A third of the global population is on coronavirus lockdown — here's our constantly updated list of countries and restrictions

Advertisement
A third of the global population is on coronavirus lockdown — here's our constantly updated list of countries and restrictions
People applaud health workers from balconies in Barcelona, Spain.David Ramos/Getty Images
  • As the novel coronavirus continues to spread, some countries are putting their citizens on various forms lockdown —though that's not a technical term used by public-health officials.
  • India, China, France, Italy, New Zealand, Poland, and the UK have implemented the world's largest and most restrictive mass quarantines.
  • More than 146,291 people have died and over 2,173,432 have been infected by the coronavirus worldwide.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Countries around the world are implementing measures to slow the spread of the coronavirus, from national quarantines to school closures.

More than a third of the planet's population is under some form of restriction.

The World Health Organization, which has officially declared the outbreak a pandemic, has called on "all countries to continue efforts that have been effective in limiting the number of cases and slowing the spread of the virus."

While "lockdown" isn't a technical term used by public-health officials, it can refer to anything from mandatory geographic quarantines to non-mandatory recommendations to stay at home, closures of certain types of businesses, or bans on events and gatherings, Lindsay Wiley, a health law professor at the Washington College of Law, told Vox.

Six European countries — Spain, Italy, Denmark, Austria, Poland, and the Czech Republic — that have previously imposed restrictions are beginning to lift lockdown measures, although they've had varying levels of success in tackling their respective outbreaks.

Here are the countries and territories that have implemented mandatory mass quarantines and border closures so far.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Advertisement

Many countries have also closed borders to prevent international travelers from spreading the virus

In Italy, a nationwide lockdown went into effect on March 10 that restricts virtually all aspects of life for its 60 million citizens, including retail, leisure, worship, imprisonment, and travel.

In Italy, a nationwide lockdown went into effect on March 10 that restricts virtually all aspects of life for its 60 million citizens, including retail, leisure, worship, imprisonment, and travel.

At least 168,941 people have been infected and 22,170 have died from coronavirus in Italy as of Friday.

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte described the quarantine policy as "I stay home," according to the BBC.

Large sporting events, schools and universities, museums, cultural centers, swimming pools, and spas have been shut down throughout the country. While public transportation and airports are still operating, only essential travel is allowed, and those who want to travel for valid work or family-related reasons need police permission. All stores except for grocery stores and pharmacies are closed.

Mortgage payments have also been suspended, family members of prisoners are no longer allowed to visit, and healthcare workers were told to cancel vacations.

Al Jazeera reports that the country will remain in lockdown until May 3, but some businesses — bookstores, stores with children's supplies, and timber companies — can reopen on April 14.

Advertisement

Denmark enacted a lockdown on March 11. It has now reopened some schools.

Denmark enacted a lockdown on March 11. It has now reopened some schools.

Originally, the lockdown was meant to end after two weeks, the New York Times reported.

It restricts assembly of over 10 people, and closed schools, restaurants, libraries, and other businesses.

On April 15, primary and nursery schools reopened, with companies reopening and resuming operations gradually.

Businesses like hairdressers, dentists, spas, and piercing studios are allowed to reopen, and the courts will reopen on April 27, the BBC reports.

The county may reopen faster than originally anticipated, Reuters reports.

El Salvador's president announced an Alerta Naranja — an orange alert — on March 11.

El Salvador's president announced an Alerta Naranja — an orange alert — on March 11.

The orange alert measures include a national quarantine on the country's 6.4 million citizens. Schools are closed for three weeks, and Salvadorans returning home from abroad must undergo a 30-day quarantine.

The move also bars foreigners from entering the country and bans gatherings of more than 500 people, according to The Washington Post.

At the time of the orange alert, El Salvador had no confirmed cases of the coronavirus.

"I know this will be criticized, but let's put ourselves in Italy's shoes. Italy wishes they could've done this before," El Salvador President Nayib Bukele said in a national address on March 11, according to the Post. "Our health system is not at Italy's level. It's not at South Korea's level."

