Each European country has taken individual measures to combat the corona virus, which means that there are quite a few differences. How are people living in the UK, Belgium, France, Spain, Germany and Italy during this crisis?
Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced an ‘intelligent lockdown’ in the Netherlands on Monday evening, whereby healthy people still have the freedom to go outside alone. Rutte still hopes to prevent a total lockdown, whereby healthy people are no longer allowed to go outside to get a breath of fresh air.
In our neighboring countries there is often a lockdown, although this does not necessarily mean that the measures are completely different than in the Netherlands. The definition of the word ‘lockdown’ differs from country to country, as does the list of vital occupations (people who need to keep working). These are the main rules that currently apply by country.
United Kingdom
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson immediately announced a lockdown in a speech on Monday evening. In any case, these three important rules will apply for the next three weeks:
- People are only allowed to leave their home under strict conditions. British people can still go outside for groceries, for sports (once a day), for a medical need or to travel to work if that is not possible from home.
- All non-essential stores are closed. Supermarkets, petrol stations, post offices and banks, among others, may remain open.
- All public gatherings with more than two people are prohibited. The only exceptions apply to people who live together in one house (a parent can go out with several children) and people who have to come together for work.
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Nearly 3,000 infections have been confirmed in London. (Photo: Pro Shots)
Belgium
Belgium has been in a sort of ‘lockdown light’ since last Wednesday, although the government prefers not to use the word lockdown.
- Stay at home as much as possible and avoid social contacts as much as possible. You can only go outside if it is “essential”. Walking or exercising outdoors is allowed and is even recommended. This is allowed alone, with family members or with one friend or acquaintance.
- All non-essential stores are closed. In supermarkets, which are open, one customer per 10 square meters can enter. They are allowed to shop for a maximum of half an hour.
- Working from home is the norm. Companies that bring their employees to work without good reason risk a fine.
- There is a ban on gathering and all events have been canceled. Violators risk a fine of up to EUR 4,000 and three months’ imprisonment.
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Measures have also been taken in Belgian parks. (Photo: Reuters)
France
French President Emmanuel Macron said in a speech last Monday that his country is “at war” and that France was locked. Prime Minister Édouard Philippe announced somewhat stricter measures last Monday.
- You may only go outside for “essential activities”. Without a specially printed form from the ministry, people are not allowed to take to the streets anyway. The fines for this have been increased to a maximum of 1,500 euros for repeated violations.
- Walking or exercising is still allowed, but only on your own and no more than once an hour a day. In addition, people should stay within a radius of 1 kilometer from their home. The mandatory form must state the time when you left home.
- Supermarkets are open, but outdoor markets must be closed. Mayors may make an exception if the market is essential for the food supply.
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Running in Paris is only allowed close to home. (Photo: Reuters)
Spain
The Spanish government declared a state of emergency on March 14.
- You may only leave your home to get groceries or medicines or for work. Banks and petrol stations are still open. Outdoor sports are prohibited.
- Hotels and other tourist facilities should be closed. All catering establishments are closed. Some hotels are set up as an emergency hospital.
- All public gatherings are prohibited. All schools and universities are closed. “We have taken the strictest measures in the world,” said Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
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The police are strictly checking in Barcelona. (Photo: Pro Shots)
Germany
Chancellor Angela Merkel announced last Sunday new measures for the next two weeks. The German government is still trying to prevent a total lockdown.
- Gatherings of three or more people are prohibited. There is an exception for families and other households. Fines can be up to 25,000 euros.
- Necessary activities and sports are still allowed. You are allowed to shop, go to the doctor or work or get a breath of fresh air.
- Restaurants and companies in the field of personal care are closed. Restaurants may remain open for collection and delivery of meals.
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Public life in Berlin has largely stopped. (Photo: Pro Shots)
Italy
Italy the hardest hit European country. The country has been in lockdown for two weeks and Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte tightened up the measures on Saturday.
- All non-essential stores are closed. Supermarkets, banks, post offices and pharmacies may still be open.
- All non-essential factories and offices must be closed. There is an exception for factories that produce food or medicines.
- People must remain in their own congregation. Traveling within Italy is only allowed for “important matters” such as essential work or medical reasons.
- Sports are only allowed close to home. Parks and playgrounds are closed. Runners or walkers are only allowed to run around their house.
Follow the latest developments around the virus in us live blog.
The coronavirus in short
- The coronavirus mainly spreads through sneezes and cough drops. The virus can be transmitted directly from person to person or (for a limited time) through surfaces such as door handles.
- You can considerably reduce the chance of spreading by keeping at least 1.5 meters away from others.
- An infected person infects two to three others on average. Precautions are necessary to contain this.
- The vast majority of patients have mild (flu-like) complaints.
- Almost all deaths involve the elderly or other vulnerable persons, such as heart, lung or diabetes patients. If everyone complies with the measures, this reduces their risks.
- Read here what precautions you should take.
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