New Year period. The aim is to contain the Omicron variant of the coronavirus.
" The Netherlands is closed again. This is unavoidable due to the fifth wave arriving with the Omicron variant." said Mark Rutte at a press conference on national television.
All shops and non-essential services, including restaurants, hairdressers, museums and sports halls, are closed until 14 January.. Outdoor gatherings must be limited to a maximum of two people. Private individuals may only receive two visitors outside the home.
" If we don't act now, we run the risk of creating an unmanageable situation in hospitals, which have already reduced their usual care to make room for patients with COVID-19." said Mr Rutte on television.
Ireland takes hybrid measures
Elsewhere in Europe, theIreland applies semi-confinement : pubs and restaurants now close at 8pm. Indoor events, such as conference rooms, theatres or cinemas, should apply a gauge lowered to 50% of their capabilities.
For the foreign travellersA negative test is required to enter the country. Only people who have been vaccinated or cured of Covid can have an antigenic test (maximum 48 hours). All other travellers must have the results of a PCR test (72 hours). Last but not least, all visitors entering Ireland must undergo a daily antigen test for the first 5 days of their stay.
