Iran Press/ Europe: Here is our summary of the measures being taken across the continent.
Italy
Italy further tightened its restrictions on Thursday (December 23), barring unvaccinated from public spaces and enforcing mask wearing outdoors.
Outdoor New Year's Eve celebrations have been banned, and discos will be closed until January 31.
A daily record of nearly 44,600 new cases were recorded in the last 24 hours on Thursday, as well as 168 deaths.
The country already requires unvaccinated EU citizens to quarantine for five days if entering the country, while vaccinated visitors from EU countries must get a negative test within 24 hours of arrival.
France
On December 25, the health authorities stated that the daily number of cases has surpassed 100,000 (104,611 is the exact count) -- a key milestone for the country as Omicron spreads across the country.
The previous absolute record of 86,852 cases reached back in early November 2020, at the peak of the second epidemic wave, was previously surpassed on December 23, with 91,608 cases recorded.
Pressure also continues to mount on critical care units, which have 3,208 patients compared to 3,147 on Tuesday, with 323 new admissions. 179 more deaths due to coronavirus were registered.
On Wednesday (December 22) the government-approved COVID-19 jabs for children five to 11 years old.
Spain
Spain will make mask-wearing outdoors mandatory once again, with the prime minister set to pass a law by decree.
The country reported record-high COVID-19 infections as the Omicron variant takes hold.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also offered to deploy the armed forces to help regions step up vaccinations. Sánchez said he is targeting 80% of the 60-69 age group to have received booster shots by the end of next week, among other goals.
COVID-19 tests for professional use will temporarily be placed on sale at pharmacies amid a reported shortage of tests as well.
United Kingdom
The British government has so far resisted imposing new restrictions ahead of the holidays even as it continues to battle a significant rise in COVID-19 cases, driven by the more transmissible Omicron variant.
Prime minister Boris Johnson said the government could take "further action" to protect public health, adding that they were following the situation "hour by hour."
On Thursday (December 23) the country registered a record 106,122 cases, with more than 100,000 cases also reported the day before.
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