Review of restrictive public policy measures to limit the spread of COVID- 19 - 21 April 2020 - HIQA
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Review of restrictive public policy measures to limit the spread of COVID-19
Health Information and Quality Authority
Review of restrictive public policy
measures to limit the spread of COVID-
19
21 April 2020
Page 1 of 57Review of restrictive public policy measures to limit the spread of COVID-19
Health Information and Quality Authority
Version history
Version Date Specific updates
V1.0 25 March 2020 Date of first review
V2.0 26 March 2020 Included and summarised restrictive measures
implemented in Japan, Luxembourg, Poland, Chile,
and Finland.
Added a ‘live’ summary table (Table 1) of restrictive
measures in each country.
Reformatted some text and added in two new data
measures to be captured in data extraction.
V3.0 31 March 2020 Reformatted some text and added in two new data
measures to be captured in data extraction.
Included the date measures were introduced in each
country, and the duration of enforcement.
Updated policy measures from Ireland and Japan, and
included information on restrictive measures in
Germany.
V4.0 03 April 2020 Included additional data from: Germany, Iran, South
Korea, Belgium, Portugal, Norway, Singapore, Czechia,
Denmark, Romania, Ireland, Iceland, Russia, Peru and
Mexico.
Updated the text to focus on countries that introduced
more restrictive measures, where applicable.
Updated Table 1 with relevant dates in each country.
Included information from China on restrictions that
have been scaled back to date, along with Japan,
Peru, and Singapore.
V5.0 07 April 2020 Included additional data from: Brazil, Sweden,
Slovenia, Estonia, Croatia, and Greece.
Included information from Austria, Iran, Brazil, and
Germany on scaling back measures.
Removed information from Singapore on scaling back,
as they reversed their decision.
V6.0 09 April 2020 Included additional data from: Israel, Turkey, and
Malaysia, Indonesia and China.
Page 2 of 57Review of restrictive public policy measures to limit the spread of COVID-19
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Included information from Norway, Czechia and
Denmark and Estonia on scaling back measures.
V7.0 14 April 2020 Included a summary table (Table 2) of measures that
are being eased and or lifted in different countries.
V8.0 17 April 2020 Added public health restrictions data for the following
countries: Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, New Zealand,
and the US (Table 1).
Added contextual data on the percentage growth rate
in the number of new cases daily for countries that are
scaling back measures (Table 2).
Page 3 of 57Review of restrictive public policy measures to limit the spread of COVID-19
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Key points
To limit the spread of COVID-19, governments around the world have
implemented strict public policy measures that involved restricting the
movement of people, banning mass gatherings, closing schools, businesses,
and public amenities, and enforcing rule of law through enhanced powers of
police and armed forces.
Some of the most restrictive measures introduced internationally, to date, to
limit the spread of COVID-19 involved:
o Enforced quarantine, or cordon sanitaire, in Austria, China, Israel, Italy,
Malaysia, Turkey, and Singapore.
o Imposing a curfew in Chile, Ecuador, Israel, Peru, Romania, and Turkey.
o Restricting the number of people allowed outside in groups to as few as
two in Australia, Estonia, Germany, and the UK;
o Limiting the movement of people outside of their own home to a two
kilometre radius in Ireland.
o Enforcing restrictions through the use of police or armed forces in Austria,
Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg,
Norway, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, among many more countries.
Few countries have taken a less stringent approach to limiting the spread of
COVID-19. In Sweden, for example, people have not been asked to stay at
home, and all schools and businesses have remained open during the
pandemic. The toughest restriction imposed, to date, involved limiting the
number of people permitted to gather in groups to 50 people.
As the growth in the spread of COVID-19 has begun to slow in some countries,
there has been a shift towards easing and lifting restrictions. Some of the
restrictions that are being eased internationally include:
o Re-opening of schools
o Re-opening of non-essential services
o Some return to workplaces
o More flexibility for social gatherings
Triggers for the decision to ease restrictions include, declining or stabilising of
new cases and deaths, and hospitals not having become overwhelmed.
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Background
A number of restrictive public policy measures have been introduced to limit the
growing spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Ireland. These were first
introduced on 12 March 2020, when the government announced the closure of
schools, nurseries, and universities to prevent the spread of the virus in the country.
Citizens were asked to practice social or physical distancing, and mass gatherings of
100 people in indoor areas were cancelled, while outdoor gatherings of 500 or more
people were also cancelled. The measures were quickly followed by the closure of
pubs and clubs. A number of additional restrictive measures were introduced on 24
March, with further restrictions announced on 28 March. These measures were
extended to 12 April, before being further extended until 5 May 2020.(1) Some of the
more restrictive measures introduced by the Irish Government to date included the:
rule that everyone is required to stay at home, except in certain
circumstances
closure of all theatres, clubs, gyms and leisure centres, hairdressers, betting
shops, marts, markets, casinos, bingo halls, libraries, and other similar outlets
cancellation of all sporting events, including those played behind closed doors
closure of playgrounds and holiday or caravan parks
restriction on all organised social indoor or outdoor events of any size, such
as parties or weddings
closure of non-essential retail outlets
everyone must exercise within a two kilometre radius of their house.
Restrictive public policy measures have also been implemented by governments in
other countries to limit the spread of COVID-19. The Health Information and Quality
Authority (HIQA) undertook a review to identify those countries that are implementing
restrictive measures; particularly those countries that are implementing more
restrictive measures than what have been introduced in Ireland.
Methods
The review was first undertaken on 25 March 2020, in line with HIQA’s Protocol to
identify public policy responses to COVID-19, available on www.hiqa.ie. Government
websites were searched to establish the set of restrictive public policy measures that
were being implemented, if any. The search was limited to the top 50 countries most
affected by COVID-19, as defined by the number of diagnosed cases on 25 March.
