Several European Countries Are Reintroducing Lockdowns

Italy’s new restrictions went into effect this week and will last through November 24, with bars and restaurants now required to close by 6:00 PM. Gyms, movie theaters, and public pools will be closing completely. Italian prime minister Giuseppe Conte told reporters in a news conference on Sunday, “We think we will suffer a bit this month but by gritting our teeth with these restrictions, we’ll be able to breathe again in December.”

Spain also announced new restrictions for a period of 15 days, though that could be extended for up to six months if needed. A state of emergency has been imposed, along with a national nightly curfew from 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Gatherings of more than six people are also banned.

Hospitalizations are also on the rise in France. Last week, President Emmanuel Macron announced curfews and restaurant and gym closures in Paris, Aix-Marseille, Grenoble, Montpellier, Toulouse, Saint-Étienne, Lille, Rouen, and Lyon between 9:00 PM and 6:00 AM.

The UK announced new restrictions last month. Each country has different regulations set by the devolved governments but they are all taking a similar approach setting local COVID alert levels and tiered lockdown rules to match the number of infections in the different regions.

Even Germany, which has so far faired well in the pandemic, is seeing a concerning rise in numbers and has enacted two-week lockdowns in the districts of Rottal-Inn and Berchtesgaden. Residents in these areas are banned from leaving their homes without an approved reason.

A version of this article was previously published on October 15, 2020, and was updated on October 27, 2020, with more information.