Dec 27th, 2021, 03:35pm
With the arrival of the more infectious, but possibly less deadly, coronaviruses omicron variant, national governments have been forced to make tough calls on whether to loosen or tighten rules for the holidays, with France limiting public gatherings as the UK promises no new restrictions for New Year's Eve.
People in Athens are wearing masks.
Anadolu Agency.
French Prime Minister Jean Castex announced on Monday that until January 17, public gatherings will be limited to 2,000 people indoors and 5,000 people outdoors, and that working from home will be compulsory for three days per week.
The Prime Minister of the UK, Boris Johnson, said that the UK would not impose new Covid-19 restrictions before the new year, while the Health Secretary, Sajid Javid, urged the public to take precautions.
The Greek government will require that bars and restaurants close by midnight, that tables be limited to six seated customers, and that entertainment venues allow no standing customers if they want to ban music.
Australia recorded its first death due to omicron infections on Monday, but health officials decided not to impose new restrictions.
Germany limited private gatherings to a maximum of 10 and closed clubs and discos, while the city of Hamburg imposed a 1 a.m. curfew for New Year's Eve.
British Columbia banned all indoor gatherings, including New Year's Eve parties, weddings and funerals, from December 23 to January 18 because of omicron, while Sasketchawan's public health order extended to the end of January.
A woman wearing a face mask is walking across the bridge. The photo was taken by Daniel LEAL.
The images are from the same source.
The omicron variant of the coronaviruses has become the dominant variant in many parts of the world and has led to an undersupply of Covid treatment most successful against omicron. The New York Times reported that researchers working independently in England, Scotland and South Africa found that omicron may be less likely to be sent to hospitals. In Greece, the emergence of omicron coincides with a rise in hospitalizations large enough to prompt the government to consider asking private hospitals for support.
A key quote.
The chancellor of Germany remarked thatCorona won't take a Christmas break.
The number is big.
There were 9,284. Greece set a new record for the number of Covid-19 cases recorded on Monday.
French Prime Minister Castex announced new measures to slow Omicron, but schools would reopen as planned.
Boris Johnson said there would be no new Covid restrictions in England before the new year.
Australia records the first Omicron death.