Information was extracted from press releases, press briefings, and government
documents on restrictive measures related to:
travel
mass gatherings
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staying at home
curfew
cordon sanitaire
closure of schools, nurseries or universities
closure of businesses
public amenities, such as parks and beaches
public transport
enforcement of restrictions by police or armed/military forces
when restrictions were introduced and duration
when restrictions were scaled back and triggers for this.
Results
A range of restrictive policy measures have been implemented across the countries
affected by COVID 19. Table 1 provides a detailed summary of the restrictive measures
introduced in each country. A brief summary of these measures is provided below,
with a specific focus on those countries that have implemented more restrictive
measures than Ireland.
Travel restrictions
All included countries implemented travel restrictions of some form. For example, Italy
has been declared as in ‘complete isolation’.(2) In Ireland, all non-essential travel
overseas has been advised against, rather than enforced. Foreign nationals are also
not prohibited from entering Ireland, although anyone arriving in Ireland must self-
isolate for 14 days. In contrast, citizens in Czechia are forbidden from departing the
country; only foreign nationals may leave.(3) Access to Czechia, Indonesia,(4) Estonia,(5)
Malaysia,(6) and Brazil(7) is forbidden to all foreign nationals, with some exceptions (for
example, those who live within 50km of the border or travelling for trade or diplomatic
reasons). Taiwan implemented stringent travel restrictions beginning in January, when
at the first sign of a new illness, the government introduced 124 measures to block
the spread of COVID-19. These included a ban on passenger flights, tours, cruise
ships, visas cancelled and health checks were implemented at airports followed by
strict quarantine for 14 days (which was tracked via mobile phone to ensure
compliance). Australia,(8) Canada,(9) and the US(10) have all imposed travel restrictions
including the closure of borders and advising citizens not to travel overseas. Entry into
the US has been restricted for anyone travelling from the Schengen area, along with
Ireland, China, Iran, and the UK, since mid-March. Norway issued new border control
rules on 13 April, ensuring that only Norwegian citizens and people who are legally
resident in Norway may enter the country.(11) The Czechian government also
introduced temporary land border controls with Germany and Austria to ensure foreign
nationals cannot enter the country.(3) Similar border controls have been introduced in
Poland,(12) while in Chile, all land, maritime, and air borders are closed for the transit
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of foreign nationals.(13) Portugal closed all entry to the country and imposed tight
lockdown restrictions in order to prevent travel over the Easter period, but have since
eased these restrictions to standard lockdown restrictions (a ban on all essential travel
and isolation at home).(14) Greece banned all non-EU entrants to the country until 18
April.(15) Malaysia closed all inbound and outbound borders(6) and China put restrictions
on inbound air travel.(16)
Mass gathering restrictions
The restrictions on mass gatherings have been broadly comparable across countries,
with the exception of Japan and Iran, which simply asked its citizens to avoid big
crowds and Croatia which banned events with more than 1,000 people.(17) In all other
included countries, mass gatherings have been prohibited to some extent. In Ireland,
mass gatherings have been completely prohibited: when outside, citizens have been
told not to gather with anyone from outside of their own household.(1) Few countries
have tougher restrictions on mass gatherings; however, in Italy, the movement of
people in public has been prohibited,(18) while in the UK,(19) Germany,(20) Australia,(21)
and Estonia,(22) gatherings of no more than two people are prohibited and more than
five for Indonesia. Slovenia additionally mandated the wearing of mouth and nose
protection and gloves when in any indoor public space.(23) Germany have also
mandated the wearing of masks in public. Turkey banned picnics, fishing and exercise
outside at the weekend in cities and town centres. In the US and Canada, mass
gatherings are prohibited but vary from state to state as to the limit on the number of
people. Whilst no lockdown was implemented in Taiwan, people have been asked to
wear protective masks and strictly follow COVID-19 precautions when going out.
Religious orders have moved ceremonies online.(24)
Advised to stay at home
On 28 March 2020, the Irish Government instructed everyone to stay at home, except
for very limited purposes (such as to buy medicines, food, or to travel to work in the
case of essential workers).(1) The measure is as restrictive as what has been
introduced in Italy,(18) France,(25) Spain,(26) Romania,(27) Ecuador,(28) Chile(13) and
Israel(29) among other countries. As of 10 April 2020, Italy extended its advice to stay
at home, along with all other restrictive measures, until 3 May. (30) Less restrictive
measures can be found in Germany,(31) South Korea, Singapore, and Iceland among
others, where people have been asked to practice social distancing and avoid going
out where possible. Slovenia implemented an additional measure where between 8am
and 10am, only vulnerable groups can make purchases.(32) In Poland, people will be
required to cover their mouths and noses when leaving their home from 16 April. (12)
In Australia, citizens have been asked to stay at home except for essential reasons,
such as food, work, and exercise,(33) while in Canada and the US, the restriction varies
by state. In New Zealand, a four-week national lockdown was introduced on March 26
asking people to stay at home to curb the spread of disease.(34) In contrast, no
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lockdown was implemented in Taiwan, but people have been asked to wear protective
masks and strictly follow COVID-19 precautions.(24)
Curfew imposed
To date, a curfew has not been imposed in Ireland. Although, the necessity of a curfew
may be redundant given the closure of businesses and restrictions on staying indoors.
