In Germany, the Corona requirements are once again being debated. The current problem: the obligation to isolate. Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, his SPD and the Greens want to keep it. The liberal coalition partner opposes this and the head of the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, Andreas Gassen, is also calling for the end of the obligation to isolate. (You can read more about the arguments of the individual parties here.)
Despite all the concerns about new virus variants, increasing incidences, autumn waves and staff shortages, there is again a desire for freedom in Europe. Similar to Germany, other countries are also discussing the slow end of the corona protection measures. For example, the Dutch Minister of Health, Ernst Kuipers, recently said that he could imagine the end of the obligation to isolate. Just not yet.
Which countries have relaxed or completely abolished their corona rules? An overview:
The Netherlands: Distance rules no longer apply. However, the Dutch government continues to advise staying at home if you have symptoms. The number of people infected with corona has decreased in recent weeks. Last week, the authorities recorded 27 percent fewer positive tests than in the previous week. However, the official government website states that the decline is due to the holiday and holiday season. Because many citizens are currently on vacation, fewer people would be tested. On the other hand, according to government information, the number of positive tests in care facilities is also declining (as of July 26, 2022).
United Kingdom: The British have dropped all corona measures. Masks only have to be worn in medical facilities in Wales. Otherwise, however, the recommendation of the governments to put on the masks in crowded rooms applies. There is also no obligation to isolate, but here too the government advises: stay at home and test yourself until you feel better. The incidence in the United Kingdom has been falling since the beginning of April, but has risen again slightly since the beginning of June and is currently between 100 and 200 infected people per week and 100,000 inhabitants.
Switzerland: On April 1st, all corona requirements were lifted in Switzerland. This also eliminated the obligation to wear masks in public transport and in health facilities. However, some cantons have made exceptions here and still make masks compulsory in certain facilities. To protect against the corona virus, the Swiss government recommends that its citizens continue to wear masks and ventilate indoor spaces regularly. Similar to the British, the number of corona infections had initially decreased. Since the beginning of June, however, the incidence has been rising again. The omicron subvariant B.A.5 is said to be primarily responsible for this.
Austria: The Alpine Republic relaxes its corona measures on August 1st. The end of the obligation to isolate is the main reason for criticism and curiosity. Because now people who have tested positive can continue to participate in public life, i.e. visit restaurants, splash around in the swimming pool or go about their work. However, they must wear an FFP2 mask - except when they are outdoors and can keep a distance of two meters from other people. The incidence in Austria had fallen massively since the beginning of April, but has been rising again since the beginning of June.
France: France has now also decided to end the corona measures. Parliament passed a law lifting the restrictions as of August 1st. However, the possibility of mandatory corona tests at national borders remains. The incidence in France last peaked in early July.
The end of the corona measures is a clear message: the pandemic is over. Masks, which experts repeatedly praise as an effective means of combating them, are only mandatory in exceptional cases. It is already clear where this will lead. The pandemic curve is the same in all examples, even if the specific figures differ in the individual countries. The increase in positive cases is particularly clear – despite summer temperatures, vacation time and a decline in tests. It remains to be seen how the number of infected people will develop in the coming months. However, the incidences are already clear and should confirm the fears of experts: The next corona wave could break out in autumn.
Sources: Dutch Government website, BBC, UK Government, Federal Office of Public Health, NZZ, "Der Standard", DPA
