COVID in Europe: Ireland closes clubs and puts new restrictions on bars and

COVID-19 cases are sweeping Europe once again — here is a breakdown of how each country has reacted to the surge.

Measures vary across the continent — from a national lockdown in Austria and moves towards mandatory vaccination in Germany, to the United Kingdom where only light restrictions are in place.

Concerns over the Omicron new variant detected in South Africa have prompted many European countries to put curbs on travel.

However, Delta remains by far the dominant force in Europe, accounting for the vast majority of new infections and putting increasing pressure on hospitals.

The World Health Organization warned in November that Europe and Central Asia could face another 700,000 COVID-19 deaths by March 1.

Here is a run-down of the latest situation in some of the European countries.

Ireland

Ireland moved on Friday (December 3) to tighten restrictions still further, announcing that from next week nightclubs will close, and social distancing will be re-established in pubs, restaurants and hotels.

The measures will take effect on Tuesday (December 7) and run until at least January 9.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin described the risks of heading into the Christmas period without reducing social contacts as “just too high”.

Capacity in indoor and sports venues, where masks are already compulsory, will be limited to 50%. A health pass is already required for entry to leisure venues.

The measures come on top of restrictions the country announced last month due to high rates of infection that have put pressure on hospitals.

People have been told to work from home unless attending the workplace is “absolutely necessary”. Arrivals from overseas must have a negative test result in addition to being vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19.

Germany

Germany moved on Thursday (December 2) to tighten restrictions for those unvaccinated against COVID-19. People without the jab won’t be able to access non-essential shops, restaurants, places of culture or leisure.

The decision was announced after a meeting between outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel, her successor Olaf Scholz and the leaders of the country’s 16 regions.

A draft law on mandatory vaccination is to be submitted to parliament for entry into force in February or March.

Masks are to be required in schools, and new limits imposed on private meetings.

The moves follow a ruling from a top German court upholding government measurres to tackle all-time high COVID-19 infections. The Federal Constitutional Court found that a curfew and school closures were in line with the country’s constitution.

Scientists and doctors have warned that medical services in Germany could become overstretched in the coming weeks unless drastic action is taken. Some hospitals in the south and east have already transferred patients to other parts of the country.

Germany reported more than 67,000 new cases in 24 hours on Wednesday (December 1). The country has vaccinated 68.% of its population and 80% of adults.

Austria

Austria’s lockdown has officially been extended until December 11 as planned amid signs that the measures are helping to bring down a sky-high coronavirus infection rate.

Essential shops that were allowed to open until 9 pm,…