Around the world, local and national governments are relaxing, if not completely lifting, the restrictions that have dramatically changed daily life for many over the last two years. With help from the Alliance for National Health International, let’s go on a world tour to get an overview of current restrictions by country.
For each country represented on the map, four metrics are considered: mask mandates, vaccine mandates, the use of vaccine passports, and the easing of restrictions. The status of these metrics together have been translated into a colored code: red, amber, or green.
This map does not indicate if censorship campaigns are underway, if restrictions are being placed on doctors who speak out or prescribe “unapproved” treatments, or other such measures.
Note: This is a snapshot of what was happening as of February 2, 2022. Restrictions, recommendations, and regulations are constantly changing around the world which may result in aspects of this map being inaccurate prior to the next update.
Mexico
- Mexico has removed all requirements, including its health form, for travelers entering the country.
France
- The French government has started lifting restrictions, including the mandatory wearing of masks outdoors.
- The use of homemade cloth masks has been banned. It remains mandatory to wear a mask in all public indoor venues/shopping centre/public transport or where there are more than 10 people in an outdoor space.
- Covid-19 injections are mandatory for health workers. Although the government has stopped short of mandating injections for all adults, in December a six month expiry date was set on injections for those over the age of 65, making it a requirement for people to have boosters.
- France’s “Pass Sanitaire” has changed to a vaccine pass, which allows access to everyday activities and travel. While the updated pass doesn’t allow for the use of negative tests in place of proof of vaccine, it does allow for a “recovery” or exemption certificate. Children aged 12-15 can continue to provide a negative test result.
Italy
- Covid-19 injections are mandated for everyone over 50 years of age. As of Feb 1, those who refuse are being fined.
- The validity of both the “Super” green pass (proves vaccination status or recovery) and green pass was cut from 9–6 months on Feb. The time period will run from the date of the most recent injection. The new pass is needed to access all forms of public transport. Proof of a negative test can only be used in conjunction with the basic green pass, which is required to access banks, post offices, public offices, tobacconists, bookshops, beauty salons, barbers, newsagents, and shopping malls.
- Passes based on negative tests are only valid for 48 hours.
- As of Feb 1, anyone who remains jab-free will only be able to access grocery shops, supermarkets, and pharmacies.
- Mask wearing is required both indoors and outdoors. Commuters using public transport are required to wear FFP2 masks.
- In a bid to circumvent the stringent rules, some Italians are holding “Covid parties” so they can become infected and claim a recovery certificate.
Canada
Restrictions vary by province.
- All visitors to Canada must be “fully vaccinated”.
- Covid injections and vaccinate passports are required for everyone traveling over the age of 12 including for air travel, trains, and boats.
- Vaccine mandates are in place for a range of workplaces and workers.
- Masks remain mandatory for anyone over the age of five in all indoor public settings in some provinces with limits on the number of people allowed at indoor gatherings.
- Some provinces require people have taken the injection in order to visit loved ones in care homes.
- Ontario and Quebec began easing restrictions on Jan 31.
- Tens of thousands continue to stand with truckers in Canada to oppose Covid jab mandates.
USA
Restrictions vary according to state.
- Masks are currently mandated nationwide on public transport.
- The Biden Administration tried to impose wide-ranging mandates, but it was been defeated in court.
- The use of passports varies greatly by state.
- The lifting and easing of restrictions also varies across the US.
England
- The majority of restrictions have been lifted in England as the government removed Plan B. However, anyone who tests positive for SARS-CoV-2 must still self-isolate for up to five days, a regulation that is set to expire on March 24. The Prime Minister said after this date the requirement to self-isolate will likely be replaced with advice and guidance.
- The threat of mandatory injections for NHS and associated CQC regulated organizations has also been lifted pending further consultation after significant pushback and acknowledgment of the damage that would be caused by the loss of 100,000 NHS workers.
Denmark
- Denmark has lifted all restrictions, labelling Covid as no longer being a significant threat to public health.