However, five countries have implemented some form of a curfew restriction. These
include Chile (imposed from 10pm to 5am),(13) Ecuador (9pm to 5am)(28) and Peru
(6pm to 5am).(35) A curfew had been imposed in Romania, but it was replaced by the
mandate to stay at home.(27) Israel placed a curfew on citizens during the Passover
holidays, which was subsequently lifted. Turkey imposed a total curfew for everyone
over 65 years and under 20 years.(36)
Cordon sanitaire
The majority of countries have not implemented any form of cordon sanitaire (defined
as a guarded line preventing anyone from leaving an area infected by a disease and
thus spreading it)1 restrictions. In Italy, an absolute ban was imposed on anyone
leaving quarantined quarters due to infection, as well as quarantined quarters due to
close contact with confirmed cases.(18) In Austria, no one is allowed to enter or leave
affected parishes (the Paznaun Valley, St. Anton am Arlberg, and Sölden).(37) Three
large foreign worker dormitories have been designated as isolated in Singapore.(38) In
Malaysia, in Hulu Langat, Selangor, residents are not allowed to leave their homes and
no visitors are allowed to enter the area (effective from 1 April to 14 April 2020) due
to high case numbers. In Turkey, the Kendril town and surrounding areas are
quarantined. In Israel, there was a nationwide lockdown, barring Israelis from leaving
their communities during Passover, from 7 April until 10 April 2020.(39)
Closure of schools, nurseries, universities
All countries reviewed, implemented restrictions on the closure of schools, nurseries
and or universities. In most countries all educational institutions are closed, including
in Ireland, where it is currently unknown when they will reopen. Face-to-face classes
in third level institutes in Peru have been suspended until end of 2020. In the UK, all
schools are closed except for the children of critical workers.(19) In Japan, Canada, and
Croatia,(17) all schools are closed, but nurseries and kindergartens remain open.
Kindergartens and boarding schools remain open in Israel. Sweden has the fewest
restrictions, where schools are still open and universities have been asked to move to
online learning,(40) as is the case in Australia(41) and Taiwan, where the public health
advice is that schools are low risk areas of transmission and thus remain open.
1
Lexico, powered by Oxford. Available from: https://www.lexico.com/definition/cordon_sanitaire
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Closure of businesses
The majority of countries have implemented some form of business closures. These
include, the closure of all businesses and places of worship in Italy.(18) In Spain(42) and
France,(25) all non-essential businesses have been suspended (including restaurants,
cafes, cinemas and nightclubs) as in Ireland,(1) and many more countries. However,
in Spain, certain sectors, including manufacturing and construction, have reopened
since 13 April 2020. In the UK, all non-essential businesses are closed (including retail
stores, pubs and nightclubs). Where essential businesses are opened, contactless
payment options are recommended and take away or delivery options strongly
encouraged.(19) Sweden has not closed any businesses.(40) Indonesia has made an
exception of mandatory closure for eight industries to continue: health, staple goods,
energy, communications, finance and banking, logistics, retail, strategic industries
located in the capital. No closures were implemented in Taiwan.
Restrictions on public amenities
Most countries have implemented some form of restrictions on public amenities. In
Ireland, playgrounds have been closed, and outdoor spaces such as parks and beaches
are being patrolled and groups dispersed.(1) Similar restrictions have been introduced
in South Korea, where public spaces have been shut including parks, sports facilities,
and day care centres.(43) In Italy, recreational outdoor activities, including sports, in
public places have been prohibited.(43) In France, people are not allowed to enter
public spaces.(25) In Slovenia, access is limited to people living in the municipality.(32)
Israel has closed playgrounds and synagogues, but beaches and parks are allowed
provided they are within 100 metres of your residence.(29) In some countries, the data
was unclear, such as in Spain, for example. Sweden have not imposed any
restrictions.(40)
Public transport restrictions
Public transport restrictions have been implemented in many countries. Currently
Ireland is providing public transport, but this is restricted to those who are buying
food or medicines, carers, going to medical appointments, and essential workers. (1)
The same restriction is in place in Spain(42) and Norway.(44) Less restrictive measures
can be observed in some countries. For example, in the Netherlands, public transport
remains operational but measures are in place to ensure passengers maintain a good
distance from each other.(45) There are no restrictions in Sweden and the restriction
of gatherings of no more than 50 people does not apply to public transport.(40) In
contrast, Slovenia has suspended all public trains, buses, gondolas and funicular
railways.(32) Turkey suspended free public travel to anyone over 65 years in certain
areas. In Indonesia, public transportation services are restricted to half their normal
passenger capacity and limit operations from 6 am to 6 pm, and Singapore has
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introduced thermal scanners and are prohibiting anyone with a fever from entering
public transport hubs.(46) No restrictions are in place in Australia,(21) Canada, or the
US, but people are advised to only use public transport if necessary.
Enforcement of restrictions
In Ireland, An Garda Síochána (the Irish police) have been empowered to enforce
restrictions under the Health (Preservation and Protection and Other Emergency
Measures in the Public Interest) Act 2000.(1) Since 7 April 2020 they have been
empowered to arrest and impose fines on people who do not comply. Police and armed
forces have been empowered in other countries to enforce restrictions, arrest
residents and impose fines. In Italy, for example, failure to comply with the
containment measures will result in fines of €400 to €3,000.(18) In France, 100,000
police and gendarmes have been deployed to ensure that anyone that has left their
household is in possession of a certificate permitting them to do so. Failure to comply
with the containment measure is punishable by a fixed fine of €135, which can be
increased to €375. Anyone caught violating the containment measure three or more
times over the course of 30 days risks imprisonment for six months. In Ecuador, the
Police and the Armed Forces, as well as municipal agents participating in controlling
activities, can enforce restrictions.(28) In Romania, anyone found leaving quarantine
without approval will be obliged to resume the 14-day quarantine, bearing the
expenses incurred with their quarantine and will be criminally liable.(27) In Australia,
the defence forces have been called in to assist with home quarantine compliance.(33)
In the US, penalties vary from state to state, enforced by the police department. For
instance, in Maryland a breach of restrictions could result in a year in jail, a $5,000
fine, or both. In Hong Kong, offenders are subject to a maximum fine of $25,000 and
imprisonment for six months. In Taiwan, the Government declared that violators of
home isolation regulations will be fined up to NT$300,000 (USD $10,000) and violators
of home quarantine regulations will be fined up to NT$150,000 (USD $5,000). No
enforcement of restrictions was reported in Japan.
