From nationwide lockdowns to school shutdowns, European authorities are creating a patchwork of measures to stop or slow down the coronavirus.
Here’s a roundup of the latest measures the 27 EU countries and the U.K. have taken so far in response to the pandemic — from the most to the least affected countries — according to publicly available information from national authorities and media reports.
In such a fast-moving emergency, figures and measures are constantly changing across Europe but the details below offer a country-by-country snapshot of how the Continent is facing the crisis.
We also assessed panic levels based on the intensity of media coverage, people going on buying sprees and other indicators.
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ITALY
Health: The second worst-hit country after China is under lockdown as the Italian authorities fight to contain the virus. All shops and restaurants are closed, with the exception of grocery stores and pharmacies.
Travel: Anyone trying to move from one city to another has to complete and present a form stating their urgent reason for travel — work, health, family or returning home. Giving false information could be considered a crime, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said Tuesday.
Education: Schools and universities are shut until April 3.
Events: Large gatherings are forbidden. Professional sports events, including Serie A football matches, are suspended.
Economy: The Italian government passed a decree earmarking €25 billion to tackle the economic consequences of the virus.
Other measures: Cinemas, theaters and gyms are also closed until April 3.
Panic level: 8/10. Despite the scale of the crisis, people aren’t totally freaking out.
Number of confirmed cases: 15,113 as of March 12 at 6 p.m.
Deaths: 1,016 as of March 12 at 6 p.m.
Recovered: 1,258 as of March 12 at 6 p.m.
Number of tests done: 86,011 as of March 12, at 6 p.m.
***
FRANCE
Health: France is among the European countries with the highest number of coronavirus cases. It is now at stage two of its action plan, meaning the focus is on detecting cases and trying to stop the spread of the virus. The health ministry announced Thursday that non-essential surgical operations would be delayed, in order to prioritize people suffering from the coronavirus. People returning from five affected locations (China, Iran, Northern regions of Italy, Singapore and South Korea) are placed in quarantine.
Travel: In a televised address to the nation on Thursday evening, President Emmanuel Macron said public transport would not be shut down, in part as this would prevent medical professionals from caring for the sick. But Air France has suspended flights to and from Italy between March 14 and April 3, according to AFP.
Education: Macron announced the shutdown of schools, universities and crèches from Monday until further notice.
Events: Gatherings of more than 1,000 people have been banned since March 8, except for events that are “essential to the life of the nation.” The Paris marathon, a Six Nations rugby match, concerts and a book fair are among the major events that have canceled.
Economy: The government has pledged to protect companies by letting them delay tax and social payments. Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said Monday that eurozone finance ministers, due to meet next week, must agree on a stimulus plan to avoid a damaging economic downturn.
Other measures: The prices of hand sanitizers are controlled by law and the government has taken control of the production of face masks. All visits to residential care facilities for elderly people and long-term care units are suspended until further notice.
Panic level: 7/10
Number of confirmed cases: 2,876, as of March 12.
Deaths: 61, as of March 12.
Recovered: Not available.
Number of tests done: Not available.
***
SPAIN
Health: Equality Minister Irene Montero first tested positive for the virus and is currently in quarantine along with her partner, Deputy Prime Minister Pablo Iglesias. Carolina Darias, the minister for territorial policy, became the second member of the Spanish Cabinet to test positive for coronavirus on Thursday. Concerns have been raised that other members of the executive — among them Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez — may have also been compromised during a meeting Tuesday; all are currently undergoing testing for the virus.
The Spanish parliament was shuttered after several far-right MPs tested positive. All 52 MPs of the Vox party and their teams have self-isolated as a consequence and party leader Santiago Abascal has since tested positive.
Travel: All flights to and from Italy are canceled until March 25; thousands of travelers have been stranded in Spanish airports as other countries prohibit flights departing from Barcelona and Madrid. A travel scheme for pensioners co-funded by the government has been canceled for a month, potentially longer depending on what the situation is like in a month’s time.
Education: Following a recommendation made by Prime Minister Sánchez on Thursday, all of Spain’s regional governments ordered schools and universities to be closed. Some 9.5 million students have been sent home for the next two weeks.
