AUSTRIA, BURYATIA AND TUSCANA: WHERE THE LOCKDOWN WAS RE-INTRODUCED DUE TO THE SPREAD OF CORONAVIRUS

While experts were arguing about how large-scaled the next wave of the COVID-19 pandemic would become, a number of states and regions re-introduced a lockdown due to an increase in the number of cases. The number of patients on the planet has approached the mark of 55 million people - according to WHO, 650 thousand people are infected with the coronavirus every day and almost every second is a resident of Europe.

 Austria was the first among European countries, the authorities of which completely returned to the quarantine measures. Two weeks ago, Vienna imposed a mild version of restrictions: mandatory wearing of masks and gloves, keeping social distance, disinfecting surfaces. Residents were forbidden to leave their homes without viable reasons.

Mass, sports and cultural events were suspended, but this did not prevent the spread of the disease.

Starting from November 17, Austrian schoolchildren are prohibited from attending educational institutions. All beauty salons and some shops will be closed in the country; it will be possible to leave the house only with a special document. All types of amateur sports, except individual running, are prohibited.

On November 13, Chancellor Sebastian Kurz announced that the authorities established a strict lockdown until December 6 - if measures do not help stop the spread of the virus, the quarantine will be extended.

In neighboring Germany, quarantine measures are also in effect, causing protests from the certain groups of the population. In Frankfurt, police had to use water cannons to disperse demonstrators.

Spain has tightened the entry rules for foreign citizens.

Now the persons crossing the border will have to present a certified test result for COVID-19, otherwise they will face a fine of € 6,000. The quarantine measures in the country have been extended until May 2021.

Two Italian regions - Tuscana and Campania - were also in the "red zone". Since November, the entire territory of Italy has been divided into several zones, depending on the degree of infection. A curfew has been set to counteract the disease, children are being taught remotely, and museums, theaters and exhibition halls are closed.

In Russia, Buryatia became the first among the regions where the authorities re-introduced quarantine.

As of November 16, 269 people have been infected in Buryatia per day. A regime of strict restrictions has been introduced in the republic - catering establishments have been closed for two weeks (since November 16), they now work only for take-out or delivery. The work of enterprises of the gaming industry, beauty salons, baths and saunas has been completely suspended. However, the republic's authorities do not plan to extend the quarantine in December.