Europe is struggling to find ways to allow its citizens to celebrate Christmas despite a bruising second wave of the coronavirus pandemic.
Here are some updated holiday restrictions from Poland and Bulgaria.
BULGARIA
The Bulgarian government has decided to extend the closure of nightclubs, casinos, restaurants and sport halls until at least January 31.
Initial plans for these venues to reopen on December 21 have been revised, the government said in a statement Thursday.
The ban extends to events, conferences and most shopping malls, with the exception of service-providing businesses such as banks, pharmacies, shops, telecommunications companies.
From January 1, theaters, museums, galleries and cinemas can reopen, at 30% capacity. Kindergartens, nurseries and classrooms for students from first to fourth grade will open after the holidays on January 4.
Hotel restaurants will have a shift system for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with no more than 50% seating capacity being used and with a closing time of no later than 10 pm.
On Thursday, the country’s ministry of health reported 1,959 new Covid-19 cases.
POLAND
Poland will enter a national lockdown from December 28 to January 17, with hotels, ski slopes and shopping malls closing and a New Year’s Eve curfew, Health Minister Adam Niedzielski announced on Thursday.
A couple is seen choosing a Christmas tree in Bronowice shopping mall in Krakow, Poland, as the city prepares for Christmas amid coronavirus restriction measures, on December 16. Dominika Zarzycka/NurPhoto/Getty ImagesOn New Year’s Eve, residents are instructed to “stay at home” and avoid gathering with anyone outside of their household. All but essential movement will be prohibited from 7 pm on December 31 until 6 am on January 1.
A 10-day quarantine will be required for those returning to the country by public transportation.
“Interrupting Covid-19 transmission is the only effective way to win the fight against coronavirus. The Covid-19 vaccine will make it possible. Before we start the vaccination process, however, we must be especially careful and responsible,” Niedzielski said.
Theaters, cinemas and cultural centers, which have been closed since November 7, will remain closed until January 17. Restaurants remain closed except for takeout and delivery.
Gatherings are limited to five people and participants must wear face coverings and maintain social distancing. Churches are limited to a maximum of one person per 15 square meters.
Weddings, communions and parties are banned, and gyms remain closed.
