The World Health Organization warns countries facing an increase in coronavirus cases not to postpone the return to anti-pandemic restrictions.
So far, however, only the Netherlands has introduced a reduced form of quarantine. In other European countries, the authorities have asked the population to wear a mask again in public spaces.
In Belgium, for example, the Minister of Health suggested that the mask be worn from the age of 9 and up.
Germany remains one of the most affected countries, with over 40,000 new cases in 24 hours. In Germany, the Robert Koch Institute reported that the weekly infection rate rose to 277.4 new cases per hundred thousand inhabitants on the day another 45,000 COVID infections were announced.
228 people have died in German hospitals, and the authorities do not seem to be able to find solutions to the disastrous situation in which the federal state finds itself.
Angela Merkel, who remained chancellor until the Bundestag parties conclude negotiations for the ruling coalition, has made a desperate call for the population to be vaccinated.
Angela Merkel, cancel german: “I beg you, get vaccinated and try to persuade your relatives and friends to do the same. If we join forces, if we think we are protecting ourselves and taking care of others, we can save our country this winter.”
A German company specializing in wholesale trade announced on Saturday that it will offer a bonus of 5,000 euros to all 550 employees, if they prove that they have been vaccinated by the end of the year.
Danilo Frasiak, Member of the Board Boettcher AG: “Everyone who can provide proof of complete vaccination by the beginning of the new year will receive a bonus of 5,000 euros. Even those who are already vaccinated at this time can receive the 5,000 euros.”
In Belgium, the Minister of Health stated that, from his point of view, vaccination is not enough to reduce the infection rate. Yesterday alone, 10,000 new cases and 30 deaths were registered. The Minister proposed the obligation of masks, including for children, from the age of 9 and up. The idea was not well received by education unionists.
Joseph Thonon – President of the CGSP-Education union: “I don’t think it’s a good idea because it will be very difficult to impose such a rule and I don’t know what the Minister of Health is based on when proposing such measures in schools.”
In Austria, too, parliament is due to vote on the government’s proposal to introduce a quarantine for unvaccinated people.
Alexander Schallenberg, cancelar: “The goal is clear: we want to give the green light to national isolation for unvaccinated people.”
The chancellor also announced the obligation to vaccinate medical staff. And children over the age of five will be able to be vaccinated with Pfizer serum on Monday. In other words, Vienna is no longer waiting for the opinion of the European Medicines Agency.
And, also in Vienna, for participating in events with over 25 people, including restaurant parties, a negative PCR test will be required, in addition to proof of vaccination or going through the disease.
