In Singapore, we’re now smoothly (somewhat) on the way to the new normalcy, with Phase 3 scheduled to start on 28 Dec 2020.
While too late for Christmas, at least it’s happening before the new year, especially since previously, experts have predicted that it won’t happen before 2021.
However, not every country is as lucky as Singapore and in many parts of the world, there are countries who are celebrating Christmas and New Year Day at home.
Here’s a concise list of countries which are still on lockdown during Christmas and New Year.
Germany
Currently, Europe isn’t having a great time with Covid-19.
Some countries have eased restrictions earlier only to have to re-impose them after a new wave of infections.
In fact, it got so dire the World Economic Forum, which is traditionally held in Switzerland, will be held in Singapore next year instead.
In Germany, a nationwide lockdown was introduced on 16 Dec 2020 and will last until 10 Jan 2021.
During this period, non-essential businesses like restaurants, bars, hairdressers and schools are closed.
Up to five people, from a maximum of two households, are allowed to gather during this period.
On 24 to 26 Dec, an exception is granted where one household can house a maximum of four close family members from other households, excluding kids.
Greece
In Greece, people are not allowed to leave their homes unless they send a text request to a government phone number, listing down their reason and personal details, for permission.
There’s also a nationwide curfew from 10pm to 5am, and schools, shops and nurseries are closed.
A majority of the measures are expected to remain over Christmas and the lockdown will end on 7 Jan 2021.
Italy
Italy, one of the hardest-hit countries during this pandemic, is similarly facing a lockdown during most of the Christmas & New Year season.
During these dates, people are not allowed to leave their homes unless for work, health and emergency reasons:
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- 24-27 Dec 2020
- 31 Dec 2020
- 3 Jan 2021
- 5 and 6 Jan 2021
All bars, restaurants and most shops will be closed on these days as well.
Denmark
Similar to its European counterparts, Denmark is introducing a Christmas lockdown from 25 Dec 2020 and it will last until 3 Jan 2021.
During this period, all shops and other businesses, other than supermarkets and pharmacies, will be closed.
Alcohol sales after 10pm are banned until 3 Jan.
The authorities are urging its people to observe social distancing rules and only a maximum of ten people can attend social gatherings indoors.
The Netherlands
On 13 Dec 2020, the Netherlands went into a 5-week second lockdown.
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All schools and non-essential businesses are closed and social gatherings are limited to two people at home.
Rules are more relaxed for three days around Christmas where up to three adult visitors will be allowed.
The authorities also advised its people to put off non-essential travel plans until Mar 2021.
The Czech Republic
On 18 Dec 2020, Czech Republic moved from the third into the fourth coronavirus risk levels as the Covid-19 situation within the country worsens.
Measures include a curfew from 11pm to 5am and the closure of public places like pubs, restaurants, fitness centres, swimming pools and indoor sports venues.
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However, there is a curfew waiver for those attending midnight mass and shops are allowed to remain open.
Some ski lifts in the mountains were allowed to open but there is no refreshment kiosks or accommodations available.
No exceptions have been made for New Year parties too and gatherings are limited to group sizes of six or below.
The government is currently seeking a 30-day extension of the country’s emergency state.
If successful, the Czech Republic’s emergency state will be extended to 22 Jan 2021.
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Thailand
You won’t have expected this if you can time travel back to earlier this month, when Thailand was one of the countries that had COVID-19 under control for months.
Currently, Thailand is wrestling with a new outbreak of Covid-19 infections which started from a shrimp market at Samut Sakhon.
Four new Covid-19 cases were reported there on 18 Dec 2020 and by Sunday, the number spiked to 689 according to Thailand officials.
Samut Sakhon has been placed into lockdown and three schools in the districts bordering the province were closed.
The situation is expected to be brought back under control in two weeks to a month’s time by authorities.
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Currently, it has a nighttime curfew implemented until 4 Jan 2020.
The Thailand prime minister, Prayuth Chan-ocha, took to Facebook to point out the need to cut out the epidemic “quickly”. He added that the Thai authorities are experienced in handling Covid-19 outbreaks.
On 22 Dec 2020, the Bangkok Post reported that the prime minister will spend the next seven days observing the situation to see if the New Year party, as well as Children’s Day celebrations, will go on as planned.
Should the situation get worse, “a lockdown will become unavoidable”.
London, England
Originally, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson had wanted to ease pandemic rules for five days due to the festive season.
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However, the new strain of Covid-19 in the UK happened and his plans had to change too.
Instead of easing, all non-essential shops were ordered to close and around 16.4 million people, about 30% of the UK’s population, were ordered to stay home.
The new variant of Covid-19, exclusively to the UK, is more infectious than the original version and contributed to the huge surge of cases in the UK during recent days.
You can find out more about the new variant of Covid-19 in the UK here.
Malaysia: Recovery Movement Control Order
Previously, it was reported that the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) will be extended all the way to the end of the year.
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However, on 5 Dec 2020, the Malaysian government decided to lift CMCO in most states, upgrading them to RMCO (Recovery Movement Control Order, kind of like Phase 3, if you ask me).
Even Kuala Lumpur, Sabah and Selangor have exited CMCO and progressed into RMCO, according to The Malay Mail.
Police roadblocks have also stopped from 7 Dec 2020 for interstate or interdistrict travel.
Meanwhile, in Singapore, the first batch of Covid-19 vaccines have arrived safely last evening.
Click here to find more about the newly-arrived vaccines and what it means for Singapore.
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Featured Image: Siti Nur Sahira / Shutterstock.com