Scale back or cessation of restrictions
A Joint European Roadmap towards lifting COVID-19 containment measures has been
published, 15 April.(47) This calls for a coordinated approach in the EU to restarting
economic and social activities while minimizing impact on people’s health and not
overburdening health care systems. It outlines three sets of criteria to assess whether
the time has come to begin to relax measures:
• Epidemiological criteria showing the spread of the disease has significantly
decreased and stabilised for a sustained period of time for example sustained
reduction in new cases, hospitalisations and patients in intensive care.
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• Sufficient health system capacity to cope with future increases in cases after
lifting of measures and coping with any backlog of elective interventions.
• Appropriate monitoring capacity, including large-scale testing capacity
combined with contact tracing.
The paper also makes recommendations on how member states can gradually lift
measures:
• Actions should be gradual, lifted in different steps with sufficient time (for
example, one month) between steps.
• General measures should be replaced by targeted ones for example protecting
vulnerable groups for longer, intensified and regular cleaning and disinfection
of transport hubs, shops and workplaces.
• Lifting measures should start with those with a local impact and be gradually
extended to measures with a broader geographical coverage.
• There should be a phased approach to the opening of internal and external
borders.
• The re-start of the economic activity should be phased in. Not all of the
population should go back to work at the same time. Social distancing should
remain in place and teleworking should continue to be encouraged.
• Gatherings of people should be progressively permitted. For example, schools
could return with specific measures such as different lunch times, smaller
classes and enhanced cleaning; commercial activity (retail) and social activities
(for example, restaurants) could be re-opened with restricted opening hours
and maximums of people allowed.
• Efforts to prevent the spread of the virus should be sustained. Awareness
campaigns should continue and social distancing should apply. The use of
facemasks in the community could be considered.
• Actions should be continuously monitored and preparedness developed for
returning to stricter measures as necessary.
Some countries are beginning to scale back their restrictions (see Table 2). These are
largely about re-opening schools and select services. Czechia, Switzerland,
Luxembourg, and the US have published phased plans to gradually ease restrictions
over a number of months.
Triggers for the de-escalation of measures are not widely reported. Countries that
have, include Austria, Norway, Denmark, Spain and Germany. They cite a variety of
decline or stabilisation in new cases and or deaths and hospitals not having become
overwhelmed. The UK and the US, although they have not commenced de-escalation,
have published specific criteria that will act as triggers. These include when there is a
decline in cases, there being sufficient hospital capacity, and the establishment of
robust testing programmes.
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Summary
A number of restrictive public policy measures have been introduced across a number
of countries to limit the spread of COVID-19. Some of these measures involved
curfews; restricting the number of people allowed outside in groups (as few as two in
some cases); and enforcing rule of law through the use of police or armed forces. In
many cases, the restrictions introduced in Ireland have been as restrictive as those
introduced elsewhere (for example, on mass gatherings, staying at home and on
leaving the house). However, the policy response to COVID-19 has been broadly
consistent across countries, with the exception of Sweden where the response has
been less stringent in relation to business closures and mass gatherings, for example.
In most countries, nurseries, schools, universities and non-essential businesses and
services have been closed and everyone has been asked to stay at home and or avoid
unnecessary travel and contact with others.
A few countries have started ease restrictions, for example in relation to the closure
of schools and businesses. Countries that are easing or are planning to ease measures
are continuing to manage risk by various means, including increasing travel
restrictions, mandating nose and mouth coverings, continuing restrictive measures for
vulnerable groups and mass gatherings, and changing testing strategies. Triggers for
the decision to ease restrictions include declining or stabilising new cases and or
deaths and hospitals not having become overwhelmed.
The findings from this review were accurate as of 17 April 2020 10.00 GMT; however,
it is important to note that the measures identified above may change as the situation
and response to COVID-19 evolves.
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Table 1 Detailed summary of restrictive measures implemented by countries affected by COVID-19 [Accurate as of 17 April 10.00 GMT]
Country Travel Mass Advised to Curfew Cordon Closure of Closure of Restriction Public Enforcement
[Dates]* restrictions gathering stay at home imposed sanitaire educational businesses s on public transport of restrictions
restrictions institutes amenities restrictions
Ireland All non- Mass Everyone is No No All nurseries, All non- Outdoor Public Measures are
essential gatherings required to restrictions restrictions school and essential spaces e.g. transport and reflected in the
Introduced: 13 travel are stay at home, universities are businesses parks and passenger regulations
March overseas has prohibited. except to buy closed have been beaches are travel are under the
Updated: 9 been Cannot medicines, [Introduced 13 closed. A patrolled restricted to Health
April advised gather with groceries, March] select list of and groups those who are (Preservation
Effective: 5 May against. anyone from work, or essential dispersed. buying food and Protection
Anyone outside your exercise businesses Playgrounds or medicines, and Other
coming into household. (within a 2km and services and some carers, going Emergency
Ireland, radius) (e.g., health individual to medical Measures in the
apart from [Introduced care, sites have appointments Public Interest)
Northern 27 March] manufacturin been closed and essential Act 2000 and
Ireland, g, farming) by the workers. will be enforced
must restrict remain open. Gardaí/local by the Garda
their councils. Síochána. As of
movements 7 April
for 14 days. empowered to
arrest and fine.
Italy Italy Imposed Citizens Not Imposed All schools, All places Recreational Local public Failure to
declared in restriction on required to applicable absolute ban nurseries, and intended for outdoor transport may comply with the
Introduced: 9 isolation [9 the stay at home. due to on anyone universities worship, activities, be containment
March March]. Only movement of Travel within complete leaving have been along with including suspended, as measures will
Updated: 24 essential people in and between lockdown quarantined suspended. businesses sports, in decided by be punished
March travel (i.e., public. regions is quarters due (e.g., cafés, public each region’s with fines of
Effective: 13 for health prohibited to infection, bars, pubs, places is own €400 - €3,000.
