Like COVID-19 vaccination efforts increase, many US states relax or removal of restrictions. But this is not the case in many other countries around the world. In fact, some have much stricter rules than anything ever imposed in the United States
From 6 p.m., until the “no talk” rules, until men and women are allowed to be out only on alternate days, coronavirus restrictions around the world are constantly evolving – some in unusual ways.
France – traffic and traffic restrictions
France has been one of the most affected countries in Europe, with over 4 million cases and over 91,000 deaths since March 19.
The Paris area is in a new blockade to combat a wave of cases. Residents can go outside to get moving, but only 10 km (6 miles) from their homes. People are not allowed to travel to other parts of the country without proof of a valid reason, such as a death in the family or business that cannot be done remotely.
Cafes, restaurants, museums, theaters and ski resorts are closed throughout France from October 30, with no date set for reopening. A nationwide coverage kept people at home from 6pm to 6am every night from mid-January.
But there is help for companies that have been forced to close. They can receive up to $ 12,000 a month or compensation equal to 20% of their 2019 income.
VALERY HACHE / AFP via Getty Images
Masks are needed for public transport and, on top of that, the French National Academy of Medicine has asked people to be silent – no words, no phone calls – reducing the spread of germs in public transport and whenever social distancing is not possible. Officials specified that this is not “an obligation”, but a “recommendation”.
During France’s first blockade in March 2020, the rules were even stricter. People had to download and fill out a form every time they needed to leave the house. Police would check the forms to make sure the person had a legitimate reason to be out and issued fines of up to $ 150 for violations. At that time, people could only move within a radius of 2 km (about 1.2 miles) from their homes, and recreational cycling was prohibited.
Abu Dhabi, UAE – Track bracelets
From September 2020, most passengers arriving in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, must wear a tracking bracelet during the mandatory 10-day quarantine. All passengers must also undergo thermal testing and COVID-19 testing at the airport.
“Self-isolation must take place at home and you will be required to wear a medically approved bracelet at all times. The bracelet will be provided by Abu Dhabi Airport authorities after you have cleared immigration,” Etihad Airways said in a statement. directories posted on its website.
Those under the age of 18, over 60, suffering from a chronic illness or holding a diplomatic passport are exempt from wearing the bracelet.
Singapore – Hotel tracking and quarantine devices
At the beginning of the pandemic, Singapore began asking people to wear a special digital device or use an application to help authorities track any contact with coronavirus cases. It is mandatory for entry into malls and public places.
Authorities initially stated that the contact tracking system data was encrypted, stored locally and used only if people were positive for COVID-19. But last month, officials said the data was used in a criminal investigation, raising questions about confidentiality and surveillance.
In addition, travelers entering Singapore from most countries are required to make a 14-day quarantine at a government-designated facility – at the traveler’s expense.
Quarantine is strictly monitored by the government and facilities are allocated at random. One woman said she spent her entire quarantine in a 5-star hotel, while others recounted their experience in windowless, bug-filled rooms.
Last month, a Singapore court sentenced a Briton to two weeks in prison after sneaking out of his hotel room to meet his then-fiancée during quarantine. He was also fined $ 752.56 for leaving the room three times, according to Reuters.
Similar quarantine requirements are also in place for most visitors traveling to Kuwait, Hong Kong and Australia.
Mexico – Repression against junk food
A number of states in Mexico have taken steps to ban the sale and sale of junk food and sugary drinks to minors in September, out of concern that health conditions such as diabetes and obesity they put people at higher risk for coronavirus. The law applies to school vending machines and vending machines.
Many grocery stores, especially those in Mexico City, have established rules that allow a single family member at a time in their stores to reduce congestion and potential exposure to the virus.
More than 190,000 Mexicans have died from COVID-19, the third highest number of deaths reported worldwide. Thursday, Mexico has announced restricts non-essential travel to land ports of entry.
Spain – Rules regarding assembly, smoking, speaking
With one of the highest numbers of cases and deaths in Europe, Spain has imposed one of the strictest blockades on the continent. The country reopened to visitors during the summer, but has since entered a state of emergency that will run until May.
Restrictions vary greatly depending on the region, but gatherings of more than six people are prohibited throughout Spain, and at this time a national night shift is provided between 10 am and 11 pm to 6 am, depending on the region.
Spain has closed nightclubs and banned smoking in public outdoor spaces, where people cannot maintain a social distance of at least six feet. The Spanish health ministry said it was worried that smokers could transfer the virus to other people in expired drops of smoke.
The regional government of Catalonia demanded in November that all public transport passengers refrain from talking, eating and drinking to prevent the further spread of the virus, according to local media.
Emilio Morenatti / AP
The regional government of Galicia, in northwestern Spain, has announced that it has approved fines, ranging from about $ 1,100 to $ 71,000, for people who refuse to be vaccinated against COVID-19 if their refusal is considered to lead to “a very serious risk or damage to public health. “But the law faces legal challenges and may not come into force.
Germany – Special masks are required
Germany has the highest number of new COVID-19 infections since January and is extending its current blockade until March 28. It releases some restrictions to allow non-essential stores and other companies to reopen only in areas with relatively low infection rates.
In many places, a maximum of five people from up to two households are allowed to gather in a house, but children under the age of 14 are not included in this number. Most shops have been closed nationwide since December, and restaurants, bars, sports and entertainment venues have been closed since November. Hotels are only allowed to accommodate business travelers.
Germany requires people to wear surgical masks or top filter N95 or FFP-2 masks, rather than just face cloths in stores, at work, and on public transportation, hoping to control the virus’s faster-spreading strains.
Panama – The alternation of men’s and women’s days
At the beginning of the pandemic, Panama announced one of the most aggressive measures in Latin America: locals could only go out on alternate days, depending on gender, as mentioned on their national identification cards.
Women could leave their homes to buy basic necessities only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, while men could go on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Everyone had to stay home on Sunday. Even on their designated days, both men and women had only two hours to do their shopping.
This measure was abolished in February.
South Africa – Ban on liquor and cigarette sales
South Africa has hosted one of the strictest blockades in the world. At the beginning of the pandemic, South Africa introduced a total ban on alcohol sales, which lasted until June 1. The ban was revoked in July, but was lifted a second time a month later. The third ban was implemented in December, which has now been lifted.
“Reckless behavior due to alcohol intoxication has helped increase transmission. Alcohol-related accidents and violence put pressure on our hospital emergency units,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said in a nationwide address in July.
South Africa has also imposed an unprecedented ban on cigarette sales to help prevent respiratory problems associated with COVID-19. The ban lasted for more than three months.
In March 2020, South Africa sealed its borders, banning international visitors from coming to the country and leaving many South Africans stranded abroad. The travel ban was lifted in October, but following a “massive increase” in COVID-19 cases caused by a extremely contagious variant discovered there last year, Ramaphosa announced in January that 20 land borders would be closed by February 15.