As anticipated, a resurgence of the COVID-19 virus is occurring around the globe. In an attempt to halt or slow the infection rates, many countries are reversing course in their re-opening efforts and instead reverting to stricter restrictions and lockdowns. As we continue to navigate through this next wave, it is important to note that the new regulations, while not what we all hoped for, are not as restrictive as those put in place at the beginning of the pandemic.
Countries have focused their efforts on reducing crowd size, focusing on “hot spot” locations, and social interaction vs. complete shutdowns. While restrictions may include overnight lockdowns, work-from-home initiatives, and the closing of in-person dining and businesses which involve large crowds (e.g., concerts, theaters, sporting events, etc.), all real estate transactions may continue and – most importantly – the household goods industry may continue to conduct business as usual. We are also pleased to see that while restrictions are tightening, we are not seeing closed borders or many travel restrictions. As we continue to adjust to this new pandemic environment, all regulations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and regulations imposed by Aires’ partner network, will continue to be in place to ensure the safety and well-being of our clients, their employees, and their families.
Aires is constantly monitoring each country location, and we continue to provide updates for all locations. Today we would like to highlight four European countries which have recently reinstituted restrictive guidelines and lockdowns.
FRANCE
- Effective October 30, the French government has implemented new nationwide lockdown restrictions through December 1 and will re-evaluate at that time
- The new lockdown restrictions include:
- People can only leave home to go to work, attend school, go to a medical appointment, give assistance to loved ones, shop for essentials, or participate in physical exercise
- Travel between regions is banned
- Bars, pubs, and non-essential shops will be closed
- Restaurants will close for in-person dining – take-away permitted
- Work must be done remotely wherever possible
- The following activities may remain operational / open:
- Schools
- Businesses and most public services
- Real estate services
- Moving services
- EU Borders
- French citizens and permanent residents will also be permitted to return home
GERMANY:
- Effective November 2, the German government has implemented a new partial lockdown through December 1, with an extension possible
- The new partial lockdown restrictions include:
- Restaurants and bars are closed close, except for take-out
- Overnight stays in hotels for tourist purposes are banned
- All those who can work from home should do so, and employers should ease a transition into working from home
- Meetings in public will be restricted to just two households of up to 10 people total
- Entertainment facilities such as theaters and cinemas will be closed
- Public recreation centers such as swimming pools, gyms, and saunas will be closed
- Large gatherings will need to be postponed/cancelled
- No crowds at sports events
- The following services may remain operational/open:
- Schools
- Church services
- Protests will be allowed to continue due to constitutional concerns
- Nursing home residents will be allowed to receive visitors
- Shops will remain open, with one customer allowed per 10 square meters (108 square feet)
- Real estate services
- Moving services
- Borders remain open
IRELAND
- Effective October 21, the Irish government has imposed a nationwide Level 5 lockdown for six (6) weeks through the beginning of December, with an extension possible
- The new lockdown restrictions include:
- Face masks are mandatory nationwide on public transport, shops, and other indoor public settings
- Work from home is in place for all citizens except for essential or other designated workers
- Bars and restaurants will close for in-person dining, take-out allowable
- Non-essential retail shops, personal service shops, and hairdressers are closed
- People are permitted to meet up outdoors with one other household away from their home for the likes of exercise, within a 5 km (3 miles) limit
- Visitors from outside of your own household are not permitted in your home or garden
- Residents must remain in their counties of residence unless traveling for work, education, or other essential purposes
- Organized indoor gatherings are suspended while outdoor gatherings are limited to 15 people
- Public transport capacity is limited to 50 percent; residents are advised to use public transport only for essential purposes
- The following services may remain operational/open:
- Schools
- Real Estate services
- Moving services
- Weddings and funerals may take place but are capped at 25 attendees
UNITED KINGDOM
- Effective November 5, the government has implemented a new lockdown that will end, pending review, on December 2
- The new lockdown restrictions include:
- Individuals are ordered to stay home with the exception for essential travel (e.g., education, medical supplies, grocery shopping)
- All non-essential businesses must close and work from home should be in place for all businesses who can do so
- Bars, pubs, and restaurants will close for in-person dining, takeaways and deliveries permitted
- The following services may remain operational/open:
- Household goods shipment and deliveries are allowable
- Manufacturing and construction may continue
- Real estate services may continue
- Schools and universities will remain open
CLOSING THOUGHTS
As evidenced by the restrictions being implemented around the globe, the pandemic continues to impact our world but at a more manageable level. Past experiences are leading countries to take action early and quickly in order to avoid the complete shutdowns we have seen in the past. The situation continues to be fluid, and further restrictions, extension of lockdowns, and even new measures are possible as we continue to combat the global pandemic. Aires will continue to monitor these situations and provide updates as we move forward in our recovery efforts.
For more information on the countries above or any country location of importance to you, please contact your Aires representative.