Europe's already fragile economic recovery is at risk of being undermined by a fourth wave of coronavirus infections as governments impose increasingly stringent health restrictions that could reduce foot traffic in shopping centres, discourage travel and thin crowds in restaurants, bars and ski resorts
A restaurant in Salzburg, Austria, on Monday, Nov. 22, 2021. Due to strict health restrictions, restaurants in Austria will allow only carryout service. (Laetitia Vancon/The New York Times)
Europe’s already fragile economic recovery is at risk of being undermined by a fourth wave of coronavirus infections now dousing the continent, as governments impose increasingly stringent health restrictions that could reduce foot traffic in shopping centers, discourage travel and thin crowds in restaurants, bars and ski resorts.
Austria has imposed the strictest measures, mandating vaccinations and imposing a nationwide lockdown that began on Monday. But economic activity will also be dampened by other safety measures — from vaccine passports in France and Switzerland to a requirement to work from home four days a week in Belgium.
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