With the fourth wave of the epidemic showing no signs of abating, which is favored by the severe infection of the Omicron variant, European governments are keeping the strict line with an eye on the third-dose vaccination campaign. The infection index has been on the rise for a few days in all states of the old continent, even if the new mutation appears to be less dangerous and lethal than other variants of Sars-CoV-2, it is less likely to infect and damage spores. Lungs (according to the consistent preliminary results of six different studies, we talked about World Health Organization).
However, some countries appear to have succeeded in reversing the wave of new cases. It is they who in recent weeks have imposed strict restrictions on the unvaccinated population: Germany, Austria and the Netherlands. Let the numbers speak.
Infection in Germany after restrictions
In Germany, on December 2, the then government of Angela Merkel decided that only people vaccinated and cured of Covid could access bars, restaurants, cinemas, cultural events, museums and non-essential stores. It is in effect a semi-closed closure for the unvaccinated, who can only go to work, to the supermarket and pharmacy, according to the 2G rule, or “geimpft or genesen” (vaccinate or cure). New restrictions to contain the spread of the coronavirus came into effect on December 28, with rules banning people who have been vaccinated or recovered from the coronavirus from organizing private indoor or outdoor parties and gatherings with more than a dozen people (the limit drops to two if they are not vaccinated) People).
How did it go? In general, Germany has made progress in containing the epidemic in this new phase compared to the past few weeks. After the peak of new positive cases between the end of November and the beginning of December, in the time period between December 2 and 26 of the same month, daily infections increased from approximately 74 thousand to 10,100. According to the Robert Koch Institute, the weekly infection rate was 220.7 per 100,000 residents in 26 December, compared to 242.9 on December 25 and 315.4 the previous week.
How is the epidemic going in Austria after the closure
Austria also introduced a kind of new national lockdown that was in effect from November 22 to December 12. The result was a drop in the weekly infection rate, from more than 1,100 cases per 100,000 population to less than 300. At the end of November, the country recorded a maximum peak of 15,365 new infections, while the average was from January 1 to 3, 2022. Just over three thousand cases per day.
From Monday December 20, only those who have already received the third dose of the vaccine can enter Austria without restrictions. Not only that, because from December 27 all catering establishments will close on 22. As of February 1, 2022, Austria will become the first country in the European Union to impose a general obligation to vaccination, which will last for two years and will include fines of up to 3,600 euros for violators.
The numbers in the Netherlands
As in Austria and Germany, the lockdown was also implemented in the Netherlands at the end of November. Although 85% of the country’s population has been vaccinated, bars, cinemas, restaurants and museums are closed, with schools on vacation until January 9. Then, from last December 19, additional restrictions were imposed to curb the rapid spread of Omicron, closing schools for three weeks (to reopen on January 10) and all non-essential stores, cultural and entertainment venues until January 14.
Two months ago, the Netherlands recorded an average of 20,000 cases per day. On December 20, about a month after restrictions were restored, infections rose to 12,000. On January 3, about 14,623 people tested positive compared to 11,440 the week before, with the average infection rate rising again for the sixth consecutive day.
How far is the red zone?
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