May needs, work with the as well as restaurants prohibited. authorities
requirement exception of quarantined and other Public Travel outside
State of s, reasons of necessary quarters due catering access to the
Emergency absolute travel for work to close services) are parks, villas, municipality
declared until necessity) to or contact with closed or play areas to holiday
31 July Italy emergencies – confirmed suspended and public homes only
permitted movements cases. with certain gardens is allowed in
[28 March] are subject to exceptions: prohibited. cases of
police checks. pharmacies, emergency
etc. Since 10 situations.
April,
stationery,
book and
baby stores
may open.
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Table 1 Detailed summary of restrictive measures implemented by countries affected by COVID-19 [Accurate as of 17 April 10.00 GMT]
Country Travel Mass Advised to Curfew Cordon Closure of Closure of Restriction Public Enforcement
[Dates]* restrictions gathering stay at home imposed sanitaire educational businesses s on public transport of restrictions
restrictions institutes amenities restrictions
Spain All non- Citizens are Advised to Unclear Unclear All schools, Non-essential Unclear Passenger Compliance
essential required to stay at home. nurseries, and businesses transport, with the
Introduced: 14 travel from stay at home People may universities closed; other both public measures
March third and avoid only drive have been types of and private, decreed will be
Updated: 3 countries gatherings of alone and suspended. premises for has been upheld by the
April (except for any kind. activities are shows, etc., reduced by State law
Effective: 25 returning limited to have been half for 15 enforcement
April citizens) is basic needs, suspended. days agencies, and
restricted for such as [extended to by local and
State of 30 days [17 buying food or 25 April], regional police
Emergency March] medication, except for forces .
extended until etc. suburban
25 April railway
services.
France Closed the Advised to In a state of Not Unclear All crèches, All places Not allowed Public Individuals
borders of avoid ‘containment’; applicable schools, open to the to enter transport must have
Introduced: 12 the gatherings of shouldn’t go due to colleges, high public that are public allowed to go certificates for
March Schengen any kind. out except for complete schools and not essential spaces to work, if travel. 100,000
Updated: 27 area travel to lockdown. universities to everyday physical police and
March Effective: [Introduced certain places have been life such as presence at gendarmes are
11 May 17 March]. (e.g., suspended. restaurants, work is enforcing the
authorised cafes, essential. restrictions.
shops). cinemas,
nightclubs,
etc., have
been closed.
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Table 1 Detailed summary of restrictive measures implemented by countries affected by COVID-19 [Accurate as of 17 April 10.00 GMT]
Country Travel Mass Advised to Curfew Cordon Closure of Closure of Restriction Public Enforcement
[Dates]* restrictions gathering stay at home imposed sanitaire educational businesses s on public transport of restrictions
restrictions institutes amenities restrictions
Switzerland Entry to Restricted to Advised to Unclear Unclear Events requiring Non-essential All public Unclear A failure to
Switzerland five people stay at home physical businesses and private adhere to
Introduced: 13 from a high- presence at are closed, events are enacted bans is
March risk country schools, higher such as shops banned. punishable by a
Updated: 28 or from a education and markets; This also custodial
March high-risk institutions and restaurants includes sentence of up
Effective: 26 area is not other education and cafés; sporting to three years
April allowed, and training bars, events and or by a fine.
unless they institutions are discotheques, club
Scale back of meet certain prohibited. night clubs activities. All
restrictive criteria (e.g., and strip establishme
measures to Swiss clubs, etc. nts open to
commence from citizen) the public
27 April** [Effective for are closed.
a maximum
of 6
months].
United Kingdom Advised not Restricted to Advised to Unclear Unclear Schools and Non-essential Community Public The relevant
to travel two people stay at home, childcare shops and spaces transport authorities,
Introduced: 23 abroad except for premises businesses closed. services including the
March unless it’s very limited closed, except including reduced. police, given
Updated: 16 essential. purposes. to children of pubs, cinemas powers to
April critical workers. and theatres, enforce
Effective: 3 and retail restrictions.
weeks from 16 stores closed.
April
Netherlands Entry Gatherings Stay home as Unclear Unclear Schools and Businesses in Unclear Public Mayors have
restrictions banned, much as childcare contact-based transport the option of
Introduced: 19 in place including possible, centres closed. industries, required to enacting an
March since 19 gatherings of unless to go such as hair take emergency by-
Updated: 31 March. less than 100 to work or buy salons and measures to law, to more
March Effective: people. groceries, etc. beauty ensure people easily and more
28 April Allowed leave parlours maintain a quickly initiate
the house for closed, along good enforcement
air, exercise, with casinos, distance. activities in
etc. but not in arcades, etc. their regions.
groups
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Health Information and Quality Authority
Table 1 Detailed summary of restrictive measures implemented by countries affected by COVID-19 [Accurate as of 17 April 10.00 GMT]
Country Travel Mass Advised to Curfew Cordon Closure of Closure of Restriction Public Enforcement
[Dates]* restrictions gathering stay at home imposed sanitaire educational businesses s on public transport of restrictions
restrictions institutes amenities restrictions
Austria Entry of Restricted to Advised to Unclear No one is Schools, Shops that do Entering None Compliance
third-country five people. stay at home allowed to kindergartens, not serve public specified with the
Introduced: 16 nationals and limited enter or and universities basic services places is measures taken
March suspended social leave closed. remain strictly is checked by
Effective: 13 by air from interactions. affected closed. prohibited, the executive.
April outside parishes. Restaurants, with the
Schengen bars, coffee exception of
Scale back of area. houses etc. some cases.
restrictive are also
measures closed.
commenced 14
April**
Luxembourg Unnecessary Mass Citizens only Unclear Unclear School and All Play areas Hygiene Police presence
travel must gatherings allowed out education commercial are closed. measures enforced to
Introduced: 18 be cancelled are prohibited for activities, sector and craft Outdoor implemented ensure
March or until 31 July, such as suspended, until activities are leisure for public prohibitions are
Updated: 15 postponed. except buying food, 4 May at least. prohibited. activities on transport abided by.