Events: The leftist national government was pilloried for not canceling the International Women’s March in Madrid on Sunday; tens of thousands attended. Since then, all events with more than a thousand participants have been canceled, including Valencia’s Fallas Festival, which hadn’t been called off since the Spanish Civil War. All sporting events are to be held behind closed doors.The Spanish soccer league has suspended play and the Real Madrid football and basketball clubs have been quarantined after a player tested positive. Civil service exams are postponed indefinitely. Despite pressure from Madrid, the regional government of Andalucia refuses to call off the Holy Week festivities, which are attended by hundreds of thousands of people each year.
Economy: The government has decreed that all people doing self-isolation will receive sick-leave benefits. On Thursday, the Spanish government announced a series of tax breaks representing a €14 billion injection into the economy. In addition, Prime Minister Sánchez pledged €3.8 billion to boost health care.
Other measures: Madrid’s museums and archives will be closed as of March 12. Conjugal visits in prisons located in affected areas have been canceled. Spain’s Muslim community has called off collective prayer services until further notice.
Panic level: Depends on the area. 8/10 in Madrid, where there has been panic buying and a dramatic rise in confirmed cases.
Number of confirmed cases: 3,004 as of March 12 at 6 p.m.
Deaths: 84 as of March 12 at 6 p.m.
Recovered: 189 as of March 12 at 6 p.m.
Number of tests done: The national government refuses to disclose this data.
***
GERMANY
Health: The German government has intensified border control checks since Tuesday. If a suspected case of coronavirus is found, local health authorities will decide whether a quarantine is appropriate or not. The country is also setting up drive-through testing facilities, Deutsche Welle reported.
Travel: Germany’s disease monitoring and control agency, the Robert Koch Institute, has labeled Italy, Iran, South Korea and the region of Hubei in China as “areas of risks,” advising Germans to avoid traveling to those regions if possible.
Education: Some schools are closed in the western state of North Rhine-Westphalia, one of the most affected German regions. Lower Saxony in the northwest will close schools on Monday.
Events: The states of Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia, Bremen, Schleswig-Holstein, Hesse and Berlin have canceled events of more than 1,000 people, following a recommendation by the federal government. Most big sport events will take place without spectators.
Economy: The government signed off on a fresh financial package providing financial support to German companies. The government has also relaxed the rules on short-term contracts to make it easier for employers.
Other measures: Germany’s Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) has a food stock guide out, which also applies for non-coronavirus situations, suggesting Germans should stockpile food for up to 10 days (such as bread, potatoes or nuts). It also suggests Germans should store 20 liters of liquids per person, preferably bottled. The country is also allowing trucks to be on German highways on Sundays.
Panic level: 7/10
Number of confirmed cases: 2,369 as of March 12 at 9 p.m.
Deaths: 6, as of March 12 at 9 p.m.
Recovered: Not available.
Number of tests done: Not available.
***
DENMARK
Health: The government on Wednesday urged hospitals and nursing homes to introduce stricter restrictions on visits with immediate effect.
Travel: Denmark has advised against traveling to the Italian regions of Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, Piedmont, Veneto, Marche and Valle d’Aosta. The state also discourages any non-essential travel to Italy more generally, as well as to Ischgl in Austria, Iran, the Hubei province in China, Daegu city and the Gyeongbuk province in South Korea. People returning should put themselves in quarantine for 14 days. SAS Airlines said it will suspend flights to Italy until April 3. Flights to Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong are suspended until April 30.
Education: Schools are closed for two weeks starting March 13 at the latest.
Events: Indoor events with more than 100 participants are canceled.
Economy: Denmark’s finance minister announced a range of measures Tuesday, including compensation for the organizers of major events that are canceled due to the virus — which has already been cleared by Brussels — and extending companies’ payment deadline to settle value-added taxes. Tax minister Morten Bødskov announced initiatives worth 100 billion DKK (€13 billion) to keep Danish companies afloat.
Other measures: All indoor public cultural institutions, libraries, leisure facilities and similar indoor activities will be closed as soon as possible and no later than March 13 for a fortnight. The use of public transport must be limited, the government said.
Panic level: 5/10
Number of confirmed cases: 674 in Denmark and 2 in the Faroe Islands as of March 12.
Deaths: 0
Recovered: Not available.
Number of tests done: 3038 in Denmark and 92 in the Faroe Islands as of March 12.
