containment, vaccination, pass … What are the new measures taken in Europe to deal with the fifth wave of the epidemic?

In Europe, the fifth wave has indeed started. The number of cases of Covid-19 contamination is skyrocketing again. Faced with this alarming rebound, some countries have taken measures to encourage the fraction of the population which is still reluctant there to be vaccinated.

Specific containment for the unvaccinated, end of the validity of tests for health passes … Summary of measures taken in Austria, Germany, the Netherlands and Norway, four countries where the return of the epidemic is worrying, as winter approaches.

Austria: confinement for the unvaccinated and vaccination for those over 5 years old

• The situation. More than 10,000 new cases are recorded every day in this country of 9.8 million inhabitants. The contamination curve has turned into a straight line that rises vertically, as shown in the infographic below published on the CovidTracker site using data from the Our world in data site. Almost 65% of the Austrian population is fully vaccinated, but this figure remains lower than the European average of 67%, and far removed from that of Spain (79%) or France (75%, according to figures from the French public health agency).

• Measures. a confinement will be imposed on people who have not been vaccinated (or who do not have an antibody certificate). They will no longer have the right to leave their homes except for shopping, sports or for medical care, announced theAustrian Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg at a press conference on Friday 12 November. The regions of Upper Austria (in the north of the country) and that of Salzburg, among the most affected, will introduce this containment of the unvaccinated from Monday. On the other hand, at the national level, the date of entry into force of the measure has not been specified. It must first receive the approval of Parliament, Sunday, November 14.

Among the other decisions announced: vaccination of health personnel will become compulsory. At last, Children aged 5 and over will be able to benefit from the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine at one of the vaccination centers in Vienna, the capital of Austria, from Monday 15 November. This is an unprecedented decision in the European Union, while the European Medicines Agency has not yet approved the vaccination of children under 12.

Germany: in Berlin and Saxony, the test is no longer valid for the health pass

• The situation. Germany recorded, Thursday, November 11, a record number of new infections with 50,196 additional cases in 24 hours. The seven-day incidence rate, which measures the number of new infections per 100,000 inhabitants, now stands at 249.1, with worrying situations in the Länder (regions) of Saxony (521), Thuringia (469 , 2) or in Bavaria (427). Pressure is increasing on hospital care units. A little more than 67% of Germans are however fully vaccinated.

• Measures. At the national level, the country is still waiting. He is waiting for Olaf Scholz, tipped to become chancellor, to succeed Angela Merkel. But measures are being taken at the level of regions and cities. As of Monday, November 15, a negative Covid test will no longer be sufficient in Berlin to access restaurants (apart from terraces), bars, sports halls and hairdressing salons. Proof of vaccination or recovery from the Covid is imperative. This type of device called “2G”, for “geimpft” (vaccinated) or “genesen” (cured), has already entered into force this week in Saxony, a state-region located in the former GDR, where the vaccination rate is very high. lower than the national average.

Netherlands: a vaccination (or healing) pass imposed for restaurants and recreation rooms

• The situation. The Netherlands is also experiencing a sharp rise in the epidemic. They announced, Thursday, November 11, 16,364 new cases of Covid in 24 hours, a record for a single day. Even though 72% of the population has been fully immunized, unvaccinated people account for the most intensive care cases (69%) and hospital admissions (55%), according to data compiled by AFP.

• Measures. The Netherlands have decided to return to a “partial confinement”, the first of autumn in Western Europe. Sanitary restrictions will be “severe” for three weeks. the Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced on Friday 12 November that bars, restaurants and essential shops such as supermarkets are expected to close at 8 p.m. Non-essential stores will close at 6 p.m. Dutch citizens are called upon not to accommodate more than four people in their homes and to telework, “unless it is really not possible“. Public protests are suppressed and football matches will be played behind closed doors, including the World Cup qualifying match between the Netherlands and Norway next week. Schools remain open and outings, however. outside the home are allowed.

After this three-week period, the government is preparing to take measures aimed more specifically at the unvaccinated. Access to dining and leisure facilities could be reserved only for people vaccinated or cured of Covid. The negative Covid test can no longer be used as a pass.

Norway: municipalities will be able to decree the use of a health pass

• The situation. The epidemic rebound has been confirmed with 1,500 new cases every day in this country of 5.4 million inhabitants. The number of deaths is increasing again, although it remains low, around four a day this week, according to official statistics compiled by AFP. Just over 70% of the population was fully vaccinated as of November 11, 2021, according to data from the Our world in data site.

• Measures. Norway, which had lifted all restrictions at the end of September, backtracked. The government announced Friday, November 12, that it would allow municipalities to use the health pass. Some measures specifically target the unvaccinated. Unvaccinated health workers will therefore need to be tested twice a week and wear a mask. Unvaccinated contact cases over 18 years of age are ordered to be tested from November 16.