EU Assures ‘Waived Travel Restrictions’ for Christmas
The European Union (EU) has assured that Europeans could travel freely between two member nations as restrictions will be waived for Christmas.
This was confirmed by Margaritis Schinas, EU’s vice president for promoting our European way of life when asked to reassure children that Santa Claus would be able to freely cross borders to bring them their gifts.
“We agreed with the religious leaders that this being an issue of trans-border movement – Saint Nicholas, Pere Noel, Babbo Natale, Reyes Magos, Agios Vassilis – they will all be able to deliver the gifts,” he was quoted as saying in a report from Euronews.
“Young Europeans of all faith should have the conviction that love and hope will never be absent from Europe in these days,” he added.
At present, member countries such as France, Germany, and Austria have national lockdowns in place which are set to be lifted between early or mid-December albeit restrictions would still be enforced.
In France, President Emmanuel Macron warned that French people should prepare for a Christmas “not like others.”
Non-essential shops and gyms have been opened but people have to continue to restrict movement and justify with form until December 15.
An evening curfew will still be enforced and bars and restaurants will remain close until January 20, 2021.
France also restricted gatherings and urged people to respect physical distancing measures. The strict wearing of masks was also asked for those hosting families over the holiday.
In the UK, Prime Minister Boris Johnson similarly said that Christmas will not be normal for Britons.
One of its regions, England, was set to exit its lockdown on December 1 but a tweaked three-tier system will be observed.
The government unveiled new tiers on Wednesday, with 99% of the country’s population to be placed under the two toughest tier levels.
“People will be able to leave their home for any purpose,” Johnson was quoted as saying in an earlier report.
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