Health

18
Nov 2020
10:22 UTC

Europe Tactical (UPDATE): Countries continue to extend, tighten restrictions as COVID-19 cases surge regionwide on November 18; remain cognizant of authorities’ updates

Please be advised

Click here to view the previous report

  • Albania reported a new record increase in COVID-19 cases on November 17, with 694 new cases. All gatherings, both indoor and outdoor, are limited to ten people indefinitely in response. 
  • In Bosnia & Herzegovina, new measures have been introduced in the Republic of Srpska. All public gatherings of over 50 people are banned, and all private gatherings are limited to ten people. Hospitality businesses, including hotels and restaurants, are prohibited from offering live music in establishments. Protective masks are required in all public spaces, both indoors and outdoors. Bars and restaurants may only operate between 06:00 and 22:00. Competitive sports may be performed without spectators. The measures are in effect through November 30. 
  • Bulgaria recorded a record single-day increase in COVID-19 deaths on November 17, with 152 deaths. Further, confirmed cases in the country surpassed 100,000. On November 30, masks will be mandatory for all students in fifth to 12th grade. Masks are recommended for younger pupils but not mandatory.
  • In Denmark, Copenhagen International Airport (CPH) will reduce its capacity by 40 percent beginning November 25. As a result of the drop in air travel, CPH will close 24 of its 78 gates through 2022. 
  • In France, authorities confirmed that COVID-19 cases surpassed two million.
  • In Latvia, as of November 19, people not wearing face masks may not enter public premises. Further, service providers may not serve such persons. 
  • In Luxembourg, Prime Minister Xavier Bettel confirmed that the country is preparing to enter a new lockdown. Details have yet to be confirmed. 
  • In Montenegro, border crossings remain open despite the introduction of new COVID-19 measures. Experts have warned that the country’s healthcare system is on the verge of collapse. Several healthcare workers have contracted the virus, straining the system. 
  • In the Netherlands, the partial lockdown has been replaced by extended measures introduced on October 13. Details on the measures can be found here. Further measures are expected on December 8. 
  • In Portugal, authorities reinstated the state of emergency and curfews until November 23. The curfew is in place from 23:00 to 05:00 (local time) from Monday to Friday and from 13:00 to 05:00 on Saturday and Sunday.
  • In Russia, the country’s flagship airline, Aeroflot, announced it would resume flights to Athens, Greece from November 21, flight to Nice, France from November 20, and flights to Larnaca, Cyprus from November 22. The country reported a single-day record in COVID-19-related deaths, with various regions struggling to cope with the pandemic, experiencing overflowing in morgues and medical shortages. While Europe has reintroduced new restrictions in response to the second wave of COVID-19 infections, Russia has refused to enforce a new nationwide lockdown.
  • In the UK, authorities in Scotland will enforce a travel ban in level 3 and 4 areas, with non-essential journeys outside council areas outlawed with exceptions in place for essential purposes such as work and caring for a vulnerable person. Accordingly, people living elsewhere in Scotland must not travel to level three or level four areas, except for essential purposes. Nonessential travel between Scotland and other parts of the UK is prohibited. East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow, Renfrewshire, West Dunbartonshire, North and South Lanarkshire, East and South Ayrshire, Stirling and West Lothian entered level 4, facing near-lockdown restrictions until December 11. Non-essential shops, pubs, restaurants, and gyms are required to close, although schools remain open. East Lothian and Midlothian moved from level three to level two as of November 17. Further, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire will remain in level two. 

Assessments

  1. Countries are expected to continue reinstating restrictions over the coming weeks due to a renewal in new cases. With this, countries may continue with domestic travel restrictions, limiting public transportation, and expanding those required to self-isolate. With this, countries may continue with domestic travel restrictions, limiting public transportation, and expanding those required to self-isolate.
  2. Bans on public gatherings over a certain threshold are also likely to be extended across the region moving forward. Businesses and transportation services may be instructed to remain closed at least partially. 
  3. Regardless of official bans, airlines are likely to continue with either partial or complete flight cancellations even to destinations without bans in light of decreasing demand, while rail and maritime services are also likely to be reduced.

