Gatwick Airport: Protests across popular Europe holiday destinations over COVID restrictions – latest lockdown rules

Demonstrations and violence have erupted in popular winter holiday destinations as people protest the return of Covid measures and lockdowns across many parts of Europe.

Popular places for short breaks or ski holidays such as Austria are among the countries where rallies have been held as coronavirus infections increase on the continent.

It comes as travellers have been told proof of booster jabs will be added to NHS pass for international travel.

Read more: Gatwick Airport: Netherlands and Amsterdam lockdown rules explained and whether you can still visit

Vaccination rates are much lower in some nations other than the UK and director of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) DR Andrea Ammon said people are resisting the rollout.

She told the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show that while policies like mandatory vaccination have been introduced in some places, introducing stronger measures could work as a “double-edged sword” and provoke further resistance.

This effect has already been seen in several countries over the weekend – from violence in Vienna to riots in Rotterdam.

The Netherlands

Rotterdam’s mayor Ahmed Aboutleb has condemned “an orgy of violence” that occurred at Friday’s demonstrations (November 19) after seven people were hurt and more than 20 arrested.

Hundreds of rioters filled the capital to protest against a fresh three-week partial lockdown, plans to introduce a Covid vaccine pass, and a ban on New Year’s Eve fireworks.

Protesters there launched rocks and fireworks at officers and torched police cars.

This then led to a Dutch police retaliation.

Thousands gathered peacefully the following night on Amsterdam’s central Dam Square despite organisers calling off the protest.

Hundreds also marched through the southern city of Breda.

Austria

Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg announced a fresh lockdown after daily deaths tripled in recent weeks with ‘stay at home’ measures similar to those faced in the UK.

This could last up to 20 days from Monday, November 22.

The Government has also said coronavirus jabs will be made mandatory in the country from February 1 after only two-thirds of the population came forward to be vaccinated.

Around 35,000 demonstrators, many from far-right groups, marched through Vienna on Saturday (November 20) beating fire-lit torches and holding ‘my body, my choice’ banners.

Others expressed their anger by burning face masks.

Fireworks and bottles were launched at the around 1,300 police officers on duty, who responded with pepper spray to disperse the crowds.

Croatia

Less than 49 per cent of the public has received a jab in Croatia where anti-vax sentiment is running high.

As a result, infections have risen steeply in recent weeks.

Lockdown is currently not on the table but masks are mandatory in all indoor spaces and outdoors where 1.5-metre social distancing is not possible.

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