***
THE NETHERLANDS
Health: The government on Thursday told people to stay home and avoid social contact if they show any symptoms that may indicate they have the virus. They called on everyone to work from home as much as possible. On Monday, the government asked people to stop shaking hands — a measure quickly forgotten by Prime Minister Mark Rutte who immediately then shook the hand of a health expert next to him.
Travel: The foreign ministry advised people not to travel to Italy unless absolutely necessary. Dutch airlines KLM and Transavia canceled flights from Amsterdam to Italy.
Education: Primary and secondary schools will stay open, despite calls from principals to close. Universities have been asked to teach classes with more than 100 students online.
Events: On Thursday, the government announced all events with more than 100 participants will be banned. Locations frequently visited by more than 100 people, including museums and theaters, will be shut.
Economy: State Secretary for Economic Affairs Mona Keijzer said Wednesday that the Cabinet wants to help entrepreneurs who get into financial difficulties. The government will act as a guarantor for small businesses no longer able to pay off their debts. It also opened a phone line for entrepreneurs to ask questions related to the virus.
Other measures: None.
Panic level: 6/10
Number of confirmed cases: 614 as of March 12 at 8 p.m.
Deaths: 5 as of March 12 at 8 p.m.
Recovered: Not available.
Number of tests done: Not available.
***
SWEDEN
Health: Anyone with symptoms of respiratory infection, however mild, is urged to minimize social contact and stay at home. People are being advised to avoid unnecessary visits to hospitals and retirement homes.
Travel: Sweden is advising against any travel to Iran and to Hubei Province in China. It also advises against all non-essential trips to the rest of China, Italy and affected areas of South Korea.
Education: Schools are not subject to blanket closures, though several have shut following infections of staff or pupils. Notably, Sweden’s Princess Estelle’s school has closed, news of which even made it into Vanity Fair.
Events: Gatherings of more than 500 people have been banned. A royal gala dinner was canceled as well as a number of other events such as the Stockholm St Patrick’s Day Parade.
Economy: The government on Wednesday proposed to update the national budget to include extra money for health care costs. Companies may also see their employment contribution deferred.
Other measures: The government has so far taken less drastic measures than others in Europe.
Panic level: 3/10
Number of confirmed cases: 620, as of March 12 at 3.20 p.m.
Deaths: 1, as of March 11 at 4 p.m.
Recovered: 1, according to the Local.
Number of tests done: Unknown.
***
UNITED KINGDOM
Health: The U.K. is currently at the “delay” phase of its action plan. Those with even mild symptoms are being asked to stay at home for seven days. In the later stages of the outbreak, around the peak, the elderly and vulnerable are expected to be asked to self-isolate for several weeks. Downing Street is being led by medical and behavioral scientists who are focusing on delaying the peak of the outbreak until the summer months — but Boris Johnson’s scientific advisers have also urged the importance of not taking shut-down measures too soon, because of the risk people will ignore public health advice.
Travel: Brits are advised against all travel to Hubei Province in China and against all but essential travel to the rest of mainland China. They have also been urged not to go to the cities of Daegu, Cheongdo and Gyeongsan in South Korea. The government has also advised against all but essential travel to Italy. Travelers returning from affected areas in Italy are asked to self-isolate and call the NHS’s non-emergency number 111. Those returning from a range of other countries are expected to self-isolate only if they develop symptoms. The government has booked out a hotel near Heathrow Airport so people can self-isolate immediately, but it cannot force people to do so.
Education: Schools have only closed when a pupil or staff member has tested positive or if someone at the school had close contact with a confirmed case. Two cases have been confirmed at Oxford University and one at Bournemouth University, but the institutions remain open. Schools have been told to cancel foreign trips.
Events: The U.K. as a whole hasn’t canceled sporting events or held them behind closed doors, but Scotland is headed for a ban, with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon calling for all gatherings of more than 500 to be canceled from next week. Her decision was taken to relieve pressures on emergency services rather than because of an expectation it will have a significant impact on the spread of the virus. A number of British music artists, including grime star Stormzy, have canceled concerts globally. The government has made efforts to avoid canceling events, and even the Queen has been going about her duties, albeit without shaking hands.
Economy: The U.K. Chancellor Rishi Sunak set out a £12 billion package of public spending and tax cuts to mitigate the impact of coronavirus.
Other measures: Brexit talks will no longer be held in London next week “in the form originally scheduled” and the two sides are currently looking into ways to continue discussions, potentially including video conferences. The James Bond franchise delayed the release of the latest instalment, aptly titled Time To Die, from April to November.
