As cases of the Covid-19 variant Omicron soar worldwide, here’s a summary of how the pandemic continues to impact clubs, festivals, promoters and the electronic music scene at large.
• Sweden is set to lift most pandemic restrictions on February 9th
• Switzerland is considering an end to all Covid-19 measures
• Clubs in the Netherlands may fully reopen on February 12th in defiance of current rules
Last updated: 4:00 PM GMT, February 3rd
• Most Covid-19 restrictions will be lifted on February 9th, the government has announced. This includes the current 11 PM curfew and capacity limits on bars and restaurants. Proof of vaccination will no longer be required for public events.
• Officials are considering ending current pandemic measures on February 17th. This would mean terminating vaccine certificates for leisure and cultural venues, mask use and restrictions on private gatherings. The government is expected to make a decision on February 16th.
• Nightlife groups Nachtbelang and the Overleg Amsterdamse Clubs (OAC) are calling on clubs to fully open on February 12th in protest of ongoing restrictions. According to the current rules, the entire hospitality industry must close by 10 PM with social distancing, masks and capacity limits in effect
• In Catalonia, nightclubs can fully reopen on February 11th. Capacity limits will be removed and proof of vaccination is no longer required for entry. Venues have been shut since December.
• Mumbai has lifted its night curfew, which has been in place since December. Restaurants and theatres can also reopen at 50 percent capacity. The move comes a few days after the city of Bangalore ended its own night curfew.
• Venues nationwide can now play music indoors and resume normal operating hours, as per new rules announced on January 27th. Last month, a music ban and midnight curfew was announced for bars, nightclubs and restaurants.
