With Europe again becoming an epicenter for COVID-19 with the Omicron variant of the dreaded virus spreading like wild fire in the continent, more European countries have tightened restrictions on concerts in a bid to combat the spread of the virus variant.
The ‘IQ Magazine’ stated that Germany last week extended its so-called 2G rule to cover the whole country – meaning only those who have been vaccinated or recently recovered from coronavirus can attend live music and other cultural events in venues.
Outdoor events are limited to 50 percent capacity with a maximum of 15,000 attendees, while indoor gatherings are also limited to 50 percent capacity with a maximum crowd of 5,000. Wearing of face coverings have been made mandatory for all events.
The ‘IQ Magazine’ further stated that meanwhile, in Ireland, indoor events are now limited to 50 percent capacity, whereas evidence of a negative COVID test – from either a lateral flow test or PCR – has been added to Scotland’s (UK) vaccine passport scheme from December 6th. Previously, attendees were required to show proof of full vaccination.
However, in the Netherlands, the Government has put on hold plans to implement a 2G system until the New Year, saying there is not currently enough time to draw up the legislation. A temporary capacity limit of 1,250 was imposed on venues last month.
In Denmark, COVID passes are now required for indoor gatherings of at least 100 people (previously 200) and outdoor gatherings of 1,000 upwards (previously 2,000). The measures came into effect on November 29th.
Esben Marcher, Secretary of national trade body Dansk Live, has welcomed the efforts to allow the sector to continue operating – “It is really good if the new restrictions can help curb the infection and keep the doors open for our members. Our members are experts in dealing with large crowds, and we have always believed that you can go to a concert safely, but we also welcome the fact that people can now feel completely safe when they go to concerts.”
Elsewhere, Austria is in the midst of a national lockdown and is set to become the first European country to make COVID vaccinations compulsory from February 2022.
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