On March 30, crowds broke the lockdown to request aid from the government; police used pepper spray to disperse them, Reuters reports.

The Los Angeles Times reports that gangs in the country have turned towards enforcing social distancing.

Advertisement

Norway went into a two-week lockdown on March 12, and on March 24 the government decided to extend the lockdown through Easter.

Norway went into a two-week lockdown on March 12, and on March 24 the government decided to extend the lockdown through Easter.

Prime minister Erna Solberg extended measures through Easter, the Local Norway reports. Schools are closed except for children of citizens in essential roles, like healthcare and transportation. Buffet restaurants remain closed, although regular restaurants can seat patrons at least one meter apart.

On April 20, kindergartens will reopen, and first through four grade will reopen the following week, according to Reuters. However, major events will be banned through June 15.

Anyone coming into Norway must go into quarantine, and healthcare workers assisting patients are not allowed to travel out of the country.

Norway had already closed ports and airports.

On March 27, Ireland went into a two-week lockdown. It has now been extended to May 5.

On March 27, Ireland went into a two-week lockdown. It has now been extended to May 5.

On March 27, Ireland went into a two-week nationwide lockdown, The Guardian reports. On Friday, Reuters reported that the lockdown was extended through May 5.

"I'm appealing to every man, woman and child to make these sacrifices for the love of each other ... show that you care for your family and friends: stay home," said Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.

On March 24, Ireland announced that it was closing non-essential shops, said restaurants and cafes could only do takeaway, and said all sport was cancelled.

Ireland had already closed all schools, colleges, childcare facilities, and cultural institutions on March 12, and later closed the country's pubs.

Advertisement

Kuwait went into a two-week nation-wide lockdown on March 13. On April 6, it extended the public holiday to April 26 and locked down two regions.

Kuwait went into a two-week nation-wide lockdown on March 13. On April 6, it extended the public holiday to April 26 and locked down two regions.

The country banned all commercial flights, and prohibited citizens from going to restaurants and gyms, the New York Times reported.

On April 6, Mahboula and Jleeb al-Shuyoukh — two heavily populated areas — were put in a two-week "complete isolation," according to US News & World Report.

It's unclear when flights will resume. The country has imposed a partial curfew from 5 p.m. to 4 a.m., according to Bloomberg.

Poland announced it would shutter businesses and prohibit international travel from March 13.

Poland announced it would shutter businesses and prohibit international travel from March 13.

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki announced on March 13 that the country was "banning foreigners from entering the country as well as shutting all restaurants, bars, and casinos," the Daily Mail reported.

"The state will not abandon (its citizens)," Morawiecki said, according to The Mail. "However, in the current situation, we cannot allow ourselves to keep borders open to foreigners."

People from abroad entering the country will be subject to a mandatory 14-day quarantine.

Schools and businesses will remain locked down until April 19, and the border will stay closed until May 3, according to Reuters.

However, the country will continue on with elections on May 10, which has raised concerns over both safety and fairness, according to Al Jazeera. The government is moving ahead with a plan to hold a postal election rather than delaying the vote, Bloomberg reports.

Advertisement

On March 15, Kenya closed schools and blocked non-residents from entering the country, and has closed pubs and restaurants.

On March 15, Kenya closed schools and blocked non-residents from entering the country, and has closed pubs and restaurants.

"I want to assure you that my administration is at the forefront of managing this pandemic," President Uhuru Kenyatta said, according to Al Jazeera.

Al Jazeera also reported that Kenyans are being asked to maintain social distancing as the country edges towards a lockdown.

On April 6, Kenyatta banned travel in and out of four impacted regions for three weeks, including capital Nairobi, according to Al Jazeera.

The Washington Post reports that Kenyan police have killed at least 12 people enforcing a dusk to dawn curfew.

Morocco suspended international flights on March 15 and has closed mosques, schools, and restaurants.

Morocco suspended international flights on March 15 and has closed mosques, schools, and restaurants.

