Coronavirus Restrictions Eased in Europe

The French are again allowed to go out without passes. In Spain, so far only half of the population is exempted, shops are opened in Belgium, but restaurants are still closed.

In Europe, restrictions imposed due to the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic are being relaxed. In particular, in all federal states of Germany, measures to limit social contacts are gradually being softened. Starting Monday, May 11, representatives of at least two households (families) are allowed to meet, large stores open, and restaurants in some regions. However, strict adherence to hygiene rules remains mandatory.

In France, people are again allowed to go out without passes. The restrictions on sports and walking are removed. Shops resume work, while restaurants and bars are still closed. With the exception of schools, strict hygiene measures and social distance are universally prescribed.

If possible, work is suggested to continue from home to avoid crowded public transport. Cinemas, casinos, pools, fitness centers and camping sites will remain closed until early June. Similar measures begin on May 11 in Switzerland.

In Belgium, stores reopen, but subject to strict hygiene measures. Each household is allowed to host up to four people. However, visitors should be the same and attend only this household. Restaurants, bars and cafes remain closed.

Madrid and Barcelona remain in lockdown

In Spain, one of the EU countries that suffered most from the coronavirus, for the first time in almost two months, half of the country's 47 millionth population is again allowed to go out, but with strict observance of social distance. Restaurants are allowed to resume customer service to a limited extent and only outdoors. Family and friends can now gather up to 10 people.

Lockdown measures are relaxed apply to the Balearic Islands, including Mallorca, the Basque Country and several other regions. At the same time, Madrid and Barcelona are still in lockdown because of concerns about the second wave of the epidemic.

In England, office work allowed

In England, people who are unable to work remotely are allowed to return to their offices from May 11, subject to strict rules of hygiene and social distance. Starting May 13, unlimited walks and sports with the family are allowed. Until now, the residents of England were allowed to leave their homes for a walk or exercise only once a day. Trips to the coast or to national parks are allowed again.

All of these restrictions do not apply to other UK areas - Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Elementary schools open in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, after a two-month pause, primary schools are reopening. At the first stage, schools will be attended by half of the students every day. Kindergartens, libraries, hairdressers, beauty salons and massage cabinets resume work. Again, outdoor sports are allowed, but without body contact and subject to a one and a half meter distance.

In Norway, high school students also return to school. For the last two weeks, only students of the first and fourth grades attended school here. In Finland, schools will resume work on May 14th. In the capital of Serbia, Belgrade, kindergartens and schools are opening for children whose parents must work.

In Denmark, all retail stores, including shopping centers, are reopening. Similar measures are  introduced in Greece. According to the authorities, as a result, up to one third of all workers will be able to return to work. In addition, graduate students return to school in Greece.

Cinemas open in the Czech Republic

Museums, galleries, cinemas and concert halls resume their work in the Czech Republic. The halls are allowed no more than 100 visitors, who must maintain a social distance. Foreign tourism using buses, rail and airplanes is again permitted. Foreigners are still allowed to enter the Czech Republic.

Lithuania has reopened entry for citizens of EU countries and foreigners with visas, but all entrants will be sent to quarantine for two weeks. Exceptions apply only to people who regularly travel to Lithuania to work, businessmen and students from Poland, and subsequently from Estonia and Latvia. From May 15, the Baltic countries open joint borders.

Shopping centers are opening in Estonia along with restaurants and cafes. Cinemas and playgrounds in shopping centers will remain closed. In Slovenia, hotels with less than 30 places, recreation parks and camping sites are opening. In Croatia, open-air restaurants are reopening. Traveling around the country is again permitted, but with restrictions. Kindergartens and elementary schools reopen.

In Italy, Austria, Poland, Slovakia, Latvia and Hungary no significant changes are planned.