Panic level: 5/10.
Number of confirmed cases: 590
Deaths: 10
Recovered: Unknown
Number of tests done: 29,764 as of March 12, at 9 a.m.
***
BELGIUM
Health: Tourists who came back from their (ski) holidays in Italy were not all quarantined.
Travel: Airlines have canceled flights and the government has advised against all trips to Italy following that country going into lockdown.
Education: All classes are canceled as of Monday but schools have to provide day care — in particular for parents working in the health care sector, Belgian Prime Minister Sophie Wilmès said. Nurseries will stay open.
Events: Wilmès on Thursday night announced that all recreational activities, “irrespective of their size or nature,” are canceled. That also includes restaurants and bars. Non-essential shops must be closed during the weekend, while shops offering “essential services,” such as pharmacies and food stores, can keep to their usual opening hours, she said. Wilmès stressed that even though the measures were severe in a bid to contain the spread of the virus, Belgium is not in lockdown.
Economy: No measures announced so far.
Other measures: Everyone is advised to work from home if possible and elderly people are advised to stay home. People are advised to avoid public transport during rush hour, although it will continue to run.
Panic level: 7/10
Number of confirmed cases: 399 as of March 12, at 12 p.m.
Deaths: 3 as of March 11, at 4 p.m.
Recovered: 1, according to public broadcaster VRT.
Number of tests done: Over 4,000.
***
AUSTRIA
Health: Austrians will be allowed to return from Italy but have to undergo two weeks of quarantine, Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said Tuesday. Hospital visits are banned in most areas.
Travel: No one arriving at the border from Italy to Austria may enter without a health certificate. Austria’s foreign ministry advised against traveling to Italy. Transit is only permitted if no stopovers are made, with the exception of freight traffic.
Education: Starting March 16 until after Easter, students aged 15 or older have to stay at home, with classes moving online. From Wednesday, those aged 14 or younger will have the option to stay at home but schools will remain open. Teaching at universities has been suspended.
Events: Outdoor events with more than 500 participants are banned. For indoor events, the threshold is 100. Sport events such as football games may take place without spectators.
Economy: No measures so far.
Other measures: Opera houses, cinemas and event halls will be closed. Police have been told they can’t go on holiday until the end of April.
Panic level: 7/10
Number of confirmed cases: 361 cases as of March 12.
Deaths: 1 as of March 12.
Recovered: Not available.
Number of tests done: Not available.
***
GREECE
Health: People returning from affected areas or who have been in contact with known cases are recommended to stay home for two weeks. The government pledged to add 2,000 staff to the national health system.
Travel: Flights to northern Italy are suspended until March 23.
Education: Schools and universities will be closed for two weeks, the health ministry announced on March 10. Playgrounds will also shut down for 15 weeks, starting March 13.
Events: Gatherings of more than 1,000 participants have been suspended. Gyms, theaters, cinemas, clubs and events will be suspended for 15 days, starting from March 13, the health ministry announced on Thursday. The violation of measures dictated by the authorities should be treated as a crime and prosecuted, the Greek Supreme Court ruled.
Economy: Companies affected by the shutdown will see payments of value-added tax, as well as other tax obligations and social security contributions suspended as of March 12. The government is expected to announce more measures after a Eurogroup meeting on March 16.
Other measures: Public sector employees will adopt flexible working hours, video conferencing and working from home, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said. Courts also suspended trials as of March 13. The Holy Synod of the Church of Greece will close Sunday schools and youth clubs, as well as church-run daycares from March 11 to March 29. Churches remain open and services will continue.
Panic level: 7/10
Number of confirmed cases: 117, as of March 12.
Deaths: 1, as of March 12.
Recovered: 2, as of March 12.
Number of tests done: More than 2,180 as of March 12.
***
CZECH REPUBLIC
Health: The Czech government declared a 30-day state of emergency on Thursday. People who have been in contact with an infected patient are quarantined. Handshakes and other close contact is not recommended, Czech Health Minister Adam Vojtěch said.
Travel: People from 15 at-risk countries are barred from entering the country as of Friday. The countries are China, South Korea, Iran, Italy, Spain, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium, Great Britain, Denmark, and France, the AFP reported. Czech citizens are barred from traveling to these countries.
