유럽, '성탄절 봉쇄'로 코로나 재확산 차단 안간힘
As countries in Europe struggle to curb the resurgence of Covid-19, some of them have toughened their restrictions toward the year-end.
London, for instance, is returning to a strict lockdown this week after coronavirus cases soared in the British capital.
Kim Sung-min reports.
Following the rapid resurgence of COVID-19, some European countries are tightening restrictions for the end of this year and start of next year.
The Netherlands has imposed a five-week restriction on non-essential businesses and schools.
Some stores and facilities like museums and gyms will be shut down starting from the 15th and schools will be closed from the day after.
The country's average daily COVID-19 cases for the past week jumped 40 percent from the week before.
The Czech Republic plans to impose partial lockdowns,... closing restaurants, hotels and indoor sports facilities from the 18th and putting a nightly curfew from 11 PM until 5 AM in place from the 19th.
All gatherings will be limited to six people and schools will start their Christmas holiday earlier than usual.
Italy, which has the highest COVID-19 death toll in Europe, is considering declaring the entire country a red zone.
That would mean curfews are extended, unnecessary movements are restricted and non-essential stores are closed.
Similar restrictions are in place in Germany,... from December 16th until January 10th.
Only essential stores like supermarkets, drug stores and banks will be running, while schools are also shut down.
The size of gatherings will be limited to 5 people,...except for Christmas.
According to data by Worldometer, the country reported over 28-thousand cases on last Friday alone.
In the United Kingdom, more parts of the country, including the capital London, will have their restriction level raised to tier three.
Under tier three, hospitality venues will have to close, except for deliveries and takeaways. Hotels and other accommodation must also close.
But the UK has left the rules relaxed during Christmas as up to three households can gather in a so-called "bubble" from December 23rd to 27th.
Kim Sung-min, Arirang News