Europe's Covid red alert: mandatory vaccines, new lockdowns and surge in cases


Laura O'Callaghan
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Millions of Europeans have been pushed into lockdown and confronted by mandatory vaccination as nations across the continent grapple with a fast-moving fourth wave of Covid-19.

Strict new measures have been ordered in a bid to prevent healthcare systems from becoming overwhelmed in winter.

In its latest update on Europe, the World Health Organisation said Covid-19 cases had increased by 5 per cent since the previous week, making it the only region in the world to record an increase in that period.

Leaders will be closely monitoring the path taken by Austria, which has imposed a nationwide lockdown and announced vaccines will be compulsory for all adults from spring.

Here is a list of countries that are bolstering their efforts to tackle Covid-19:

Austria

On Monday, Austria's 8.9 million people will be ordered to stay at home and leave only when necessary when the new lockdown comes into effect.

Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg said the shutdown will initially last for 10 days, with the possibility of an extension.

He said it would run for a “maximum of 20 days”.

He also announced it would be a "requirement to get vaccinated" in Austria from February 1.

The rule, which will apply to all adults, could prove divisive, with Austria only the fifth nation to introduce such a measure and the first in Europe.

  • People wearing face masks walk over through a shopping street in Vienna, Austria. Austria is to enter another nationwide lockdown amid soaring infection and death rates. AP photo
    People wearing face masks walk over through a shopping street in Vienna, Austria. Austria is to enter another nationwide lockdown amid soaring infection and death rates. AP photo
  • People wearing face masks visit a Christmas market in Vienna. AP
    People wearing face masks visit a Christmas market in Vienna. AP
  • Police officers monitor compliance with the coronavirus measures in Innsbruck's old town during the first day of a nationwide lockdown for people not yet vaccinated. Getty Images
    Police officers monitor compliance with the coronavirus measures in Innsbruck's old town during the first day of a nationwide lockdown for people not yet vaccinated. Getty Images
  • A student tests herself for coronavirus before starting lessons at a grammar school in Dresden, Germany. Reuters
    A student tests herself for coronavirus before starting lessons at a grammar school in Dresden, Germany. Reuters
  • Voting takes place on proposed new measures to address a recent spike in coronavirus cases, at the German lower house of parliament in Berlin. Reuters
    Voting takes place on proposed new measures to address a recent spike in coronavirus cases, at the German lower house of parliament in Berlin. Reuters
  • A medical worker carries out a rapid test at a mobile centre in Frankfurt. AP
    A medical worker carries out a rapid test at a mobile centre in Frankfurt. AP
  • People fill the streets shopping in Cologne. AP
    People fill the streets shopping in Cologne. AP
  • An abandoned testing centre in Frankfurt. AP
    An abandoned testing centre in Frankfurt. AP
  • A person wearing a face mask walks past a booth of a yet to be opened Christmas market in Berlin. AFP
    A person wearing a face mask walks past a booth of a yet to be opened Christmas market in Berlin. AFP
  • Tourists arrive at the mobile vaccination point installed by Spain's Valencia Health Ministry in Benidorm. Reuters
    Tourists arrive at the mobile vaccination point installed by Spain's Valencia Health Ministry in Benidorm. Reuters
  • Emergency room staff protest against staffing shortage issues and the management of the Italian National Health Service during the Covid-19 pandemic, in central Rome. AFP
    Emergency room staff protest against staffing shortage issues and the management of the Italian National Health Service during the Covid-19 pandemic, in central Rome. AFP
  • Riot police patrol the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade during a protest against the Covid-19 vaccination green pass, in Milan. AP
    Riot police patrol the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade during a protest against the Covid-19 vaccination green pass, in Milan. AP
  • A worker prepares vaccines for shipment at the Movianto distribution centre in Oss, in the Netherlands. EPA
    A worker prepares vaccines for shipment at the Movianto distribution centre in Oss, in the Netherlands. EPA
  • Visitors to Efteling Park have their CoronaCheck App QR code scanned at the entrance of the amusement park in Kaatsheuvel. EPA
    Visitors to Efteling Park have their CoronaCheck App QR code scanned at the entrance of the amusement park in Kaatsheuvel. EPA
  • Ministers in Sweden attend a press conference on the new coronavirus restrictions, in Stockholm. Sweden will introduce Covid-19 vaccine passes for public events with more than 100 people. AFP
    Ministers in Sweden attend a press conference on the new coronavirus restrictions, in Stockholm. Sweden will introduce Covid-19 vaccine passes for public events with more than 100 people. AFP

Germany

Leaders of some of the country's 16 states are considering introducing mandatory vaccinations for some professional groups such as medical staff and nursing home employees.