After days of announcing new flight restrictions for certain countries, Morocco placed an all-out suspension on international flights to and from its airports. As the country closed its borders, The Washington Post reports that thousands of international travelers have been stranded.

The government has also arrested at least a dozen people for spreading false coronavirus news, according to US News & World Report.

Advertisement

France closed nonessential businesses. On March 16 it implemented a full lockdown, banning public gatherings and walks outside. The country will be under strict lockdown until at least May 11.

France closed nonessential businesses. On March 16 it implemented a full lockdown, banning public gatherings and walks outside. The country will be under strict lockdown until at least May 11.

French President Emmanuel Macron said that the lockdown will prohibit any public gatherings and walks outdoors. He told French residents to take public transit only if absolutely necessary and to buy only essential groceries.

Macron added that people who violate the lockdown will be punished.

On March 27, France extended its lockdown past the original 15 days. According to Al Jazeera, the country was set to remain under lockdown until April 15, but on Monday night Macron extended the "strict lockdown" through May 11.

"I appreciate the effort I am asking of you," Macron said in a national address, according to The Guardian. He added: "There is new hope but nothing is won at the moment … the epidemic is not under control."

The Czech Republic closed most shops and restaurants and banned foreign travel starting March 16. Some non-essential stores were allowed to reopen on April 9.

The Czech Republic closed most shops and restaurants and banned foreign travel starting March 16. Some non-essential stores were allowed to reopen on April 9.

Grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, post offices, gas stations, and takeaway restaurants were allowed to remain open under the new order, according to Reuters.

The country has closed schools and banned many public events.

"We need people to go to work but stay home afterwards," Prime Minister Andrej Babis said in a press conference. "Those [countries] who have managed to do something about the situation say ... limit interaction among people."

Some stores that sell non-essential goods were allowed to reopen on April 9, and some sports facilities were also reopened. Restrictions on exercise have also been lifted.

Reuters reports that the country will allow shops and restaurants to gradually reopen over the next two months.

Advertisement

The Malaysian government announced on March 16 that all business operations will be closed except essentials like markets, utilities, broadcasting, banking, and healthcare. The lockdown will now last until at least April 28.

The Malaysian government announced on March 16 that all business operations will be closed except essentials like markets, utilities, broadcasting, banking, and healthcare. The lockdown will now last until at least April 28.

Malaysia has barred travel in and out of the country and shut down non-essential businesses.

The country had already canceled large gatherings and events through April.

"We cannot wait any longer until the situation becomes more acute," Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said in an address, according to Bloomberg.

On Friday, the lockdown was extended through April 28, South China Morning Post reports. This is the second extension of the lockdown — it was set to end on March 31, but on March 25 the prime minister moved it to April 14, according to the Bangkok Post. On March 30, hours for businesses were restricted.

Germany announced a shut down of shops, churches, sports facilities, bars, and clubs in 16 states. On April 2, Merkel extended the lockdown to April 19.

Germany announced a shut down of shops, churches, sports facilities, bars, and clubs in 16 states. On April 2, Merkel extended the lockdown to April 19.

Chancellor Angela Merkel said that the measures were "drastic" and never-before-seen in Germany's postwar history.

"But we have to do this right now to reduce the number of contacts and with it the number of ... serious illnesses, and so prevent our health system coming under excessive strain," she told reporters, according to The Financial Times.

On March 20, Bavaria became Germany's first federal state to go into full lockdown, Politico reported.

On Wednesday, Merkel announced some easing of lockdown measures; while social distancing measures will remain in place until May 3, some stores can reopen next week, Reuters reports. Smaller stores, bookstores, and car and bicycle dealers will be allowed to reopen. On May 4, schools may be allowed to reopen, and will prioritize students in their final year.

Advertisement

On March 16, the European Union banned non-essential travel into the region for at least 30 days.

On March 16, the European Union banned non-essential travel into the region for at least 30 days.