April Third- funerals and medicine. Construction an individual including
Effective: country weddings Vulnerable sites are also basis or suspension of
Variable nationals (max 20 groups to closed. limited to on board
may no people) continue to people who ticket sales
Scale back of longer enter confine once live together and barrier
restrictive the territory scale back are allowed. tapes to
measures to of the Grand begins, until support
commence from Duchy at least 11 physical
20 April** [Effective for May. distancing.
one month]
Page 16 of 57Review of restrictive public policy measures to limit the spread of COVID-19
Health Information and Quality Authority
Table 1 Detailed summary of restrictive measures implemented by countries affected by COVID-19 [Accurate as of 17 April 10.00 GMT]
Country Travel Mass Advised to Curfew Cordon Closure of Closure of Restriction Public Enforcement
[Dates]* restrictions gathering stay at home imposed sanitaire educational businesses s on public transport of restrictions
restrictions institutes amenities restrictions
Poland Borders Ban on Citizens Unclear Unclear Higher Businesses in Ban on On the bus, Unclear
closed to public, advised not to education shopping using parks, tram or
Introduced: 14 foreigners; national and go out (except institutions centres have forests, subway, only
March Polish religious when suspended and been beaches, half of the
Updated: 7 citizens gatherings of absolutely will remain suspended boulevards, seats can be
April abroad can more than 50 necessary) closed until 26 (except for promenades occupied.
Effective: 26 return home people. The From 16 April, April 2020. pharmacies, or city bikes.
April but must ban applies persons grocery stores
undergo both to leaving their and other
compulsory indoor and homes will be essential
14-day outdoor required to services).
home gatherings cover their
quarantine mouths and
[Effective noses.
until 3 May]
Finland Travel Restricted to Advised to Unclear Unclear Schools, Restaurants, Unclear Unclear Unclear
restrictions no more than work from educational cafés and
Introduced: 16 due to be 10 people. home where institutions, licensed
March implemented possible and universities premises
Effective: 13 . practice social closed closed to
May, unless distancing [Extended until customers
otherwise when out. 13 May]. [Effective until
stated. 31 May].
State of
Emergency
declared 16
March
Page 17 of 57Review of restrictive public policy measures to limit the spread of COVID-19
Health Information and Quality Authority
Table 1 Detailed summary of restrictive measures implemented by countries affected by COVID-19 [Accurate as of 17 April 10.00 GMT]
Country Travel Mass Advised to Curfew Cordon Closure of Closure of Restriction Public Enforcement
[Dates]* restrictions gathering stay at home imposed sanitaire educational businesses s on public transport of restrictions
restrictions institutes amenities restrictions
Germany Travel Gatherings of Members of Unclear Unclear The Federal Establishment Unclear Unclear Police require
restrictions more than 2 the public are Laender have s such as documentation
Introduced: 16 for entries persons have required to cancelled bars, clubs, (ID and proof
March from outside been banned reduce their events and theatres, of address) of
Effective: 19 the in all states contact with closed schools museums and anyone outside
April, select Schengen until 19 April. people other and cinemas have during
measures in area Large public than the kindergartens. been required restrictions.
place until 31 As of 10 events members of to close.
August April, banned and their own
countries mandatory household.
Scale back of and regions mask wearing
restrictive are no in public until
measures to longer 31 Aug.
commence from classified as
19 April** international
risk areas.
Belgium Non- Activities of Expected to Unclear Unclear Lessons All shops are Recreational Remains Violations will
essential cultural, stay home as cancelled but closed except: areas of operational, be punished
Introduced: 12 travel social, much as schools will Food shops, provencial however, and a system
March abroad is festive, possible. Only receive children including domains must be for the
Updated: 15 prohibited. folkloric, allowed for childcare in night shops closed, e.g. organized to immediate
April Passengers sporting and out if necessar certain (7h until 22h), playground. guarantee collection of
Effective: 3 May to observe recreational y (i.e. circumstances. Shops selling Parks and social fines is being
social nature, essentail Nurseries pet food, woodland distancing implemented.
distancing prohibited. All workers, remain open for Pharmacies, open. rules.
and airports indoor and authorised children up to 3 Newspaper Religious People only to
must outdoor stores, years old. shops, gas buildings take public
facilitate. events, exercise). Higher stations, and transport if it
Passengers canceled. education shops with premises is really
returning institutions basic facilities remain necessary.
from abroad move to for newborns. open; no
must self- distance ceremonies
quarantine learning. allowed.
for two
weeks.
Page 18 of 57Review of restrictive public policy measures to limit the spread of COVID-19
Health Information and Quality Authority
Table 1 Detailed summary of restrictive measures implemented by countries affected by COVID-19 [Accurate as of 17 April 10.00 GMT]
Country Travel Mass Advised to Curfew Cordon Closure of Closure of Restriction Public Enforcement
[Dates]* restrictions gathering stay at home imposed sanitaire educational businesses s on public transport of restrictions
restrictions institutes amenities restrictions
Portugal Ban on Public Portuguese Unclear Unclear Closure of all All non- Closure of Public Armed forces
disembarkati gatherings leaders schools, essential museums transport can be
Introduced: 16 on from are banned. requested that universities and shops should and public services are deployed to
March cruises Groups of everyone stay childcare be closed and libraries. operating at enforce the
Effective: 17 (except more than at home and facilities until 17 restaurants Campsites reduced measures.
April citizens); five are not only go April. should only and levels.
commercial allowed, outside in provide motorhome
Update: State flights unless from case of an takeaway. parks are
of Emergency to/from Italy the one emergency or closed to
renewed for stopped until family. to go to tourists and
another 15 days 24 Mar; grocery visitors.
flights to stores,
[A state of countries pharmacies or
emergency is outside EU to walk their
limited to 15 suspended, pets.
days but can be with some
extended exceptions.
indefinitely in Ban on all
15-day periods] but essential
travel and
self-isolation
until 17
April.
