Corona rules: Many countries dare to relax

Christine Albert studied German linguistics and literature as well as Scandinavian studies at the Albert Ludwigs University in Freiburg. She is currently doing a traineeship at Hubert Burda Media and is writing, among other things, for

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In France, people can go outside the door again without a permit. Strict curfews continue to apply in some places in Spain. When the corona rules are relaxed in Europe, countries and regions often take very different paths. An overview.

The desire to return to normal before the Corona crisis is great. Many European countries are daring to take further steps at the start of the week. An overview:

Switzerland

Around eight weeks after the closure, kindergartens and schools, shops, restaurants and museums are allowed to reopen on Monday. Sports in groups of up to five people are again allowed. Except in schools, hygiene measures and distance are required everywhere.

Those who can should continue to work from home so that there are no crowds in local transport. Cinemas, casinos, swimming pools, fitness centers and campsites will remain closed until the beginning of June. Masks are not compulsory, but recommended on buses and trains.

France

From Monday, people can go outside the door without a permit. There are no restrictions on sports or walks. The shops should also open again. Restaurants and bars stay closed. In less badly affected departments, parks and gardens are allowed to reopen.

Schools and crèches are also to open gradually. However, freedom of movement remains restricted. If you want to be more than 100 kilometers (previously: one kilometer) away, you need a valid reason. In the Paris metro, passengers with an employer certificate have priority at peak times. Masks are now compulsory on public transport.

Belgium

After weeks of prohibition, all shops are allowed to reopen - but under strict hygiene requirements. For Mother's Day, restrictions were already relaxed on Sunday: Each household can now receive four people. However, they always have to be the same - and they are only allowed to visit this one household. The distance requirement continues to apply.

Netherlands

After two months, the primary schools open again - initially for half of the pupils each day. Daycare centers and libraries are also open again. Hairdressers, beauty salons and masseurs can again receive customers. Outdoor sports are allowed again - but without physical contact and only if a safety distance of 1.5 meters is maintained.

Denmark

The entire retail trade is allowed to reopen - including the shopping centers.

Czech Republic

Shops in shopping centers are allowed to open. After almost two months, people can go to the hairdresser again as long as they wear a face mask and protective visor.

Operation in museums, galleries, theaters, cinemas and concert halls is allowed to start. A maximum of 100 people can be admitted here at the same time, visitors must keep a minimum distance. This also applies to weddings, sports events and church services. Regular international travel by bus, train and plane will be permitted again. However, there is still an extensive entry ban for foreigners.

Spain

The holiday country is proceeding differently from region to region: The Balearic Islands with the main island Mallorca, the Basque Country and other regions begin "phase 1" of normalization. Hotels, restaurants and outdoor bars are allowed to reopen. In other regions such as Catalonia or Valencia, easing is only permitted to a limited extent. The capital Madrid and the metropolis Barcelona remain in "Phase 0" with a strict curfew.

Greece

With the opening of all stores in the retail sector, the second phase of the restart of the economy begins. According to the government, this means that a third of workers will return to work. In addition, the last classes of grammar schools are returning to schools so that they can take the exams.

Norway

The older students are also back in class. For almost two weeks, first to fourth graders have been allowed to go back to school, but pupils in fifth to tenth grades and secondary schools have not.

Finland

In Finland, schools are scheduled to reopen on Thursday.

Estonia

Shopping centers are allowed to reopen, including their restaurants and cafes. Cinemas, bowling alleys or play areas must remain sealed. Visitors are advised to cover their mouth and nose in shops. Museums and exhibition halls are also accessible again. Groups of up to ten people are allowed.

Lithuania

EU citizens and foreigners with visas are allowed to re-enter. From Germany, in addition to the ferry connection from Kiel to Klaipeda (Memel), the routes from Rostock and Travemünde can also be used again. But travelers have to go into quarantine for 14 days. This does not apply to commuters, business travelers and students from Poland and later also Estonians and Latvians. The three states will open their common borders on May 15th.

Slovenia

Hotels with fewer than 30 beds, campsites, restaurants and amusement parks are allowed to reopen.

Croatia

Restaurants that serve outside and shopping centers are allowed to reopen. Domestic travel will be made easier, but will remain restricted. Long-distance public transport and domestic flights will resume. Meetings of up to ten are allowed if you keep your distance. Daycare centers and primary schools open again.

Serbia

In Belgrade, daycare centers and primary schools are opening for children whose parents have to work.

Great Britain

In England, people who cannot work from home should go back to work, observing the distance rules. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Sunday. In addition, as of Wednesday, unrestricted physical activity outdoors will be allowed again - within one's own household.

So far, the British were only allowed to leave the house once a day to exercise or go for a walk. Travel within England, for example to national parks or to the coast, will also be permitted again. The easing does not apply to the British parts of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.