Education: Schools have been closed as of March 11.
Events: Events with more than 30 participants are banned.
Economy: No measures so far.
Other measures: Visits to hospitals and social services facilities are prohibited as of March 10. Restaurants will have to close between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. All gyms, swimming pools, clubs and libraries will also be closed.
Panic level: 8/10
Number of confirmed cases: 96 as of March 12 at 3 p.m.
Deaths: 0
Recovered: Not available.
Number of tests done: 11,021 as of March 12.
***
PORTUGAL
Health: The Portuguese government’s contingency plan includes the possibility of doubling staff size at hospitals to treat adults and tripling it for pediatric services. Portugal has a moderate risk assessment — the country has imported cases but there is no direct transmission in the population, authorities say.
Travel: Authorities recommended against traveling to high-risk areas, and to cancel non-essential trips. It suspended flights between Portugal and areas of Italy most affected.
Education: Prime Minister António Costa announced Thursday night that all educational establishments from day care centers to universities will be closed from Monday until the Easter holidays. The measure will be reassessed April 9.
Events: Football games have been suspended for indefinite time. The government recommended canceling indoor events of more than 1,000 people and outdoor events with more than 5,000. In Porto, the city hall closed museums, libraries and swimming pools.
Economy: Restaurants and shopping centers will also have restrictions on business to reduce contact among people. Hotels in the Algarve region have seen 60 percent of reservations canceled. The government announced plans to support companies affected including by temporarily suspending employment contracts, postponing tax deadlines or offering incentives.
Other measures: The government said it would consider using force to quarantine infected people if needed, as well as closing borders.
Panic level: 6/10
Number of confirmed cases: 78 cases as of March 12 at 8 p.m.
Deaths: 0
Recovered: 1
Number of tests done: Not available.
***
FINLAND
Health: Finland was so prepared for the virus that the government took steps in January that allow people to get communicable disease insurance if they or their child is put in quarantine. The country also says it is well stocked with personal protective equipment and medicines.
Travel: Finnair cut more than 3,000 flights, including to cities in Italy, Germany, Croatia and Sweden. The country’s foreign ministry advised against unnecessary travel to areas in Germany, Austria and Italy.
Education: Around 700 students and teachers were told to stay off school due to the outbreak.
Events: Those with more than 500 people are canceled.
Economy: No measures so far.
Panic level: 4/10. Some people are starting to panic buy.
Number of confirmed cases: 59 as of March 12 at 8 p.m.
Deaths: 0
Recovered: Not available
Number of tests done: 900 as of March 11 at 5 p.m.
***
SLOVENIA
Health: Slovenia is moving into the second phase of the coronavirus outbreak, the health minister said Thursday, which will likely trigger a national emergency plan. However, a new government is set to take office Friday, throwing the response into uncertainty. The health service already postponed all preventive health checks and hospitals are closed to visitors.
Travel: Rail and road connections with Italy were shut off Wednesday evening aside from six border checkpoints. Foreigners who register a temperature below 37.5 degrees Celsius and don’t show signs of an upper respiratory infection will be allowed to pass — as will those who can prove they tested negative for coronavirus in the past three days. Slovenian citizens and cargo are exempt. Temperature checks are also in place at Ljubljana airport.
Education: All schools will be closed as of Monday.
Events: Indoor events with more than 100 people and outdoor events with more than 500 are banned. The upcoming World Cup Skiing competition is canceled.
Economy: Forecasters slashed their estimates of the country’s GDP for 2020 by 50 percent.
Other measures: Fathers can no longer be present during births at a major Ljubljana hospital after cases were recorded in the maternity ward.
Panic level: 7/10
Number of confirmed cases: 57, as of March 12 at 12 p.m.
Deaths: 0
Recovered: Not available
Number of tests done: Not available
***
ROMANIA
Health: As of march 12, more than 1,450 people are in quarantine, and nearly 13,000 are self-isolating.
Travel: Flights to Italy are suspended for two weeks. People returning from Italy or other affected countries such as China, Iran and South Korea have to go into mandatory 14-day quarantine. Land borders with low volumes of traffic with Hungary, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Moldova and Serbia have been closed.
Education: All schools are closed until March 22.
Events: Outdoor gatherings with more than 1,000 participants are banned. Indoor events with more than 100 participants are also suspended. All football matches postponed until after March 31.
