How Europe is handling a Covid-19 Christmas

CNN — Europe is preparing for a Christmas season like no other, as governments desperately try to thread the needle between preserving public health and allowing families to gather for traditional celebrations at the end of a tough year. Croatia Croatia is still considering the measures for its Christmas period, but Health Minister Vili Beros said on December 12 that “he did not believe a strict lockdown would be imposed.” Beros noted that though a possible travel ban between countries was being discussed, it was unlikely to be introduced, according to Croatia’s Public News Agency HIRA. France The French government on December 3 recommended that Christmas and New Year’s Eve gatherings be limited to a maximum of six adults – with no limit on children – due to the pandemic. Sandra Zampa, an undersecretary at the Health Ministry, said on December 3 that the Christmas Eve Mass must end around 8:30 p.m. “so that worshippers can return home before the 10 p.m. curfew.” On these days, all shops, bars and restaurants will be closed except for delivery and takeout. United Kingdom The UK has agreed to ease social contact restrictions during the festive period from December 23 to 27; people will be allowed to travel freely between the four UK nations to spend time with friends and family in an exclusive “Christmas bubble.” But there has been conflicting advice from the leaders of the United Kingdom’s four devolved governments regarding the rules.