Page 19 of 57Review of restrictive public policy measures to limit the spread of COVID-19
Health Information and Quality Authority
Table 1 Detailed summary of restrictive measures implemented by countries affected by COVID-19 [Accurate as of 17 April 10.00 GMT]
Country Travel Mass Advised to Curfew Cordon Closure of Closure of Restriction Public Enforcement
[Dates]* restrictions gathering stay at home imposed sanitaire educational businesses s on public transport of restrictions
restrictions institutes amenities restrictions
Norway Advised Ban and Encouraged to Unclear Unclear Closed. Largely Closed The public Norwegian
against non- closure of stay and work Gradually closed. (swimming transport authorities have
Introduced: 14 essential various from home reopening from Gradually pools, water schedule was confirmed that
March travel to all cultural and limit close 20 April, detail reopening parks). to run as a fine of 20,000
Updated: 8 countries. events until contact with in Table 2. from 27 April, normal, to Norwegian
April Quarantine 15 June; others. From detail in Table ensure that kroner (€1775)
Effective: 14 for arrivals sports events 20 April, 2. people with or a 15-day jail
April for 14 days. and people can critical social sentence will be
Effective organised stay overnight functions handed out to
Scale back of from 13 sports at their could get to anyone caught
restrictive April: only activities both holiday cabins. and from breaking home
measures to Norwegian indoors and work. quarantine or
commence from citizens and outdoors. home isolation
20 April** people who rules.
are legally
resident in
Norway may
enter the
country.
Page 20 of 57Review of restrictive public policy measures to limit the spread of COVID-19
Health Information and Quality Authority
Table 1 Detailed summary of restrictive measures implemented by countries affected by COVID-19 [Accurate as of 17 April 10.00 GMT]
Country Travel Mass Advised to Curfew Cordon Closure of Closure of Restriction Public Enforcement
[Dates]* restrictions gathering stay at home imposed sanitaire educational businesses s on public transport of restrictions
restrictions institutes amenities restrictions
Czechia Reintroducti All sport, Free No Unclear All closed. Gradually re- Public Air travel, rail Unclear
on of cultural, movement is restriction opening since access to travel, coach
Introduced: 13 borders with religious and limited with 9 April, detail swimming travel, boat
March Germany other the exception in Table 2. pools and travel and
Updated: 7 and Austria activities of travel to tourist road travel
April until 5 April. encompassin and from work information (for more
Effective: Until 12 g more than and necessary centres is than 9
unclear unless April, access 30 persons travels to forbidden. persons) is
otherwise is forbidden are ensure basic suspended.
for forbidden. human needs.
stated
foreigners, As of 7 April, All persons
with some individual need to be
State of exceptions. outdoor equipped with
Emergency Returnees to sports are a face mask or
prolonged until undergo 2 allowed other covering
30 April week (limited to 2 of the nose
quarantine. people). Ban and mouth
Scale back of Granting of on use of while outside
restrictive new visas is common of their
measures suspended. spaces like residence.
commenced 9 Travel showers is
April** abroad for still in force.
essential
activities
allowed, 14
April.
Page 21 of 57Review of restrictive public policy measures to limit the spread of COVID-19
Health Information and Quality Authority
Table 1 Detailed summary of restrictive measures implemented by countries affected by COVID-19 [Accurate as of 17 April 10.00 GMT]
Country Travel Mass Advised to Curfew Cordon Closure of Closure of Restriction Public Enforcement
[Dates]* restrictions gathering stay at home imposed sanitaire educational businesses s on public transport of restrictions
restrictions institutes amenities restrictions
Denmark Temporary Prohibition of All public No Unclear Schools Closure of Unclear, Anti- The police has
border events with employees not restriction gradually re- restaurants, appears to congestion been authorised
Introduced: 18 control and, more than 10 performing opening since bars etc. Take apply to measures to interfere at
March restricted people. All critical 15 April, detail away is indoor have been public places if
Updated: 30 entry to public cultural functions have in Table 2. permissible. centres implemented, more than 10
March those with a institutions, been told to Closure of only. including people have
Effective: 13 worthy churches and stay home major indoor alteration of gathered at the
April purpose of activities from work. All centres, e.g. timetables, same location.
entering and offered at private sector shopping but no The Attorney
do not have parish halls, employers centres. closures. General has set
Scale back of
symptoms. libraries, have been Closure of indicative fines
restrictive
Arrivals are recreational urged to indoor sports for violating the
measures to self- facilities and ensure that as and leisure prohibitions and
commenced 14 isolate for similar many facilities. Ban restrictions
April** 14 days. activities, employees as on imposed for the
Residents closed. possible work professions public and
advised from home. where social traders.
against distancing
international cannot be
travel. maintained.
Iceland Foreign Ban on Those who No No University and Mostly closed, Unclear No restrictions Unclear
nationals gatherings of are possible restrictions restrictions secondary select services
Introduced: 16 except 50 or more infected education re-open,
March EU/EEA, individuals. should institutions detail in Table
Updated: 23 EFTA or UK All children’s quarantine. open but limited 2.
March nationals and young Those with to 50 persons.
Effective: 17 and other people’s symptoms Primary schools
April limited athletic and should self- and pre-schools
exceptions youth group isolate. operating
are not activities and normally.
Scale back of
allowed to all adults’ School buildings
restrictive
enter athletic must be
measures Iceland, until activities are cleaned or
commenced 17 17 April. All prohibited, disinfected after
April** residents in regardless of each day.
Iceland who group size.
enter the
country
must
quarantine
for 14 days.
