‘Tide Is Turning’: Several EU Countries Scrap COVID Restrictions

by Jeremy Loffredo, Childrens Health Defense:

Several European countries this week announced plans to ditch COVID restrictions, including masks, quarantine rules and capacity restrictions at indoor venues.

Could COVID restrictions, at least in Europe, soon become a thing of the past?

“The tide is turning,” said comedian and political commentator Jimmy Dore. “People have had enough and they’re starting to lift COVID restrictions.”

During a recent segment of “The Jimmy Dore Show,” Dore noted England, Ireland, Norway and Wales announced an easing or complete end to restrictions that have dictated many aspects of public life over the last two years.

“Face masks will no longer be mandatory in public places and COVID-19 passports will be dropped for large events,” the AP reported, noting also the government is “no longer advising people to work from home, and compulsory face masks will be scrapped in secondary school classrooms” starting Jan 28.

“We will trust the judgment of the British people and no longer criminalize anyone who chooses not to wear [a mask],” said Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Al Jazeera reported the Irish government is scrapping almost all of its COVID restrictions including forcing bars and restaurants to close early and capacity restrictions on indoor entertainment venues.

Mask requirements on Irish public transportation and shopping centers will be lifted next month.

Ireland’s Prime Minister Michaell Martin suggested the number of seriously ill people is well below the previous COVID peak because of booster shots.

In Wales, the BBC reported, “more restrictions to people’s daily lives have been eased.”

The Welsh government lifted restrictions on pubs and restaurants, and scrapped all limits on sporting events.

The government also set Jan. 28 as the date when nightclubs can reopen and “the rule of six,” or social distancing, will no longer be enforced.

Norway is also scrapping its strict traveler quarantine rules which applied to all travelers entering the country.