Aware that EU Member States failed to coordinate the implementation of lockdown strategies, including the imposition of internal and external border controls, the European Commission seems intent that that exit strategies will be more synchronized to ensure stronger coordination between countries.
President Von Der Leyen admitted that “indeed the very beginning was difficult because there was little coordination and little communication between member states”. The Commission has now published a roadmap to ensure that exit strategies reflect “a gradual, consolidated and coordinated effort across the European Union.”
Measures should be gradual – European Commission
In a paper sent to European Governments, the Commission insisted that measures should be gradual and recommended a one-month gap between different steps so that these can measured over time”. “The lifting of measures should start at local level and be gradually extended geographically,” the Commission said on Tuesday. Yesterday, the Commission followed up on this by issuing guidelines on the matter.
Despite these efforts, it does however appear that a number of countries are still pushing their own timetables, announcing easing of lockdown restrictions, a few of which have already came into force.
International news website Politico has reviewed the announcements made by European governments so far, as well as compensatory restrictions which will apply. The key initiatives taken so far are as follows.
AUSTRIA
Easing of Restrictions: Small shops have been allowed to re-open on 14th April while all other establishments will be allowed to operate from 1st May.
Services, restaurants and hotels are scheduled to re-open on 15th May, but the latter is yet to be confirmed.
Additional measures: Masks are mandatory in shops and when using public transport. Voluntary contract tracing app has been rolled out.
BELGIUM
Easing of restrictions: The Kingdom set up an expert group on April 6 in charge of preparing to exit from lockdown measures. Garden centres and do-it-yourself shops have already been allowed to reopen their doors under strict social-distancing conditions.
CZECH REPUBLIC
Easing on restrictions: Some small shops have already re-opened on 9th April. Markets and craft shops will be able to do so as from next Monday, followed by larger shops a week later. The remaining businesses, including hotels, restaurants, bars, will follow as from 8th June. Individual physical exercise outside allowed and professional sports training in small groups allowed from 20th April..
Travel restrictions were also lifted for workers in ‘essential’ sectors. T
Additional measures: The Central European state has introduced a ‘Smart quarantine’ system based on cell phone and credit card data.
DENMARK
Easing of restrictions: Kindergartens and schools re-opened on 15th April.
FRANCE
Easing of restrictions: Nurseries and schools will progressively reopen from 11th May. The government is expected to announce a more detailed lockdown exit plan by the end of this month.
Additional measures: General-use masks available for everyone will be available from the same date, 11th May.
GERMANY
Easing of restrictions: Shops up to 800 square meters will open from April 20 under strict hygiene measures, with federal states having the option to announce further local restrictions. First schools to be opened gradually starting May 4.
Additional measures: The Government is recommending the wearing of masks, but it is not mandatory by law.
ITALY
Easing of restrictions: Bookshops, stationers and shops selling kids’ clothes and apparel were allowed to re-open on 14th April. A number of employees were also allowed to report to work in office-based businesses to process payments, particularly salaries.
POLAND
Easing of restrictions: As from this Sunday, Government will increase the limit on the number of people allowed inside shops, followed by allowing people to enter forests, parks and squares and take off masks in certain areas.
SPAIN
Easing of restrictions: Non-essential economic activities in industrial and construction sectors have already been permitted.
Additional measures: Masks are being handed out in public transport stations.
Read more via Politico.eu
