EU roadmap to lift restrictions
THE EUROPEAN Union has moved to head off a chaotic and potentially disastrous easing of restrictions that are limiting the spread of coronavirus, warning its 27 nations to move cautiously as they return to normal life, and to base their actions on scientific advice.
With Austria, the Czech Republic and Denmark already lifting some lockdown measures, the European Commission rushed out its road map for members of the world's biggest trade bloc to co-ordinate an exit from the lockdowns, which they expect should take at least a few months and involve large-scale testing.
Brussels is deeply concerned about the damage that could be done if each EU nation charts its own course, given the panic that ensued after the pandemic first spread in Italy, with unannounced border closures that sparked massive traffic jams and export bans that deprived hard-hit countries of medical equipment.
The EU is split in its approach. France this week renewed its lockdown until May 11, and Belgium appears to be heading in a similar direction, while Spain recently renewed its state of emergency for the second time for an additional two weeks.
"This is not a signal that confinement, containment measures can be lifted as of now," said EC president Ursula von der Leyen, highlighting the need for clear communication across the bloc as countries emerge from quarantine.
Warning that lifting restrictions will 'unavoidably lead to a corresponding increase in new cases', the commission said this should only start when the spread of the disease has dropped significantly and for some time, and when hospitals can cope with more patients.
Business operations should be phased in by sectors, based on things like how much can be done over the internet, the economic importance of the industry, or the kinds of shift work that could be introduced. Social distancing should be maintained and there should be no general return to work, it says.
Shops could gradually reopen, with possible limits on the number of people who could enter, and school could start again, although the commission recommends smaller classes to allow pupils to work at a safer distance from each other. Lunch breaks could be set at different times and internet learning should be preferred where possible.
Brussels says a gap of around one month should be left between any steps to monitor their impact.
Elderly people should be protected for longer, while restaurants, bars and cinemas could resume business with restricted opening hours and limits on the number of people who could enter. Measures blocking mass gatherings like festivals and concerts would be among the last to be lifted.