Australia
Restrictions vary according to state.
- Mandates vary depending on the state (Western Australia, Victoria, Northern Territories).
- Mask mandates again vary according to state (Western Australia, Northern Territory, Victoria, New South Wales).
- Different states have different requirements for vaccine passports (New South Wales, Victoria).
- Various states began easing restrictions at the end of 2021, despite omicron’s appearance in the country.
New Zealand
- Mandated masking has increased. People are being required to wear masks in a wider range of settings and those who are legally mandated to have the injection have to use medical grade masks.
- Covid-19 injections are mandated across a range of workforces.
- New Zealand has a Covid-19 pass, but its use is not currently mandated.
Germany
- German citizens are required to wear medical grade masks rather than cloth masks in shops, on public transport, and at work.
- Germany uses the EU Digital COVID Certificate, but its use is not mandated. Since the arrival of omicron, non-injected citizens have been put under partial lockdown, preventing them from accessing non-essential shops and services.
- Germany doesn’t have any injection mandates currently, but politicians are debating the introduction of a similar scheme to that imposed in Austria.
- Although the German government has tightened restrictions, some states have begun to ease them.
Ireland
- Ireland lifted the majority of restrictions on Jan 22. However, the mandated use of masks in some settings continues, passports are required for international travel, and self-isolation rules remain.
- There are currently no vaccine mandates in Ireland.
Austria
- Austria has implemented the most draconian mandate yet imposed in the Western world, as it requires all citizens over the age of 18 to be vaccinated. Punitive fines will be meted out to those that continue to refuse the injection.
- At the same time, some restrictions are being eased, such as the lifting of the lockdown on those who have not taken the injection and the extension of opening hours for restaurants and shops.
- Mask mandates remain in public areas with people required to wear FFP2 masks.
- Austria also uses the EU Digital COVID Certificate to enable people to prove their status.
Greece
- Greece has implemented mandatory vaccines for anyone over the age of 60 and is imposing monthly fines on anyone over 60 who continues to refuse the injection.
- Greece reintroduced mandatory mask-wearing at the end of 2021 in response to omicron.
Israel
- Israel was one of the first countries to implement mandated Covid-19 vaccine passes. Israel’s Finance Minister, Avigdor Liberman, is now “working with all parties to eliminate the Green Pass and maintain a normal routine for all of us.” He said, “there is no medical or epidemiological logic in the Green Pass, many experts agree,” and “there is, however, direct harm to the economy, to daily operations and a not insignificant contribution to daily panic among the public.”
- Israel eased travel restrictions at the beginning of January.
- Mask wearing remains mandated.
South Africa
- South Africa is currently considering whether or not to use Covid-19 vaccine passes in workplaces.
- Mask mandates remain in place.
- South Africa has not imposed passes as a whole but some universities and private businesses have taken it upon themselves to impose requirements.
- The government has lifted the majority of restrictions in recent days, including removing the requirement to self-isolate for those without symptoms who have come into contact with a covid positive individual. The isolation period for those with symptoms has been cut from 10 to 7 days.
Japan
- Japan is not mandating Covid-19 vaccines (see WCH statement) or mask-wearing.
- A Covid-19 pass is available but its use is not mandated.
Brazil
- Proof of Covid-19 vaccination is only required for travelers entering Brazil.
India
- India is not mandating Covid-19 injections.
- The use of Covid-19 vaccine passes is optional.
- The wearing of masks in India continues to be mandated.
- Restrictions in some areas are being lifted as the omicron surge dies out.
Nigeria
- The wearing of masks is not mandated, although their use is recommended.
- Covid-19 injections are mandated in Nigeria for government workers.
- Covid-19 passes are not used.
Note: This is a snapshot of what was happening as of February 2, 2022. Restrictions, recommendations, and regulations are constantly changing around the world which may result in aspects of this map being inaccurate prior to the next update.
The above map and list were compiled by the Alliance for National Health International.
