Since its emergence at the end of November, the Omicron variant has spread to 89 countries and firmly established itself on the world stage.
Several European nations have had to impose lock down measures due to the spread of Omicron. New restrictions have arrived just in time to potentially ruin people's end-of-year holiday plans, making travel to and around Europe more difficult.
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The British government is predicting a "tidal wave" of Omicron cases, and that will be especially true for Britons. According to CNN, the U.K. reported over 90,000 cases on Saturday and more than 10,000 of them were Omicron cases.
The Netherlands has just announced strict new measures, closing all non-essential shops, hotels, and cultural centers, and limiting indoor gatherings to two guests during the Christmas and New Year's holidays.
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said during a televised address on Sunday that the decision was "unavoidable" because of the fifth wave that is coming at us with the Omicron variant.
Germany imposed a 14-day quark requirement on travelers from the U.K., which takes effect today.
France has banned nonessential travelers from the U.K., and will only allow entry to Britons who can provide a compelling reason. It will be a blow to the many U.K. tourists who were planning to travel to the Alps.
In the Mediterranean, Greece and Italy have both enacted new restrictions requiring all foreign travelers, including those from European Union countries outside their national borders, to produce proof of a negative COVID-19 test to gain entry. Greece requires more accurate tests to be taken within 48 hours of travel, but Italy will accept rapid tests within 24 hours of departure. Travelers who were fully-vaccinated were allowed to enter.
There is a map of Europe. The photo is E+/wsfurlan.
Portugal has brought back mandatory pre- travel testing for foreign visitors. If you're coming from a different country, you have to provide a test within 72 hours of boarding your flight or 48 hours if you're coming from a different state.
The introduction of new COVID-19 measures in the past few days has been caused by rising infections in the Nordic countries. In order to keep alcohol out of public places, Norway has banned the service of alcohol in bars and restaurants.
Visitors from Nordic countries will need to provide proof of full vaccination in order to cross Swedish borders after December 21.
The Omicron variant cases are doubling every one-and-a-half to three days according to the World Health Organization.
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