Europe begins to cautiously ease social distancing

As the Covid-19 pandemic begins to cool down in some European countries, the first steps towards easing social distancing measures are gradually being taken. However, these steps are being taken very cautiously by European countries, avoiding any mistakes that could potentially cause the pandemic to flare up again.

Denmark began reopening schools on April 15 as the first step in gradually easing its month-long lockdown. With the number of deaths and hospitalizations from the virus falling, the country decided to reopen schools and daycare centers first.

The decision to reopen schools will allow parents to go to work and the economy to get back on its feet, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said. But schools have spent the past week preparing for safety requirements such as keeping students 2 metres apart. However, many parents are still refusing to send their children to school, fearing the virus could spread further.

Nonne Behrsin Hansen, whose two children are two and four, decided to keep them home: “I think it’s very difficult for the children to follow instructions, like not hugging all their friends. They have to be separated into small groups. It’s also impossible to stop them from running around the playground if they see their friends.”

Concerns about the risk of infection in schools as social distancing measures are eased are a concern in many countries. Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg held a special Q&A session for children on April 15 to answer questions about the upcoming relaxation measures. Prime Minister Erna Solberg said that it will take time for life to return to normal.

“One of the things I miss the most is hugging my friends. But that’s impossible right now with the social distancing rules we have. Things will return to normal soon. Preschools will open first, then primary schools from grades 1 to 4,” Solberg said.

A YouGov poll published this week found that a majority of Germans do not want restrictions to be lifted, with 44% in favor of extended social distancing measures and a further 12% saying they want them tightened to prevent the spread of the virus. German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced on April 15 that social distancing measures to control the virus would remain in place until at least May 3, but some shops could reopen next week. Merkel also asked people to adhere to strict anti-epidemic measures.

“It is very important that people respect the 1.5-metre distance in public. We also urge people to wear masks when travelling on public transport or when shopping. We will have more masks and this will help protect people,” Merkel stressed.

While decisions to close schools, close borders and stay at home have been swift in recent times to contain the Covid-19 pandemic, European countries are taking a cautious approach to easing restrictions. Although restrictions may be eased in many areas, people are still required to wear masks. Large-scale testing is also seen as key to tracking and isolating cases early.

Under the European Union leaders’ plan to prepare countries for reopening, countries should open in stages, with shops and schools being the top priority, followed by restaurants and other social entertainment venues. Policymakers have also urged European leaders to move slowly, with specific stages, and be ready to reverse the plan if the risk of a resurgence of the virus is felt. Each country will have the final say on how to ease the lockdown, based on its own situation.

Europe's moves are being watched closely by countries, especially the US, where intense debates are taking place over how and when to reopen the economy./.

Pham Ha