As Europe opens up, Hong Kong battles a new COVID-19 surge

SWITZERLAND: Coronavirus-induced restrictions have been eased across Europe as cases, fuelled by the Omicron variant, are dipping. France’s nightclubs have reopened for the first time in three months, while Austria and Switzerland announced that they would be dropping most restrictions, including the use of COVID certificates and advice to work from home.

France is due to drop its rule mandating face masks in indoor public spaces that require a vaccine pass, such as restaurants, cinemas and gyms, on February 28, although the obligation will remain on public transport and in shops.

In Switzerland, from Thursday, the only remaining requirements in place will be the obligation to self-isolate for five days after a positive test and the wearing of masks on public transport and in healthcare institutions. Austria plans to drop its curbs from March 5, retaining mask wearing in essential shops, on public transport and in hospitals and other places with vulnerable groups.

Many German states have already moved to scrap rules preventing people without proof of vaccination or recovery from visiting non-essential stores.

Health authorities in Denmark said that they, too, were considering “winding down” the country’s vaccination programme in the spring and saw no reason now to administer a booster dose to children or the fourth shot to any more residents at risk of severe COVID-19.

All children aged five to 11 in England will be offered a COVID vaccine, ministers have said in a long-awaited announcement while emphasising that parents would be expected to make their own decision. – INDIAN EXPRESS