"The less travel, the more we can contain the virus," European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen said. "We think non-essential travel should be reduced right now in order to not spread the virus further. Be it in the European Union or by leaving the European Union."

The ban will not include the United Kingdom, which left the EU.

"Europe has now become the epicenter of the pandemic," WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on March 13.

Belgium went on lockdown on March 17. The government asked citizens to stay at home and limit contact to their closest family. The lockdown has been extended through May 3.

Belgium went on lockdown on March 17. The government asked citizens to stay at home and limit contact to their closest family. The lockdown has been extended through May 3.

Residents' travel will be limited to "essential" visits to supermarkets, pharmacies, and banks or for cases of emergency, Prime Minister Sophie Wilmes said at a news briefing on March 17. Many stores had already closed as an isolation measure.

Belgium's Brussels Airlines will also suspend flights from Saturday, March 21, through April 19, according to Reuters.

The lockdown has been extended through May 3, Euractiv reports.

Advertisement

On March 19, Israel went into partial lockdown — foreigners were already banned from entering the country. On March 25, restrictions tightened further. Several neighborhoods in Jerusalem have gone into lockdown.

On March 19, Israel went into partial lockdown — foreigners were already banned from entering the country. On March 25, restrictions tightened further. Several neighborhoods in Jerusalem have gone into lockdown.

On Sunday afternoon, several Jerusalem neighborhoods with high infection rates were put into lockdown, The Times of Israel reports. Many of them include ultra-Orthodox populations, and the choice to lockdown ultra-Orthodox zones has garnered criticism from some politicians.

Another Passover lockdown went into effect on April 15 at 5 p.m. and ended at 5 a.m. on Thursday.

"Under these orders, you, Israel's citizens, are required to stay at home. It is no longer a request, it is not a recommendation, it is an obligatory directive that will be enforced by enforcement authorities," Netanyahu said, per Reuters.

Israelis were already forbidden from leaving their homes except for a short list of permissible reasons, Haaretz reported, and nonessential businesses were closed. Citizens who want to go out and exercise must do so within 100 meters of their house.

On April 2, Bnei Brak, an ultra-orthodox town outside of Tel Aviv, was made into a "restricted zone," the BBC reports. Residents will only be allowed to leave on a case-by-case basis, and non-residents — other than those providing essential services — will not be allowed in. Almost 40% of residents reportedly likely have the virus.

Argentina went into a "preventative and compulsory" lockdown on March 21.

Argentina went into a "preventative and compulsory" lockdown on March 21.

Citizens are only allowed to leave their homes for essential services while police monitor the streets, the Buenos Aires Times reported.

The lockdown was set to end on March 31 but was extended to April 13 on March 29, and then further extended for major cities to April 26.

"We'll be absolutely inflexible in the enforcement," President Alberto Fernández said, according to the Buenos Aires Times. "This is an exceptional measure in an exceptional time, within the framework of what democracy allows."

Advertisement

Jordan has been under a strict indefinite lockdown since March 21, although the government eased some restrictions on March 25.

Jordan has been under a strict indefinite lockdown since March 21, although the government eased some restrictions on March 25.

The announcement was made on March 20 and the curfew began at with air-raid sirens at 7 a.m. on March 21, The Guardian reported.

Residents were not allowed to leave their homes, and the government was piloting a system for getting basics to citizens — like food and pharmaceuticals — according to The Guardian.

However, following four days of total lockdown, the government eased restrictions; citizens are now allowed to leave their homes for essential trips, according to CNN International.

On Sunday, the lockdown was extended through the end of April, The National reports. However, Nasdaq reports that Prime Minister Omar al Razzaz said lockdown measures could be eased further soon.

China implemented what was then the largest quarantine in human history to try to contain the coronavirus, locking down at least 16 cities at the end of January. The lockdown on Wuhan ended on April 8.

China implemented what was then the largest quarantine in human history to try to contain the coronavirus, locking down at least 16 cities at the end of January. The lockdown on Wuhan ended on April 8.