Economy: No measures announced yet, but under review.
Other measures: Police escorted Romanians coming from the most affected areas of Italy to their home counties in a bid to ensure they self-quarantine.
Panic level: 8/10
Number of confirmed cases: 59, as of March 12.
Deaths: 0
Recovered: 6, as of March 12.
Number of tests done: Not available
***
IRELAND
Health: Anyone with symptoms should self-isolate for 14 days. If someone has traveled from an affected area or has been in close contact with a confirmed case, they are also advised to call a doctor.
Travel: People are advised not to travel to Italy and to avoid non-essential travel to China, Iran and affected regions of South Korea.
Education: Schools, colleges and childcare facilities will close from March 13. Trinity College Dublin moved lectures online and Dublin City University postponed graduation ceremonies.
Events: Indoor gatherings of more than 100 people are canceled, as are outdoor gatherings of more than 500 people. That includes the St Patrick’s Day celebrations in Dublin.
Economy: Ireland has set aside a massive €3 billion in a bid to protect the country’s economy. The majority of this (€2.4 billion) is for income support for those in self-isolation or who are diagnosed. The health service has been allocated €435 million including to free up space in hospitals, scale up home testing and remote management of patients, and centralize procurement of protective gear.
Other measures: People are advised to work from home if they can and to reduce face to face interactions at work. The Irish cinema chain Omniplex has implemented “seat separation” with every second seat being unoccupied.
Panic level: 7/10
Number of confirmed cases: 70 as of March 12.
Deaths: 1 as of March 12.
Recovered: Unknown
Number of tests done: 1784 as of March 9.
***
POLAND
Health: More than 2,700 people are in quarantine.
Travel: Authorities introduced border checks to take the temperature of passengers arriving by bus, van or ferry. National airline LOT suspended flights from Italy and China. The government discourages travel to China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Iran, Japan and Italy.
Education: Schools, kindergartens and universities were closed for two weeks as of March 11.
Events: All mass events have been canceled.
Economy: An emergency bill passed Sunday foresees the possibility of payouts to parents who have to stay at home with children. Poland’s president asked financial institutions to suspend loan payments.
Other measures: Churches will stay open for now, while cinemas and other cultural institutions are closed. The clergy has been asked to hold more frequent Sunday masses so people don’t have to stand in crowded churches.
Panic level: 7/10
Number of confirmed cases: 51 as of March 12.
Deaths: 1
Recovered: Unknown
Number of tests done: 2,024 as of March 11.
***
LUXEMBOURG
Health: 93 people are in quarantine.
Travel: Luxembourg’s airline Luxair is canceling flights on an individual basis.
Education: All schools are closed.
Events: The health ministry said events with more than 1,000 people will be canceled.
Economy: None so far.
Other measures: None so far.
Panic level: 2/10
Number of confirmed cases: 26 as of March 12.
Deaths: 0
Recovered: Not available.
Number of tests done: 400.
***
CROATIA
Health: People are asked to self-isolate if they are returning from China, South Korea, certain provinces in Italy, the Heinsberg district in the German state of North-Rhine-Westphalia, Iran, Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore. People who have no symptoms will not be tested because a person who tests negative may become ill later, according to the health ministry. It also recommended people avoid shaking hands.
Travel: Croatians are advised against traveling to China.
Education: Schools and universities will suspend classes from March 13 in Istria, the region closest to the Italian border. Classes will be held online.
Events: The government recommended postponing all events with more than 1,000 people. If organizers decide to proceed they are responsible for ensuring high hygiene levels.
Economy: No measures announced yet, but the government is assessing the impact of the virus.
Other measures: Hospitals are delaying non-urgent admissions and some are considering canceling non-urgent surgeries, Vecernji List reported.
Panic level: 3/10
Number of confirmed cases: 25 as of March 12
Deaths: 0 as of March 12.
Recovered: Not available.
Number of tests done: Not available.
***
ESTONIA
Health: The capital city of Tallinn is considering requiring that anyone from at-risk areas be put in quarantine. Anyone arriving in the country is required to fill out a form.
Travel: Estonians are advised against traveling to any areas affected by outbreaks, including China, Italy, Iran, Singapore, South Korea, the Alsace region of France and North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany. Estonia’s foreign minister also begged citizens: “Please, do not go to Italy.” People landing in Estonia airports are having their temperature taken.
