In Europe, countries continue to relax their coronavirus limits despite relatively high infection counts. Nightclubs in France reopen for the first time in three months on Wednesday, and the Netherlands returns to “nearly normal” on Friday.

Customers at bars and cafes can eat and drink while standing at the counter. Moviegoers and train passengers will be able to munch during their film or journey in French concert venues.

“The skies seem finally to be clearing,” said the French government’s official spokesperson, Gabriel Attal. He added that restrictions “can be lifted according to schedule” but urged people to continue to exercise caution and restraint.

On February 28, France will no longer require face masks in indoor public areas that require a vaccination permit. Restaurants, theatres, and gyms welcome people without masks, while the requirement will continue in public transportation and shops.

All remaining mask regulations could vanish and vaccine pass rules “significantly eased” by mid-March. This news comes according to health minister Olivier Véran, “providing infection numbers continue to fall and the pressure on our hospitals permits”.

Nightclubs and bars in the Netherlands will open until 1 a.m. starting this Friday.

“Young people should be able to unleash their wings,” Kuipers said.

For the first time in nearly two years, bars, restaurants, and nightclubs will reopen to pre-pandemic hours and full capacity in Europe. Most venues will no longer require masks. However, the legislation requires masks on public transportation and at airports. Lastly, quarantine for persons infected with Covid-19 reduces to five days.

Source: theguardian.com