(London) Partially fueled by the Omicron variant, an outbreak of COVID-19 outbreaks in the UK sent shockwaves across Europe on Thursday, raising fears that the imposition of new restrictions would come yet again torpedo the Christmas festivities.
While much remains to be learned about the Omicron variant, experts warn that it appears to be more contagious than the Delta variant, which was already putting pressure on the healthcare systems of several countries, at the very least. With so many unanswered questions, managers wonder how quickly and how severely they should restrict multiple activities, from trips to family reunions.
After the UK recorded its highest number of new infections on Wednesday since the start of the pandemic, France tightened entry rules for travelers arriving from that country.
The UK’s chief medical officer has called on citizens to limit the number of people they see over the holidays, as debate continues over what measures should be taken to contain the virus. In the United States, the White House maintains that containment is not necessary, even if the Omicron variant appears to be gaining ground there.
More than 75 countries have now discovered the new variant on their territory. In the UK, where the number of Omicron infections is doubling every two or three days, the variant is expected to soon supplant the Delta variant as the dominant strain in the country. European Union leaders expect the Omicron variant to be the dominant variant in the bloc’s territory by mid-January.
In addition to being apparently more contagious, the Omicron variant is said to cause less severe symptoms and could more easily escape vaccines. Experts warn, however, that there is a lack of data to judge with certainty the severity of the disease it causes.
Also, if the Omicron variant is more contagious, a higher number of cases will increase the overall risk of more severe cases.
European leaders met in Brussels on Thursday to discuss their response to the threat. However, some countries announced measures even before the summit.
France has said it will impose restrictions on travelers arriving from the UK – which is no longer part of the European Union – including requiring 48-hour self-isolation after arrival. These new measures will come into force on Saturday.
The French government is desperately trying to avoid a new lockdown that would hurt the country’s economic recovery and overshadow the campaign President Emmanuel Macron is expected to launch in view of the April presidential elections.
Greece announced on Wednesday that all visitors to the country will be required to present a negative PCR test from Sunday, whether or not they are vaccinated. Italy has also imposed a negative test this week on visitors vaccinated, raising fears that the adoption of similar measures elsewhere will interfere with travel during the holidays.
In Portugal, Prime Minister António Costa has announced that existing border restrictions will remain in effect beyond their scheduled end on January 9, in response to the threat of the Omicron variant.
The UK’s chief medical officer has warned that the situation in his country can only worsen during the holidays. Dr Chris Whitty said the country is facing two epidemics at the same time: the Delta variant which still causes the most infections and the Omicron variant which is spreading at full steam.
Dr Whitty called on the public to limit social contact during the holidays to essential people.