Europe, where the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) has been strong, is moving to lift the quarantine pass.
On the 16th (local time), Bloomberg and AFP reported that Germany, Austria, and Switzerland had decided to lift the quarantine measures against COVID-19.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said, “The COVID-19 epidemic seems to have reached its peak. It is expected that the situation will continue to improve in the coming weeks. It will be lifted in stages by the 20th,” he said.
As a result, Germany will immediately abolish vaccinations, proof of complete recovery, and restrictions on private gatherings for vaccinated persons, which were required to enter non-essential shops. From the 4th of next month, the restrictions on entry to restaurants and bars will also be relaxed.
However, he tweeted, “Now that restrictions can be lifted step by step, we must continue to be careful.”
Switzerland also announced on the 17th that it will allow entry to indoor facilities such as restaurants, shops and theaters regardless of whether or not they have been vaccinated against COVID-19. Requirement to wear masks in public transport and health facilities will continue.
Austria also announced that it would lift the restrictions by the 5th of next month. Prime Minister Karl Nehammer said, “We are in a situation where we can responsibly make political decisions that will set the public free from most restrictions.”
This movement first started in England. The UK has completely lifted quarantine restrictions on the 27th of last month. The mandatory wearing of a mask and the quarantine pass have also been abolished.
On the 1st, Denmark was the first EU country to exclude COVID-19 from the list of serious diseases and completely eliminated quarantine regulations.
In addition, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and the Czech Republic have completely lifted restrictions such as abolition of quarantine passes.