On Thursday, politicians in the Bundestag passed legislation aimed at curbing the rising infection rates.

Measures include requirements for employees to prove they are vaccinated, recently recovered from Covid-19 or have tested negative for the virus to enter communal workplaces. A similar rule will apply to public transport.

With cases surging, the country's healthcare system is threatening to buckle under the strain of the fourth wave.

Last week, a hospital in Bavaria was forced to fly a Covid-19 patient to Italy for treatment because it had exceeded its capacity.

The move marked a dramatic shift from the height of the pandemic in Europe when Germany’s healthcare system was hailed as a leader of the pack.

Italy, which was overwhelmed by Covid-19 in the early stages of the crisis, was forced transfer coronavirus patients to German hospitals for treatment as its own healthcare system buckled under the strain of the pandemic.

Hungary

Daily coronavirus infections reached a new high on Friday when 11,289 cases were reported.

The bleak figure came a day after authorities announced new restrictions, including making booster vaccinations compulsory for all healthcare workers and face masks mandatory in most indoor settings.

The Netherlands

The northern European nation recorded its highest daily number of cases on Thursday when 23,600 new infections were added to the tally.

The Dutch government has imposed a partial lockdown for three weeks, which includes restrictions for shops, sport and catering.

The Netherlands is battling to control the spread of the coronavirus. The government has introduced new restrictions. Reuters
The Netherlands is battling to control the spread of the coronavirus. The government has introduced new restrictions. Reuters

A booster vaccination campaign starting with the over-80s and hospital workers has been brought forward by two weeks.

Despite 80 per cent of over-12s being fully inoculated, the Netherlands has experienced a surge in infections among school-age children.

Figures published by the National Institute for Public Health this week showed infections had jumped by 76 per cent in the 10 to 14 category and by 85 per cent in 5 to 9 year olds.

Sweden

Sweden has said it will introduce vaccine certificates for events with more than 100 people from December 1.

People will have to show they have received two doses of a vaccine, tested negative in the previous 72 hours or have fully recovered from the virus.

Such a pass had previously been in place only for travel in Sweden.

Belgium

Belgian authorities have extended the use of face masks and rules that make working from home a requirement in a bid to stem the rise in Covid-19 cases.

The changes mean compulsory mask-wearing now applies to children aged 10 and over, having applied to children over 12 previously.

The government also reinforced rules in nightclubs, restaurants and bars, and coronavirus test results would need to be added to the mandatory vaccine certificate in many cases.

Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said “the alarm signals are flashing red”.

He said the new measures were necessary to stave off further lockdowns.

Greece

Greece has joined several European countries in imposing more restrictions on those unvaccinated against the virus.

Under new rules due to come into effect on Monday, unvaccinated people will be barred from indoor spaces including restaurants, cinemas, museums and gyms, even if they test negative for Covid-19, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said.

The rule will be altered for unvaccinated people wishing to enter a church, They will be allowed in after showing a negative test result.

In a televised address to the nation, Mr Mitsotakis urged Greeks to "get vaccinated, get vaccinated, get vaccinated".

Greece has fully vaccinated about 62 per cent of its population of about 11 million. Authorities had hoped for a rate of about 70 per cent by autumn.

Under the new rules in Greece, vaccination certificates of those over 60 will be valid for seven months after being issued, in an effort to encourage that age group to get a "booster" shot.

Czech Republic

The Czech government approved new coronavirus restrictions specifically aimed at unvaccinated people as it grapples with a record surge in infections.

