In an effort to reduce the spread of Chinese coronavirus over the winter holidays, at least 12 governments around the world have pledged to place restrictions on Christmas and New Year celebrations.
These mandates limit the number of people who can gather in public or privately, prohibit alcohol sales and ban dancing. There are also requirements to get vaccinations or tests for domestic travel or public gatherings. Some countries have canceled public celebrations of Christmas or New Year’s or both. Continue reading to find out which governments have announced a crackdown against merriment, togetherness, and celebrations this yuletide.
Malaysia
On December 16, the Malaysian Health Minister Khairy Ahmad Jamaluddin announced that mass New Year celebrations would be banned. All persons attending private New Year or Christmas celebrations must pass COVID-19 self-tests.
Czech Republic
On November 26, the Czech Republic declared a 30-day emergency over the Chinese coronavirus. The edict prohibited the opening of Christmas markets in the country and banned alcohol consumption in public places. Under the emergency order, all bars, restaurants, discotheques and nightclubs nationwide must close at 10:00 p.m.
Scotland
The government of Scotland has prohibited all large-scale New Year celebrations in Scotland on December 31, 2021.
The newspaper stated that attendance limits will be in place for live public events starting December 26, which will limit the enjoyment of Hogmanay [Scottish New Year] celebrations.
Canada
On December 17, Ontario Chief Medical Officer for Health Kieran Moore stated to reporters that Omicron would not be taking a vacation. The latest variant of the Chinese coronavirus has spread across the globe, he said. It was first discovered in southern Africa in November.
Netherlands
On December 14, the government of the Netherlands announced that it would continue a nationwide coronavirus lockdown, which had been in place since November 28, and will be extended through January 14.
“This is not the good news that you want at Christmas,” Mark Rutte, Netherlands Caretaker Prime Minister, told the Dutch public at a nationally televised news conference.
He said, “So yes. It was disappointing, but maybe not very surprising,” in reference to the lockdown extension.
The Netherlands’ November 28 partial lockdown limited social gatherings to just 13 people. All bars, restaurants and cinemas were also subject to a 5:00 pm curfew. Groceries and essential shops were required to close at 8:00 p.m.
This mandate prohibits outdoor gatherings of more than two people. All non-essential businesses, including museums, hair salons, and restaurants, must be closed by the Dutch federal government.
Portugal
Portugal’s government will restrict citizens’ movement between December 25 and January 9.
According to the news site, “On New Year’s Eve, no more than 10 people can gather on the streets, and alcohol outside will be strictly prohibited.”
Germany
Germany’s government will restrict private gatherings to 10 people who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 [Chinese Coronavirus] since December 28.
These restrictions prohibit spectators from attending “sporting events”, cultural shows, concerts, and other large public events.”
According to the news site, “Fireworks will also not be allowed for New Year’s Eve celebrations and nightclubs across the country will be closed.”
France
Paris announced on December 18 that it had canceled a planned fireworks display as well as a series of concerts scheduled to be held on Champs-Elysees New Year’s Eve.
Norway
Norway’s coronavirus measures restrict gatherings to ten people in private homes.
Latvia
The government of Latvia declared a three-month coronavirus emergency on October 11, which will continue through January 11.
Private events will not be permitted to exceed 10 people. According to the notice from Latvia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, up to 20 people are permitted to gather for an outside event.
The notice states that only vaccinated persons or those who have recovered from COVID-19 (Chinese coronavirus) are permitted to participate in public events.
The Latvian government states that people who are not vaccinated against the Chinese coronavirus should attend religious ceremonies “individually” if they have at least 15 m2 [square meters] of public space and wear face masks.
Persons who are not vaccinated may not visit churches of worship for more than 15 minutes.
The state of emergency limits the number of people who can participate in “cultural events” in Latvia to 60 percent of its capacity.
According to the Latvian Foreign Ministry, 500 is the maximum number of people allowed at a cultural event.
During the emergency period, Latvia’s government “interdicted” all businesses from offering “economic in-person entertainment, gambling and betting services (including in waterparks, entertainment, and amusement centers, trampoline park),”
Iceland
As of December 17, the Icelandic federal government had imposed various social distancing requirements and capacity limits on all businesses and services. Garda World forecast that the restrictions on Icelandic businesses would continue for the next two weeks.
According to the security company, private gatherings can only hold 50 people. Public events can accommodate up to 500 people if attendees can show proof of a negative PCR result within 48 hours or of recovery from COVID-19.
Garda World stated that facemasks must be worn in enclosed public areas and where social distancing is less than 1 meter (3 ft)”
Indonesia
According to an EKONID coronavirus notice dated December 13, 2013, Indonesia is currently using a more restrictive lockdown that prohibits non-essential and critical commercial activities.
Restaurants and shopping centers on the Indonesian islands Java and Bali will be closing their doors and operating at a reduced capacity during the winter holidays.
GardaWorld reported on December 15 that authorities had extended public activity restrictions in Java and Bali (PPKM) through January 3.
The Canadian private security firm foresees that PPKM will remain in force for other areas of the country until at least December 23rd, but further extensions may be possible.
According to Garda World, Indonesia’s federal government will ban anyone aged 17 and over from traveling within the country between December 24th and January 2, if they have not been vaccinated against Chinese coronavirus.