Education: All schools are closed.
Events: Major events will be restricted. Estonian Music Week was postponed.
Economy: The government said it could propose a supplementary budget if losses are big, but this is still to be determined.
Other measures: None.
Panic level: 3/10
Number of confirmed cases: 27 cases, as of March 12, 8:30 p.m.
Deaths: 0
Recovered: Not available.
Number of tests done: 350 tests from January 31 to March 10.
***
HUNGARY
Health: Police are enforcing quarantine at a Budapest hospital. A total of 65 people are currently quarantined, according to authorities. Hungarians who have been abroad will temporarily be banned from donating blood.
Travel: Hungary is setting up checks on its borders with Austria and Slovenia. An entry ban is now in place on people coming from Italy, Iran, South Korea and China. Hungarian citizens returning from these countries are allowed home but instructed to go into quarantine.
Education: University classes are canceled. Education can continue via e-learning. School trips outside of Hungary are banned.
Events: Indoor events with more than 100 participants and outdoor events with more than 500 people are prohibited, including the March 15 commemorations of the 1848 revolution. Hungarians over the age of 60 have been advised to avoid crowded areas.
Other measures: Hungary is no longer accepting asylum-seekers’ applications to enter its border transit zone, citing the virus threat. The Hungarian authorities have also said foreigners in Hungary who fail to follow health instructions could be taken into custody and ultimately deported. Unlike some other countries, Hungary has been publishing the breakdown of cases by nationality.
Panic level: 7/10
Number of confirmed cases: 16 as of March 12.
Deaths: 0
Recovered: 0
Number of tests done: 730 as of March 12.
***
LATVIA
Health: Latvia requires anyone who’s been to the affected areas to self-isolate. All known cases in Latvia have been linked to someone who traveled back from a week-long ski holiday in Italy: Latvia advised all 39 people on the same plane from Milan to Riga to self-quarantine.
Travel: Latvia is advising against traveling to affected areas, mainly Italy. Latvia’s tourism industry expects a 90 percent drop in revenue.
Education: Continuing as usual but the ministry of education is looking at remote education or extending the school year if need be.
Events: Any events with more than 200 people will be canceled.
Economy: No measures so far.
Other measures: Latvia declared a state of emergency on March 12
Panic level: 1/10.
Number of confirmed cases: 10 as of March 11 at 12.45 p.m.
Deaths: 0
Recovered: Not available.
Number of tests done: 291 as of March 11 at 12.45 p.m.
***
SLOVAKIA
Health: The country declared a state of emergency Thursday morning, giving government the power to supply health care workers with protective equipment from the State Material Reserves. It can also force Slovak companies not to sell the gear abroad, the Slovak Spectator reported. People returning from Italy, China, South Korea and Iran have to observe a 14-day quarantine at home. They could be fined up to €1,650 if they don’t comply.
Travel: All three international airports in the country have been closed for two weeks. Everybody coming from abroad will be put into a 14-day quarantine.
Education: Schools are closed for two weeks, starting on March 16.
Events: All cultural, sporting and other events organized by public authorities will be suspended for two weeks, the Slovak government said Monday.
Economy: No measures announced.
Other measures: Shopping centers will be closed over the weekend, with only grocery stores and pharmacies open. The National Centre of Health Information recommends people use the e-prescription service and limit visits to the doctor.
Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini assured people that the country has the necessary stocks of protective equipment such as respirators. The government is also planning to extend testing capacity and purchase some devices from abroad, Pellegrini said.
Panic level: 8/10
Number of confirmed cases: 21 as of March 12.
Deaths: 0
Recovered: Not available.
Number of tests done: 853, as of March 12.
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BULGARIA
Health: Hospitals treating patients with coronavirus are operating in quarantine mode and not allowing visits. In wards where coronavirus patients were isolated, no other patients can be admitted or discharged for two weeks, and an intensive disinfection regime will be put in place, the health ministry said Wednesday.
Travel: Some flights to Italy, Israel, Germany, the Czech Republic and Austria have been canceled.
Education: Regional authorities can decide to suspend classes depending on the intensity of local virus spread. In the regions of Gabrovo and Pleven, classes have been suspended until March 15. Large events involving children, including school trips, have been canceled.