Health Minister Adam Vojtech said most unvaccinated people will no longer be allowed to show negative coronavirus test results to attend public events, go to bars and restaurants, visit hairdressers, museums or use hotels.

Only people who are vaccinated and those who have recovered from Covid-19 will remain eligible.

There are exceptions for 12 to 18 year olds, people whose medical condition does not allow vaccination and people who have received one vaccine.

The announcement came after the Czech daily tally soared to 22,511 new cases on Tuesday, eclipsing the previous record set on January 7 by almost 5,000 and nearly 8,000 more than the previous week.

Slovakia

People who have not been vaccinated will be banned from all non-essential stores and shopping malls from Monday.

They will not be allowed to attend any public events and gatherings and will be required to test twice a week to go to work.

Only in the hardest hit parts of the country, gyms, restaurants and hotels will be closed for all. The rules are part of measures aimed at tackling the rise in Covid-19 cases.

Prime Minister Eduard Heger called the measures “a lockdown for the unvaccinated”. They should be in place for three weeks but “we will react promptly if we can see the restrictions are not effective”, he said.

Slovakia reported a new high of 8,342 coronavirus cases on Tuesday.

Italy

Police in Italy staged a nationwide operation to target anti-vaxxers, searching the homes of dozens of people.

Forty-six homes of people suspected of being members of an extremist group were raided by officers.

Charges include instigation to interrupt public services and criminal association.

Journalists, politicians and Italian doctors have said they have received threats from anti-vaxxers.

Like many European countries, Italy requires people to show their Green Pass to dine indoors, visit museums and cinemas and for long-distance public transport.

The pass shows proof of vaccination, a recent negative test or having recovered from Covid-19.

Protests have grown more acute after Italy last month became the first Western country where the pass is required to enter workplaces.

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

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Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km

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Price: From Dh650,000

The more serious side of specialty coffee

While the taste of beans and freshness of roast is paramount to the specialty coffee scene, so is sustainability and workers’ rights.

The bulk of genuine specialty coffee companies aim to improve on these elements in every stage of production via direct relationships with farmers. For instance, Mokha 1450 on Al Wasl Road strives to work predominantly with women-owned and -operated coffee organisations, including female farmers in the Sabree mountains of Yemen.

Because, as the boutique’s owner, Garfield Kerr, points out: “women represent over 90 per cent of the coffee value chain, but are woefully underrepresented in less than 10 per cent of ownership and management throughout the global coffee industry.”

One of the UAE’s largest suppliers of green (meaning not-yet-roasted) beans, Raw Coffee, is a founding member of the Partnership of Gender Equity, which aims to empower female coffee farmers and harvesters.

Also, globally, many companies have found the perfect way to recycle old coffee grounds: they create the perfect fertile soil in which to grow mushrooms. 

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Other acts on the Jazz Garden bill

Sharrie Williams
The American singer is hugely respected in blues circles due to her passionate vocals and songwriting. Born and raised in Michigan, Williams began recording and touring as a teenage gospel singer. Her career took off with the blues band The Wiseguys. Such was the acclaim of their live shows that they toured throughout Europe and in Africa. As a solo artist, Williams has also collaborated with the likes of the late Dizzy Gillespie, Van Morrison and Mavis Staples.
Lin Rountree
An accomplished smooth jazz artist who blends his chilled approach with R‘n’B. Trained at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC, Rountree formed his own band in 2004. He has also recorded with the likes of Kem, Dwele and Conya Doss. He comes to Dubai on the back of his new single Pass The Groove, from his forthcoming 2018 album Stronger Still, which may follow his five previous solo albums in cracking the top 10 of the US jazz charts.
Anita Williams
Dubai-based singer Anita Williams will open the night with a set of covers and swing, jazz and blues standards that made her an in-demand singer across the emirate. The Irish singer has been performing in Dubai since 2008 at venues such as MusicHall and Voda Bar. Her Jazz Garden appearance is career highlight as she will use the event to perform the original song Big Blue Eyes, the single from her debut solo album, due for release soon.

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Red flags
  • Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
  • Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
  • Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
  • Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
  • Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.

Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

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Updated: November 19, 2021, 2:07 PM