Recommendations

  1. Those operating or residing in Europe on November 18 and the coming days are advised to remain cognizant of authorities’ instructions regarding quarantines, travel restrictions, and health procedures. 
  2. Those intending to travel within the bloc are advised to reconfirm their itineraries with the airline or service provider. 
  3. Maintain vigilance for possible localized unrest due to anti-lockdown sentiments.
AFFECTED AREA Europe
INCIDENT RISK LEVEL Medium
STRENGTH OF SOURCE Credible

Please be advised

Click here to view the previous report

  • Albania reported a new record increase in COVID-19 cases on November 17, with 694 new cases. All gatherings, both indoor and outdoor, are limited to ten people indefinitely in response. 
  • In Bosnia & Herzegovina, new measures have been introduced in the Republic of Srpska. All public gatherings of over 50 people are banned, and all private gatherings are limited to ten people. Hospitality businesses, including hotels and restaurants, are prohibited from offering live music in establishments. Protective masks are required in all public spaces, both indoors and outdoors. Bars and restaurants may only operate between 06:00 and 22:00. Competitive sports may be performed without spectators. The measures are in effect through November 30. 
  • Bulgaria recorded a record single-day increase in COVID-19 deaths on November 17, with 152 deaths. Further, confirmed cases in the country surpassed 100,000. On November 30, masks will be mandatory for all students in fifth to 12th grade. Masks are recommended for younger pupils but not mandatory.
  • In Denmark, Copenhagen International Airport (CPH) will reduce its capacity by 40 percent beginning November 25. As a result of the drop in air travel, CPH will close 24 of its 78 gates through 2022. 
  • In France, authorities confirmed that COVID-19 cases surpassed two million.
  • In Latvia, as of November 19, people not wearing face masks may not enter public premises. Further, service providers may not serve such persons. 
  • In Luxembourg, Prime Minister Xavier Bettel confirmed that the country is preparing to enter a new lockdown. Details have yet to be confirmed. 
  • In Montenegro, border crossings remain open despite the introduction of new COVID-19 measures. Experts have warned that the country’s healthcare system is on the verge of collapse. Several healthcare workers have contracted the virus, straining the system. 
  • In the Netherlands, the partial lockdown has been replaced by extended measures introduced on October 13. Details on the measures can be found here. Further measures are expected on December 8. 
  • In Portugal, authorities reinstated the state of emergency and curfews until November 23. The curfew is in place from 23:00 to 05:00 (local time) from Monday to Friday and from 13:00 to 05:00 on Saturday and Sunday.
  • In Russia, the country’s flagship airline, Aeroflot, announced it would resume flights to Athens, Greece from November 21, flight to Nice, France from November 20, and flights to Larnaca, Cyprus from November 22. The country reported a single-day record in COVID-19-related deaths, with various regions struggling to cope with the pandemic, experiencing overflowing in morgues and medical shortages. While Europe has reintroduced new restrictions in response to the second wave of COVID-19 infections, Russia has refused to enforce a new nationwide lockdown.
  • In the UK, authorities in Scotland will enforce a travel ban in level 3 and 4 areas, with non-essential journeys outside council areas outlawed with exceptions in place for essential purposes such as work and caring for a vulnerable person. Accordingly, people living elsewhere in Scotland must not travel to level three or level four areas, except for essential purposes. Nonessential travel between Scotland and other parts of the UK is prohibited. East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow, Renfrewshire, West Dunbartonshire, North and South Lanarkshire, East and South Ayrshire, Stirling and West Lothian entered level 4, facing near-lockdown restrictions until December 11. Non-essential shops, pubs, restaurants, and gyms are required to close, although schools remain open. East Lothian and Midlothian moved from level three to level two as of November 17. Further, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire will remain in level two. 

Assessments

  1. Countries are expected to continue reinstating restrictions over the coming weeks due to a renewal in new cases. With this, countries may continue with domestic travel restrictions, limiting public transportation, and expanding those required to self-isolate. With this, countries may continue with domestic travel restrictions, limiting public transportation, and expanding those required to self-isolate.
  2. Bans on public gatherings over a certain threshold are also likely to be extended across the region moving forward. Businesses and transportation services may be instructed to remain closed at least partially. 
  3. Regardless of official bans, airlines are likely to continue with either partial or complete flight cancellations even to destinations without bans in light of decreasing demand, while rail and maritime services are also likely to be reduced.

Recommendations

  1. Those operating or residing in Europe on November 18 and the coming days are advised to remain cognizant of authorities’ instructions regarding quarantines, travel restrictions, and health procedures. 
  2. Those intending to travel within the bloc are advised to reconfirm their itineraries with the airline or service provider. 
  3. Maintain vigilance for possible localized unrest due to anti-lockdown sentiments.
AFFECTED AREA Europe
INCIDENT RISK LEVEL Medium
STRENGTH OF SOURCE Credible