COVID-19 measures lifted in most European countries

Some European countries have lifted COVID-19 measures completely, while only basic measures such as mask requirement in public transport remained in others.

Since the beginning of 2020, European countries took serious measures, including curfews, mask requirements, remote work, and closing of stores, except those selling basic products to contain the spread of COVID-19.

As the course of the pandemic began to change, as virus variants reduced the impact of the disease and more people received the anti-COVID-19 Vaccines, many countries have relaxed measures, with fewer hospitalizations and deaths.

At the beginning of March, Belgium removed the obligation to wear masks, except for public vehicles such as buses and trains, and health institutions. The certificate system used to enter closed areas has also been removed.

COVID-19 measures in Germany were relaxed in March. Mask obligation has been lifted, except for facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes, and public vehicles. There is no spectator restriction in cinema, theater, and league matches.

In the Netherlands, all pandemic measures were lifted by the Government as of March 23, while the mask rule, including public transport and planes, has been removed. For EU citizens traveling to the Netherlands from and outside the EU countries, the requirement to present a negative test result, recovery, or vaccination certificate has ended.

In the UK, COVID-19 measures such as quarantine, mask obligation, and travel restrictions have been removed, as the country returned to the pre-pandemic period.

In neighboring France, mask requirements and COVID-19 vaccination card applications in closed areas outside public transport and health centers were lifted as of March 14.

With the partial removal of the mask obligation in closed areas as of April 20, the process of easing the measures has been largely completed in Spain.

In Italy, the first and most seriously affected country in Europe, the measures were softened on April 1.

Until the end of April, the “green pass” certificate will remain for cinemas, theaters, nightclubs, planes, train, bus, and ferry journeys, gyms and indoor swimming pools, and stadiums that can serve at full capacity.

In Austria, except for public transportation, hospitals, and markets where daily needs are met, masks are no longer required in closed areas.

The obligation to show a COVID-19 pass certificate, applied in closed places, cafes, and restaurants in Greece, will be lifted as of May 1.