Page 22 of 57Review of restrictive public policy measures to limit the spread of COVID-19
Health Information and Quality Authority
Table 1 Detailed summary of restrictive measures implemented by countries affected by COVID-19 [Accurate as of 17 April 10.00 GMT]
Country Travel Mass Advised to Curfew Cordon Closure of Closure of Restriction Public Enforcement
[Dates]* restrictions gathering stay at home imposed sanitaire educational businesses s on public transport of restrictions
restrictions institutes amenities restrictions
Romania All Avoid All persons are A curfew Unclear Schools to Dental activity Unclear Unclear Starting 30
commercial gathering in forbidden to between 10 remain closed is suspended, March, persons
Introduced: 18 flights groups of travel outside pm and throughout the except for leaving
March to/from more than 3. their 6am was in period the state emergency quarantine,
Updated: 26 Spain and Baptism, residence/hou place but of emergency is care. without
March Italy weddings, sehold except has been in place. Commercial approval will be
Effective: 15 suspended funerals for work and replaced by areas where obliged to
April, unless for 14 days allowed, max. essential mandate to several resume the 14-
otherwise from 18 8 people. All reasons such stay at operators day quarantine,
March 2020. cultural, as purchase of home. carry out bearing the
stated.
Flights scientific, food, medical Movement activities are expenses
State of to/from artistic, appointment of persons closed except incurred with
France and religious, and exercise. over 65 those retailing their quarantine
Emergency
Germany sports, People over years of essentials. and will be
declared for 30
suspended entertainmen 65 years are age outside Serving and criminally liable.
days on 16 for 14 days t or only allowed the home is consuming For violation of
March from 23 gambling, out for allowed food and self-isolation at
March 2020. and personal medical between beverages, home, there is
Effective from Aliens, care reasons. 8pm and organized by a fine of up to
14 April: all stateless activities, 9pm, to restaurants, 20,000 lei, as
restrictions persons are held in ensure the hotels, cafes well as a
extended to at forbidden confined needs of or other criminal case if
least 20 May entry. spaces, are pets. Others public places you contribute
Residents suspended. are asked is suspended. to the spread of
discouraged to stay at Take away the virus.
from home and deliveries
travelling to during this are
high risk time. permissible.
countries or
returning
from
countries
with high
number of
cases.
Page 23 of 57Review of restrictive public policy measures to limit the spread of COVID-19
Health Information and Quality Authority
Table 1 Detailed summary of restrictive measures implemented by countries affected by COVID-19 [Accurate as of 17 April 10.00 GMT]
Country Travel Mass Advised to Curfew Cordon Closure of Closure of Restriction Public Enforcement
[Dates]* restrictions gathering stay at home imposed sanitaire educational businesses s on public transport of restrictions
restrictions institutes amenities restrictions
Sweden Advise All gatherings Citizens asked No No Adult Not closed. No Public The Swedish
against non- of more than to ‘consider restrictions restrictions educational Restaurants restrictions. transport, Police Authority
Introduced: 14 essential 50 people whether their units including and bars must work places is responsible
March travel to all stopped. trip is universities to adhere to and schools for maintaining
countries. necessary’. offer distance strict are not public order
Updated 7 April This is valid learning regulations, covered by and security
from 14 [introduced 18 however. the ban and protecting
Effective: 30 March March]. Schools against public the public.
June through to and pre-schools gatherings of
14 April. open. more than 50
people.
Greece Travel Unclear Residents are Unclear No Schools closed Most hotels All Unclear Violators of
restrictions told to stay at restrictions until 27 April. closed until museums, curfew will be
Introduced: 16 to/from: home from 23 30 April. including fined 150 Euros
March Albania, March until 11 Restaurants, the per violation.
Updated: 23 Italy, Spain, April. Specifics bars, clubs, Acropolis Passports or
March N. are unclear. theatres, are closed other
Effective: 30 Macedonia, Movement for playgrounds, through the identification
April, unless Turkey, UK, work, and gyms are end of must be carried
otherwise Netherlands, groceries and closed. March. at all times and
Germany, to the there must be a
stated
until 6 April. pharmacy is valid reason to
Non-EU allowed. be out.
citizens may
not enter
until 18 April
14 day self-
quarantine
for arrivals.
Most land
borders
closed.
Ferry service
from Italy
suspended.
Access to
islands for
residents
only.
Page 24 of 57Review of restrictive public policy measures to limit the spread of COVID-19
Health Information and Quality Authority
Table 1 Detailed summary of restrictive measures implemented by countries affected by COVID-19 [Accurate as of 17 April 10.00 GMT]
Country Travel Mass Advised to Curfew Cordon Closure of Closure of Restriction Public Enforcement
[Dates]* restrictions gathering stay at home imposed sanitaire educational businesses s on public transport of restrictions
restrictions institutes amenities restrictions
Croatia Avoid Postpone all Unclear Unclear Unclear Two-week Unclear Unclear Unclear Unclear
travelling to public events suspension of
Introduced: 8 affected with more classes in
March areas in than 1000 schools and
Updated: 15 North Italy. people. universities
March Quarantine throughout
Effective: for 14 days Croatia, starting
Unclear for all 16 March. Does
foreign not apply to
visitors to kindergartens.
Croatia.
Estonia Limited At most, 2 Advised to Unclear Unclear Unlikely schools Nationwide, Symptomati Unclear Police will
permission people can stay at home, will resume on unclear if any c homeless enforce
Introduced: 25 to enter be in a public avoid close May 18. All closed. people are requirements
March Estonia for space contact and major events, Libraries and not allowed for a confirmed
Updated: 29 foreigners, together and visits to other such as school restaurants, to move case to stay at
March exceptions a 2 metre houses, 6 trips, study trips except for freely in home until
Effective: include distance must April. and graduation delivery, are public recovered.
Unclear those who be kept from Exceptions for events will be closed. places (from Failure to
are others. Does purchase of cancelled. Some 7 April). comply will lead
State of asymptomati not apply to food, industries can to an
Emergency c and members of medicines, resume inc. administrative
declared until 1 involved in the same essential manufacturin directive. If this
trade, household. medical g, retail and is not adhered
May
maintenance treatment, to hairdressers, to, then a fine
of services work, take if the up to €2,000
or those children to employees will be imposed,
entering for child care, comply with 26 March.
diplomatic care for the the hygiene
reasons. elderly, and requirements,
take exercise. no one has
symptoms
and if
disinfectants
and protective
equipment
are made
available.
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