Events: The government has advised that any indoor event should have no more than 250 people and that there should be a minimum of one meter’s distance between participants. Indoor sporting events have been suspended and those held outdoors will take place without spectators.
Other measures: Visits to nursing homes and children’s homes are no longer allowed. In cinemas, theaters and other public venues, attendees have to ensure there is at least one free seat between each person and premises must be disinfected between each screening or event.
Panic level: 4/10
Number of confirmed cases: 23, as of March 12.
Deaths: 1, as of March 12, at 6 p.m.
Recovered: Not available.
Number of tests done: Not available.
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MALTA
Travel: The country has banned all travel to and from France, Germany, Switzerland and Spain. That’s on top of an earlier ban on travel to and from Italy. There is a mandatory 14-day quarantine for anyone arriving from these countries and also China (including Hong Kong), Singapore, Japan, Iran and South Korea. Those who fail to observe the quarantine could face a €1,000 fine.
Education: All schools are closed for a week, starting on March 13.
Events: All mass activities that are not necessary are suspended.
Economy: No measures so far.
Other measures: The government has advised postponing weddings, which are considered mass events.
Day centers for the elderly will be closed.
A national Maltese TV channel will be broadcasting the mass and rosary prayers as of Monday to limit the number of people gathering in church.
Panic level: 6/10
Number of confirmed cases: 9 as of March 12.
Deaths: 0
Recovered: Not available.
Number of tests done: Not available.
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CYPRUS
Health: People returning to Cyprus from Italy, Iran, South Korea and China’s Hubei province have been told to go into quarantine for two weeks. Those coming back from the rest of China, Japan, Hong Kong, Germany, France, the U.K., Spain, Switzerland and certain regions of Greece — Achaia, Ilias and Zakynthos — have to self-isolate in case they develop symptoms.
Three hotels in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus are in quarantine after a 65-year-old woman traveling as part of a larger group of German tourists tested positive.
Travel: Checkpoints on the island between the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus have been closed. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus has banned all chartered flights until April 1.
Education: Schools will be closed from Friday March 13 until March 20.
Events: All events and gatherings of more than 75 people in a confined space are banned until March 31. Events, concerts and parades in public spaces have also been canceled. Football matches and other sports games will be played without spectators.
Economy: The government of the Republic of Cyprus is preparing a financial stimulus package to mitigate the virus’ impact on the island’s tourism and travel sectors.
Other measures: No more than 75 people are allowed to gather in places such as cinemas, theaters, bars, restaurants and cafés. The rule doesn’t apply to supermarkets and shops in shopping malls, where people do not stay in the same place for a long time (though it does apply to food courts in shopping malls).
Panic level: 6/10
Number of confirmed cases: 10 in the Republic of Cyprus and 2 in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus as of March 12.
Deaths: 0
Recovered: 0
Number of tests done: Not available.
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LITHUANIA
Health: Lithuania is monitoring more than 5,000 people who have traveled from coronavirus-infected areas. Its largest hospital has begun making its own face masks after the national supply ran out.
Travel: Authorities are taking people’s temperature when they arrive at the airport, and the transport ministry has said it is ready to cancel or restrict flights if needed. People are banned from traveling to certain countries, including Italy. People are advised against travelling to France, Spain and Germany.
Education: Schools were closed on March 12 for two weeks.
One school shut down two weeks ago because a pupil had been in Italy; another asked two students to go home because they had runny noses after returning to Lithuania from London.
Events: All events are canceled, and only 100 people can attend open-air events.
Economy: No specific measures announced so far.
Other measures: Lithuania declared a state of emergency over the threat of coronavirus in late February, before it had any reported cases.
Churches have stopped using holy water due to the health risks.
Panic level: 6/10.
Number of confirmed cases: Three as of March 11, at 6 p.m.
Deaths: 0
Recovered: Not available.
Number of tests done: 309 as of March 11, at 6 p.m.
This article was compiled by Carmen Paun together with Jillian Deutsch, Ashleigh Furlong, Sarah Wheaton, Judith Mischke, Hanne Cokelaere, Barbara Moens, Bjarke Smith-Meyer, Elisa Braun, Nektaria Stamouli, Lili Bayer, Eline Schaart, Zosia Wanat, Ivo Oliveira, Aitor Hernández-Morales, Cristina Gallardo and Emilio Casalicchio.