FX.co ★ Christmas and coronavirus: how Europeans to celebrate winter holidays

France

France takes the lead among countries with the highest level of daily coronavirus cases. So far, 2.2 million people have been infected with the coronavirus and 51,900 people have died. At the same time, the authorities lifted some of the earlier imposed restrictions. Since November 28, non-food stores, book and music stores, as well as churches have reopened. Schools have resumed outdoor extracurricular activities. According to President Emmanuel Macron, the peak of the second wave of COVID-19 has passed. However, citizens are advised not to go out unless it is absolutely necessary to get essential supplies. If the number of new cases eases, France's nationwide coronavirus lockdown will be lifted on December 15. The French will be able to go to the cinemas and travel to other regions. The third stage of easing restrictive measures may last until January 20, 2021. Ski resorts and restaurants will be closed until then.

Spain

Spain occupies second place among the countries with a difficult epidemiological situation. Spain has recorded 1.6 million cases and the death toll has totaled 44,600. In late October, the authorities introduced restrictive measures that are still in effect. According to preliminary forecasts, lockdown measures will last until May 9, 2021. For instance, people have to keep a social distance and follow the rules of the curfew. The only exception was made for the Canary Islands, where the infection rate is lower than in the country. Experts do not rule out that the quarantine measures may be relaxed at Christmas. Mainly spoke, the government is still discussing such a possibility.

UK

The UK is in third place among the European countries where the coronavirus is thriving. The number of people infected with the deadly virus has reached 1.5 million, while the death toll has exceeded 57,500. Earlier, the authorities said that the lockdown restrictions, which started on November 5, will be replaced by a three-tier system of local restrictions. They came into effect in October. This is why experts as well as ordinary Britons are still completely unaware of what awaits the country during the winter holidays. People are looking forward to Christmas as this holiday always takes a special place in their hearts. However, this year, this festive occasion may not be as memorable as it used to be due to restrictions. No wonder, people are hoping that the government will lift some containment measures at least for Christmas. Earlier, England, Northern Ireland, Wales, and Scotland agreed to partially loosen the restrictions. However, the coronavirus truly knows how to kill the spirit of this festive occasion. Experts say that many Britons may be unable to buy and cook the main Christmas dish-a roast turkey. This problem is related to the shortage of workers in the UK.

Italy

Italy is the fourth among countries with a high rate of new cases. This year, the country has updated all possible anti-records for the number of new coronavirus cases and people who died from the virus. Currently, 1.5 million people are infected with the virus and 56,300 have died. This year, the country is nog planning to open ski resorts, although many citizens spend their Christmas holidays in the Alps. At the moment, Italy is divided into several zones – yellow, orange, and red, depending on the severity of the virus spread. The country still keeps restrictions on travel between regions. As for the lockdown measures for Christmas, the Italian authorities have not yet clarified the situation.

Germany

Germany closes the rating of the top five countries with the least favorable epidemiological situation. Germany has registered 1.02 million cases, whereas the death toll has amounted to 15,900. Earlier, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that the restrictive measures will be in effect until the end of the year. Currently, private meetings and short-term visits to stores are allowed in Germany. Bars and restaurants, fitness clubs, swimming pools, beauty and massage studios, theaters, and concert halls are closed in the country. Notably, kindergartens, schools, and shopping centers continue to work. The government struggles to give a certain answer when all the resections will be relaxed, assuming that the battle against the coronavirus will last until the spring of 2021.