The European response to the coronavirus emergency has never been so uneven, as in recent weeks. Just while in many countries the epidemic is already in its peak phase, and that in these days the fate of a common response to face an unprecedented economic crisis is being decided, the main European states continue to proceed in no particular order. Italy seems to be confirmed as the most prudent reality, given that Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte actually did it on Friday confirmed an almost total lockdown across the country at least until May 3, with very few new exemptions (bookstores were one of them, but many regions have confirmed the ban).
FRANCE
On the other hand, the setting of France and Spain is different, the other two countries most affected by Covid-19. Transalpine President Emmanuel Macron spoke to the nation on Monday evening, with a speech that the press itself appreciated, defining it pragmatic: he proclaimed the extension of the quarantine until May 10, a week longer than Italy, but immediately afterwards, already starting from 11 May, phase 2 will start which it even provides for the progressive reopening of kindergartens and schools. Macron has given the government two weeks to reinforce the aid package for self-employed workers and businesses, with particular attention to the most affected sectors: tourism, catering, events.
The people most at risk, elderly and previously ill, will continue in isolation, while the others will gradually be able to start carrying out some activities again, albeit in maximum safety: through the Municipalities starting from Monday 11 May, masks will be distributed to citizens, to be used indoors and on means of transport. Confirmed until 10 May, and almost certainly beyond, the closure of the borders. Some production activities will also resume from 11 May, but for now it has not been specified in detail which ones, while the government estimates the fall in GDP in 8 at -2020% (in line with Italian forecasts). Macron has repeatedly insisted on the concept of "coexistence with the virus", which is also talked about a lot in Italy and for which the expert manager Vittorio Colao has been put in charge of a task force.
SPAIN
On the other hand, everything is played for the whole of the Spanish premier Pedro Sanchez. Unlike France where Macron's action is essentially gaining the approval of a large part of public opinion and political forces, in Spain the situation is as tense as in Italy and the socialist leader, pressed on the restrictive measures for which someone has shouted to the regime, he was forced to yield. Probably forcing the reopening times. The fact is that from today in Madrid and its surroundings some non-essential activities such as offices, construction and industry will also reopen, obviously following the strictest precautions. Instead, schools, cinemas and theatres, local restaurants and bars remain closed for now, just as the ban on the movement of people remains, except in the cases already permitted.
The lockdown it was officially extended until May 10, but with more businesses reopened than in Italy and France, so much so that someone has spoken of the de facto start of a phase 2, perhaps premature. Sanchez denies it, and has to face a tough battle especially with the local autonomies, which were pressing for greater caution.
GERMANY AND AUSTRIA
In Germany the level of contagion is remaining relatively low, and therefore reopenings could soon occur, with some requirements: the obligation to wear masks on means of transport, buses and trains; the use of a voluntary app to understand who an infected citizen may have come into contact with; gradual reopening of schools. Angela Merkel decides between today and tomorrow, after consultation with local governors.
Still further forward is theAustria, which had played in advance by closing everything on March 15, when there were very few cases in the country and after a month the dead are "only" 350. Chancellor Kurz announced phase 2 already last week (he was the first in Europe to do it), and therefore from today the shops up to 400 square meters in size will reopen: everyone will be forced to use masks, as in supermarkets, and each customer must have at least 20 square meters of space available. The gardens also reopen, but the entrances will be staggered and controlled. Shopping centers and hairdressers should also start again from May XNUMXst, while restaurants and hotels will have to wait until at least mid-May, if not longer.
ALTRI
In Denmark are ready to reopen schools from April 15, also in Norway and the Czech Republic they will ease the restrictions in the coming days. In Norway, schools have been open since April 20, while in the Czech Republic, one of the most timely European states to close, shops reopen while maintaining the obligations on social distancing and the ban on gatherings.
