In the United Kingdom, infections with Covid-19 have hit record highs recently due to the spread of the offshoot of the highly contagious Omicron variant, BA.2., But seem to have hit high prices in recent days. However, the number of cases remains high, while hospitals and deaths are increasing. The reduction in Covid-19 cases may also be due to the fact that the free trials stopped on 1 April. In the UK, face masks are no longer a requirement in most public places, such as public transport, although the government encourages people to wear masks in busy situations where they are likely to come into close contact with strangers. Face masks remain a requirement in healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics and nursing homes. Although not mandatory in stores and supermarkets, major retailers such as Tesco and Sainsbury’s have urged their customers to continue wearing face masks to prevent the virus from spreading to 170,000 people in the UK. Isolation is no longer a legal requirement, but the government advises people to stay home if possible. NHS Covid cards, with which people across England can prove their vaccination status, Covid-19 negative test or recovery from infection, are no longer required to access the sites, but are still requirement for travel abroad. So how does the UK compare to Covid restrictions in other parts of Europe?

Germany

As in the United Kingdom, those wishing to access bars, restaurants and other entertainment venues in Germany no longer need to show proof of vaccination, recovery or examination. However, access to healthcare facilities is still required. Face masks have also fallen off in addition to healthcare facilities, public transport and some public areas, Schengenvisainfo reports. Germany announced in early April that it would back down on a proposal to end compulsory self-isolation for those who are positive. “The coronavirus is not a cold. That is why isolation must continue after an infection, “said Health Minister Carl Lauterbach on Twitter, adding that he was wrong in proposing an end to compulsory quarantine. According to existing rules, people with Covid-19 must be isolated for at least seven days. Mr Lauterbach had proposed a shift to a voluntary five-day period of self-isolation by setting up a Covid-19 test at the end of this year.

France

France last month abandoned the need to show a Covid-19 passport – which it introduced in late January – for access to different venues, meaning those who want to go to bars, restaurants, stadiums, cinemas and exhibitions can do so. do freely. For non-vaccinated persons wishing to access health facilities, access is only granted if a negative test result or proof of recovery from Covid-19 can occur. After weeks of steady decline in infections in March, France is also lifting the requirement to use a face mask in addition to hospitals and public transport. Although not a legal requirement, many schools have retained the requirement to wear a face mask for teachers and students, as cases began to rise again late last month. Those who are fully vaccinated and test positive should self-isolate for seven days, a period that can be reduced to five after a negative test result and no symptoms for 48 hours. For those who are not fully vaccinated, the isolation lasts up to 10 days with the possibility of leaving after seven with a negative test result.

Italy

By April 30, anyone with access to public transport in Italy must wear an FFP2 mask, including buses, planes and ferries. FFP2s are also needed for any performance that is open to the public, whether indoors or outdoors, including cinemas, theaters and sporting events. A regular face mask can be worn in any other place, such as shops. Italy still requires the use of both the Green pass and the so-called Super Green pass. A green pass, obtained by vaccination for Covid-19, negative test result or proof of recovery, must be presented when accessing public transport, indoor bars and restaurants, outdoor sports fields, open-air theaters and concerts. They are also needed to access healthcare facilities. A Super Green card, which can only be obtained through Covid vaccination or proof of recovery, is required for indoor sports facilities such as swimming pools and wellness centers, indoor stadiums, theaters, cinemas and nightclubs. They are also needed for receptions and other indoor events. A 10-day period of self-isolation still applies to those infected with Covid-19. This can be reduced to seven days with a booster vaccine and for those on a second dose less than four months ago.

Spain

In Spain, self-isolation is no longer mandatory for those who test positive but have no or only mild symptoms, but authorities still recommend staying home, wearing face masks and limiting social contact to a minimum for a week. Face masks are mandatory for all people aged six and over on public transport and at indoor events, as well as at busy outdoor events where a distance of 1.5 meters can not be maintained. Health Minister Carolina Darias said she would propose lifting the requirement to wear masks indoors during a government meeting on April 19, although it would still be a requirement on public transportation and health centers. As of March, there was no need for a Covid pass to access event venues in Spain.

Austria

Austria was the first country in the EU to re-impose restrictions following a reduction in cases that meant they had been lifted. FFP2 masks were restored for all indoor common areas. This includes public transport, cable cars and ski lifts, all shops, cultural and leisure centers, hotels and restaurants when not sitting down. Bars, clubs and ski resorts après can choose between mandatory FFP2 masks or request proof of vaccination, recovery or examination. While the Covid pass is no longer a national requirement, the rules may vary by region. In Vienna, for example, you must prove either vaccination or recovery to access restaurants, bars, clubs and gyms. Children between the ages of six and 12 can access with negative side flow or PCR, while children between the ages of 12 and 15 can only access by PCR. If one tests positive, one should self-isolate for 10 days, but the period may be interrupted after five days if the PCR test is negative and there are no symptoms for 48 hours, reports Local.

Portugal

Face masks in Portugal are mandatory indoors and outdoors where no social distance can be maintained until 22 April. When they are in restaurants and cafes, people have to hold their mask until they sit down. The Covid card demonstration requirement has been lifted, but proof of vaccination, negative test or recovery must still be demonstrated at the border checkpoint. It is also required when accessing healthcare facilities, unless it is pierced with a triple piercing for more than two weeks. If you test positive for Covid-19 or show symptoms, you should be isolated for seven days if you do not have or have very mild symptoms, and if you have more severe symptoms you should be isolated for ten days.

Poland

People in Poland are no longer required to wear a face mask when attending various public indoor venues and events, although this does not apply to healthcare facilities. According to the advice of the United Kingdom government for travel to Poland, from March 28, the isolation for those who tested positive for Covid-19 in the country has been lifted.