Coronavirus Diaries: This Is How the Lockdown Is Being Lifted Across Europe

The global pandemic has affected the whole world and we're still catching our breath. Europe is one of the continents that has been hit the hardest, with 4.23 million cases as of 13th May. The Americas have just passed Europe in the reported cases and situation in the West looks bleaker than ever. After seven weeks of lockdown, Europe is entering the next phase and readying itself as it reopens schools and businesses. This is how the the lockdown is being lifted across Europe.

France

The most loved and visited European country, France, that attends to almost 90 million tourists each year is easing up as it enters a new phase. The restrictions have been eased from 11th May and cars can go as far as 100km radius. Residents will be required to provide a certificate as proof.

France has been split into zones as well, with four red zones that include Paris. All public places including schools, parks and gardens will remain shut for students between 11 and 18 years of age. The students will not see schools opening before June this year. Shopping centres in Paris are opening too but restaurants will remain shut. Gathering with less than 10 people are allowed. This change will be reviewed in three weeks

Germany

According to reports, Germany's Chancellor, Angela Markel has announced that even as the lockdown is lifted, an 'emergency brake' can be applied in any area that sees a spike in infection. Extra hygiene and caution will be practised as shops reopen. Bicycle shops, bookshops, car dealership shops have opened as well. Schools have opened up for students taking exams and other classes will gradually resume as the situation gets better.

What is interesting is that the popular German football league, Bundesliga, will open at the end of each month but big public events are banned till August at least.

Ireland

Ireland is ready with a five-stage roadmap to open its doors, starting 18th May. The rules here are stricter than in most other places in the UK, with schools remaining shut until September. Nurseries and creches of essential workers will open but only for children of essential workers from the 29th of June. Social visits will be allowed from 8th of June along with shops selling non-essential items and from the 29th, people will be allowed to travel within a 20 km radius.

Belgium

Belgium has been hit hard by the pandemic and is taking slow steps towards recovery. The lifting of lockdown is slow and from the 10th of May, people can receive visits from up to four people but the same people will not be allowed to visit anywhere else. Schools will resume from 18th May with not more than 10 children in one class and restaurants will start to open from 8th June.

Among other countries Italy has permitted funeral gathering outdoors with a cap of 15 people. Russia has Moscow as the worst hit and so will maintain tougher restrictions there as compared to other cities. Poland, unlike other countries, will allow parks and forests to first open. Sweden did not impose a strict lockdown in the first place and is asking people to practice social distancing voluntarily. The standard reviewing time for most countries is three weeks.