Maltese people have always been known to be opinionated and a debate, about one topic or the other, is always ongoing. At the moment, the hottest issue is whether Malta should go in complete lockdown or not.
The divide falls strictly between those who feel we should have gone into lockdown weeks ago to those who want to delay the lockdown as much as possible, mostly in fear of economical repercussions. The government has, so far, said that from the advice it is being given, a complete lockdown is not necessary at the moment.
The virus case count in Europe has climbed to over 50,000 and more than 2,000 people have died. So how are other EU countries handling COVID-19?
Italy, Spain and France in lockdown
After Italy, ground zero in Europe’s battle with COVID-19, Spain and now France have imposed lock-downs, confining citizens to their homes except for urgent business like buying food or heading to any hospital that might still have the capacity to treat them.
The Czech Republic started a lockdown on Monday, and Netherlands ordered all schools, day-care centres, restaurants and bars to close until April 6. The new restrictions cover Amsterdam’s famed marijuana-selling “coffee shops” and sex clubs.
Seven countries have informed the European Commission, the EU’s executive body, that they’ve reintroduced ID checks inside Europe’s passport-free Schengen Area.
EU leaders are expected to endorse a 30-day travel ban on people wanting to come to Europe for tourism or non-essential business. Long-term EU residents, diplomats and members of European families would be exempt. Health care and transport workers could escape the ban too.
“Green lanes” in Europe for those ferrying supplies
Separately, so-called “green lanes” would be set up at the internal borders of the 26 Schengen countries, allowing fast-track access for trucks ferrying essential supplies to defy the traffic jams that have begun forming at some crossing points.
Germany will partially close its borders with France, Switzerland, Austria, Luxembourg and Denmark.
All foreigners denied entry in Poland, Slovakia
Starting at midnight last Saturday, Poland’s borders with all its neighbours were closed and all foreigners denied entry unless they lived in Poland or had personal ties there. Non-citizens who are let in will be quarantined for 14 days.
Slovakia took similar action. An entry ban on foreign nationals in Cyprus only excepts European citizens if they live or work in the ethnically divided island nation.
Brothel closures in Berlin, sex clubs in Amsterdam
In Berlin there have been 332 confirmed cases of COVID-19 so far. Several dozens infections have been traced to bars and clubs. Last Saturday, authorities in Berlin had ordered the temporary closure of all entertainment venues, including brothels. Whether all sex workers will heed that order, or risk their and their client’s health to make ends meet, was unclear.
In the Netherlands, Amsterdam’s famed Red Light District was similarly hard hit after the government on Sunday night ordered the closure of schools, bars and restaurants for three weeks and made a point of mentioning that sex clubs also were affected.
By Sunday night, the normally packed canal-side streets and narrow, cobbled alleys that are normally a tourist magnet were largely deserted. On Monday, the windows where scantily clad sex workers pose to attract customers were largely empty. Some had signs taped to the glass saying: “The office is closed” due to the coronavirus restrictions.
Vatican closed off for Holy Week
The Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem’s Old City was being closed indefinitely, and the Vatican closed off next month’s Holy Week services to the public.
Some churches in Italy are being allowed to stay open for individual prayer, but all public Masses are forbidden during Italy’s lockdown to discourage crowding.
No St. Patrick’s day in Ireland
Ireland ordered all pubs and bars to close for two weeks – including on Tuesday, St. Patrick’s Day – and urged people not even to hold house parties. Two pub industry groups had warned of the “real difficulty” in keeping people apart in the country’s famous watering holes.
In Barcelona, there were long lines to buy bread. Police patrolled parks and told people who were not walking their dogs to go home. The Las Ramblas promenade was eerily empty.
France went ahead Sunday with nationwide elections to choose mayors and other local leaders. A 1-meter (yard) gap between people was mandated, as well as soap or sanitizing gel and disinfectant wipes for voting machines. On Sunday, however, stacks of chairs filled cafe fronts instead of customers. Cafes and eateries have been an essential part of the fabric of social life in France since 17th-century Paris.
UK does not restrict everyday activities yet
Britain, which has not yet restricted everyday activities, said it plans to set out emergency powers this week, including potentially requiring people over 70 to self-isolate for up to four months and banning mass gatherings.