To win some time as the variant spreads, European governments have two principal weapons at their disposal: one is to accelerate the roll-out of booster jabs, the other to limit social interactions
infectious Omicron variant already accounts for a majority of covid-19 cases in London. It is now surging in continental Europe, prompting governments there to rush in new rules. Germany is imposing a 14-day quarantine on all travellers arriving from Britain, starting on December 20th. France closed its borders to tourists from Britain on December 18th. Restrictions on international travel will not be enough to contain the spread of the variant, however.
Even if Omicron turns out to be less severe than Delta , the scale of this oncoming wave means that the number of serious cases may rise. Many front-line health workers may themselves be off work due to infection, putting further pressure on hospitals. To win some time, and ease this pressure, European governments have two principal weapons at their disposal. One is to accelerate the roll-out of booster jabs, in order to increase protection.
Europe is now racing to step up its booster roll-out. The French president, Emmanuel Macron, in late November opened up boosters to all over-18s. He also warned the over-65s that the French covid pass, a digital certificate required for entry to restaurants, bars and other indoor venues, would expire in mid-December unless the bearer had received a booster. Arms are now being jabbed at a decent rate. Karl Lauterbach, the new German health minister, announced that 1.
The Dutch have imposed the toughest new rules on their own citizens to date. All bars, restaurants, cinemas, non-essential shops and indoor sports centres have now closed for a month. Sporting events will take place in empty stadiums. Families will be allowed to invite only four guests aged 13 and over into their homes during Christmas. Mark Rutte, the Dutch prime minister, said that he had no choice given that the variant was spreading “even faster” than had been expected.
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