Three European countries have decided to “save Christmas” and relax quarantine for a week. All shops will be open, people will be able to gather with their families and friends, as well as attend church services.

British authorities have decided to soften the lockdown for Christmas by five days so that people could visit relatives and spend the holidays with their families. However, the quarantine will be back for the New Year. According to 112.UA, for those arriving in England from December 15, self-isolation will be halved. Instead of two weeks, one can stay at home for only five days in case of passing a coronavirus test.

The French authorities are planning to ease the strict quarantine before Christmas. On November 28 it will be possible to play sports outside for up to three hours a day and at a distance of up to 20 km from home. From December 15, the authorities will open cinemas and theaters, but there will be a curfew from 9 pm to 7 am. From January 20, if the number of infections is less than 5000 per day, people will be able to go to restaurants and gyms, pupils and students will attend schools and universities.

Ukrainian online media reports that in Germany, the hard lockdown will last until December 20. This, according to the prognosis, should slow down the pandemic. Until January 1, authorities will allow meetings of up to 10 people. The whole winter the capacity of the state-owned railway Deutsche Bahn will increase.

The European Commission and WHO, however, believe that an early easing of measures for Christmas could put countries at risk of a “third wave” of coronavirus.

Text: Ekaterina Gril, photo: Jeffrey Smith (CC BY-ND 2.0)