By Lawrence Leenhardt
While the Covid-19 pandemic is gaining ground in certain regions of the world, it is declining in Europe (-4%) but less sharply than in Asia (-20%) or in Africa (-14%). In the EU, vaccination campaigns have reached a plateau. Update on the situation
In France, the milestone of 50 million people who have received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine was finally reached on Friday, September 17, 17 days behind the end of August target set by the government. But it represents a victory for the executive, since nearly three quarters of the population are now at least first-vaccinated. And elsewhere in Europe?
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3rd dose in Spain
Spain has already fully vaccinated 75% of its population, placing it in the leading group of European countries in this area.
Following the example of other countries such as France, the Iberian health authorities decided on Thursday to administer a third dose of Covid-19 vaccine to residents of nursing homes in the country, hard hit by the pandemic during the first wave in 2020.
This third dose will also be administered to other groups of people at risk, such as transplant patients or patients placed under treatments that weaken the immune system.
Italy: the pass for all workers
Health Minister Roberto Speranza this week announced the extension of the health pass to the entire world of work (23 million workers), public and private, and “we are doing it for two essential reasons: to make these places safer and to make even stronger our vaccination campaign ”.
Objective of this measure: to increase the vaccination rate as much as possible before the onset of the cold, which risks promoting a resurgence of contagions. At this point, nearly 75% of the population over the age of twelve is vaccinated, or 40.46 million people.
In addition, the absence of a health pass will be severely penalized. A fine of 400 to 1,000 euros may be imposed, more in the event of infringement. After five days of unjustified absence due to the absence of a pass, the employment relationship will be suspended, as will the salary.
Portugal among the world champions
Portugal is the only country in Europe where the vaccination rate is rising sharply, with 151 doses per 100 inhabitants. Almost 80% of the Portuguese population is already fully vaccinated, which places the country among the most advanced in the world in this area, like Malta and the United Arab Emirates.
The Iberian country owes a good part of its success to the rigor and composure of the naval officer in fatigues in charge of carrying out this mission. On Monday, September 13, wearing a mask outdoors ceased to be mandatory, with Portugal posting a reduction in the number of new cases of coronavirus.
Stable in Germany
The fourth wave was weaker in Germany than in its neighbors, but it was still marked by a resurgence of all indicators for measuring the epidemic. As in France, it is experiencing stagnation in terms of vaccinations, with several protest movements in the country.
To relaunch the campaign, Merkel’s government decided to expand the possibilities of vaccination beyond the permanent centers. Shopping centers, volunteer firefighters, trams, football clubs or mosques will welcome vaccine candidates free of charge and without an appointment. As of September 16, 62.9% of the population had a complete vaccination schedule and 67.1 had at least one dose.
Things get stuck in Brussels
In Belgium, the tone is rising against the unvaccinated and even the Prime Minister has rebelled against people refusing the anti-Covid vaccination, which, according to him, is preventing the easing of restrictions from being generalized throughout the country. According to the regions, the disparities in the number of vaccinated are significant and block the easing of restrictions at the national level.
For example, from October 1, wearing a mask will in theory no longer be compulsory in shops, cafes and restaurants, but will remain compulsory in public transport, stations, airports and healthcare establishments. But the region of Brussels (the 19 municipalities of the capital) will ignore this possibility of flexibility because the rate of complete vaccination of adults is only 64%, well below the national average (84%).
Outside the EU
Well, no longer in the European Union but still in Europe, Great Britain is breathing. Most of the restrictions have been lifted. As proof, Fashion Week with its fashion shows resumed on Friday. As for travel, from October 4, vaccinated travelers to England will no longer need to be tested before leaving a country that is not on the red list.
Then, at the end of October, the PCR test required on the second day after arrival on English soil will be replaced by an antigen test, less expensive.
In Switzerland, faced with a pandemic that continues to fill hospitals and intensive care beds and an insufficient vaccination rate, with only 53.31% of people fully vaccinated, the authorities have extended the health pass obligation to enter the country. restaurant or bar, but also to see an exhibition, a film or an indoor sporting event.
In addition, all unvaccinated or unhealed people must present a negative test (antigen or PCR) upon entering Switzerland, regardless of their origin and the means of transport used. And all people entering Switzerland – vaccinated, cured or tested negative – will also have to fill out an entry form, which will then allow the authorities to carry out random checks.