On March 19, Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel announced that strict quarantine measures in the country had been extended to at least April 18. At the meeting in March, the heads of state agreed to a cautious easing of the quarantine, although Angela Merkel had objected to it. However, the number of new coronavirus cases in Germany sharply increased, so that the third wave of the pandemic is just around the corner.
A compulsory quarantine for all people entering the country from abroad can be introduced in Germany. On Saturday, Angela Merkel urged fellow citizens not to travel to other countries during the coming Easter holidays.
The third wave of the coronavirus is also gaining momentum in Poland. 21,849 new Covid cases were registered in this country on Sunday, that is 27% more than the daily number of new cases a week ago. That is why the Polish authorities introduced a nationwide lockdown on March 20. The tightened quarantine measures were extended there until April 9.
Hotels, cinemas, museums, fitness studios, cultural institutions and sports facilities, including ski areas, will be closed in accordance with the restrictive measures. In addition, the work of shopping malls will be limited, and first to third grade students will study online. The lockdown will also affect Easter week.
On March 15, it was confirmed that the 7-day incidence of coronavirus infections in Poland increased by 75%. The Ministry of Health described the epidemiological situation in the country as "alarming".
New restrictive measures due to COVID-19 have also come into force in Bulgaria. They are valid from March 22nd to 31st.
Catering establishments will be closed during the new lockdown. Only take-away and delivery services are allowed. Only shops for daily needs (groceries, pharmacies, telecommunications operator offices, pet stores, etc.) can remain open. The work of kindergartens, schools and universities will be discontinued (with the exception of studying of medical specialties). Students are now learning online.
Gyms, swimming pools, and sports centers remain also closed. An exception was made for professional athletes. The sporting events are carried out without spectators. In addition, events with more than 15 people are prohibited, and employers should send up to 50% of employees to the home office.
