From Spain to Italy, Europe Is Fed Up with Lockdowns
Are people going to accept stay-at-home orders this time around? Protests illustrate the challenge ahead for policy makers.
New lockdowns aren’t going over well.
Photographer: Antonio Masiello/Getty Images EuropeAfter a summer of hope, Europe looks set for a tragic winter. The dream of keeping the pandemic in check with limited sacrifices is gone. Governments are readying themselves for a new round of tough containment measures.
Ireland paved the way a week and a half ago, imposing a national lockdown while keeping schools and essential stores open. France has similarly ordered a shutdown, just a few months after president Emmanuel Macron categorically ruled one out. In Germany, chancellor Angela Merkel has spearheaded a partial lockdown for the month of November, one that will put a stop to leisure activities. Italy has imposed a 6 p.m. curfew for bars and restaurants but could opt for more draconian rules.