Europe braces for Christmas amid COVID-19 pandemic
Bianca Rahimi
Press TV, London
In the UK up to three families will be allowed to form a bubble under one roof over the festive period. That’s less than a week away, and amid a surge in infections London and nearby areas have entered Tier 3 -- the highest level of local restrictions in England.
A UK Cabinet minister has urged Britons to use their "personal judgement" on whether to meet under relaxed coronavirus measures over Christmas. Across Europe, governments have warned of a spike in infections if Christmas gatherings go ahead as normal.
In Germany restrictions have been tightened and all businesses selling non-essential goods have closed. Over Christmas only five people from two households will be allowed to meet - not including children under 14. Italy and the Netherlands also plan tighter lockdowns over the holiday period. Meanwhile all eyes are on the European Medicines Agency which has been under pressure to approve the Pfizer vaccine.
The UK was the first country in the world to authorize emergency use of the vaccine. In the first week 137-thousand people have been vaccinated. The number is expected to increase as GP surgeries get the vaccine and care homes will follow. With a record economic slump because brought on by the pandemic the UK is hoping an attempt to spread holiday cheer does not backfire spectacularly.
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