While restrictions are imposed on public life in France, the mask requirement is being expanded in Greece. Apple is closing its stores in New York.France has decided to tighten corona measures due to the increase in cases caused by the Omicron variant. In accordance with the new measures announced by French Prime Minister Jean Castex after the cabinet meeting last night, businesses will switch to working from home three days a week as of January 3rd. Businesses will increase the work-from-home system to four days, if possible.
Restrictions were also imposed on the gastronomy sector. Accordingly, bars and cafes will only serve tables from January 3, and customers will not be allowed to consume drinks and food while standing. This measure is planned to be valid for three weeks in the first phase. For sportive and cultural events, it will be allowed to take 5,000 people outdoors and a maximum of 2,000 people indoors. In addition, Prime Minister Castex, who announced that he will be required to be fully vaccinated at events, restaurants or distant travels, said that it will not be enough to just submit a negative test as of January 15.
The requirement to wear masks in cities will also be expanded due to the highly contagious Omicron variant. It is not planned to close schools or switch to distance education. Prime Minister Castex stated that the measures taken are aimed at reducing the possible burden on the health system and preventing possible damage to the economy.
In order for the measures taken by the French government to be implemented, it must also be approved by the parliament.
Apple closes its stores in New York
The US is also on the lookout for the Omicron variant. “We are prepared and we know what it takes to save people’s lives,” said US President Joe Biden, stating that they are prepared for a rapid increase in cases. Biden, who attended the meeting of the state governors with a video link yesterday, stated that the measures against the lack of Covid-19 test were on the way and underlined that more should be done. Biden also argued that there is no need to panic because of the Omicron variant.
Immunologist Antony Fauci, who advises Biden, said that they expect the cases of Omicron, which has become the dominant variant in the USA, to increase even more.
The US technology company Apple, on the other hand, has decided to close its stores in New York due to the increasing corona cases. The company said in a statement that its customers can continue to shop online. It was announced that nearly a thousand flights were canceled on Monday due to Omikron cases in the USA.
Mask requirement is being expanded in Greece
Greece will also enter the new year with extended corona measures. As of January 3, restaurants and bars will close their doors at 00.00 in the country. During the hours when the gastronomy venues are open, a maximum of 6 people will be allowed to sit at the tables. While the obligation to wear masks in public areas is expanded, it will be necessary to wear high-protection masks called FFP-2 when entering supermarkets and getting on public transport.
New measures in effect in Germany
In Germany, two weeks ago, it was decided to tighten the measures as of 28 December. In accordance with the measures decided by the federal and state governments in Germany, nightclubs, discotheques and similar venues will be closed throughout the country as of today, and large-scale events such as football matches will be held without spectators. In addition, up to 10 people who have been vaccinated and recovered will be able to gather indoors and outdoors. Unvaccinated people, on the other hand, were previously restricted from going out except for basic needs such as supermarkets and pharmacies.
AFP,dpa/HS,HT
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