At its peak, China's quarantine spanned at least 20 provinces and regions, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Wuhan, where the virus first appeared, was locked down on January 23. For almost six weeks, the streets have been virtually deserted as Wuhan residents self-quarantine in their homes.

Soon after imposing restrictions on Wuhan, China locked down 15 other cities, including Huanggang, a city of 7.5 million people, and Suizhou, which is home to almost 11 million.

Earlier in the quarantine, some Wuhan residents faced food shortages, and grocery stores struggled to meet increased demand for home delivery.

According to WHO, China's containment measures prevented many more cases of the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.

"There's no question that China's bold approach to the rapid spread of this new respiratory pathogen has changed the course of what was a rapidly escalating and continues to be a deadly epidemic," Bruce Aylward, a Canadian doctor and epidemiologist who was recently sent to China as part of a delegation to inspect its containment efforts, told The New York Times on February 24.

One study, however, found that the travel restrictions in Wuhan only slowed domestic spread of the virus by three to five days because there were already cases in other cities at the time of the lockdown.

On March 18, China reported no new local cases for the first time since the outbreak began. On April 8, the 76-day lockdown in Wuhan was lifted.

Advertisement

Australia closed non-essential businesses on March 23. On March 31, the most populous state in the country was put into a stricter lockdown.

Australia closed non-essential businesses on March 23. On March 31, the most populous state in the country was put into a stricter lockdown.

Australia closed beaches today ahead of the Easter weekend, according to CNN Travel.

On March 31, New South Wales — the epicenter of Australia's outbreak — was locked down, Reuters reports. Anyone who leaves their house "without a good reason" faces fines or jail.

On March 24, new restrictions for the whole country were imposed after a national cabinet meeting, according to the BBC.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that he wanted to keep Australian schools open, but parents could keep children at home if they wanted.

"We are not putting in place lockdowns that put people in and confine them to their homes," Morrison said. "That is not a measure that has been contemplated at this point."

On March 31, Morrison announced further restrictions on businesses and gatherings, such limiting the size of weddings to five people and funerals to ten, the BBC reported.

The federal government said that it is safe for students to attend school through the rest of the term, but different states and territories are creating their own plans with a mix of distance learning and in-person instruction.

Indigenous communities and isolated towns are enacting their own lockdowns and restricting entry to outsiders, Bloomberg reports.

India went into full coronavirus lockdown on March 24. It has extended restrictions to May 3.

India went into full coronavirus lockdown on March 24. It has extended restrictions to May 3.

The lockdown is the largest stay at home order yet, with 1.3 billion told to social distance, CNBC reported.

"To save India and every Indian, there will be a total ban on venturing out of your homes," Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, according to CNBC.

Modi extended the lockdown to May 3 on what was meant to be the last day of the initial lockdown, BBC News reports. When the new rules go into effect on April 20, agricultural businesses will be allowed to reopen.

Advertisement

Colombia began a nationwide quarantine on March 24, with people over the age of 70 told to remain indoors until May.

Colombia began a nationwide quarantine on March 24, with people over the age of 70 told to remain indoors until May.

The quarantine was expected to last 19 days, the BBC reported, but was extended to April 27 on April 6, according to US News & World Report.

One mass breakout attempt in a Colombian prison led to the deaths of 23 inmates, as prisoners held protests over crowding and health concerns.

Saudi Arabia locked down its capital and two holy cities on March 25. On March 29, it locked down the city of Jeddah. On April 6, it locked down all major cities.

Saudi Arabia locked down its capital and two holy cities on March 25. On March 29, it locked down the city of Jeddah. On April 6, it locked down all major cities.

Bloomberg reports that Ridayh, and the Islamic holy cities Mecca and Medina, are under lockdown. On April 2, Mecca and Medina were put on 24 hour curfew, according to Al Jazeera.

Saudi Arabia already suspended international flights and closed mosques, schools, and restaurants; it also imposed a curfew.

After four more deaths due to coronavirus, Reuters reports that Saudi Arabia also locked down the city of Jeddah on March 29.

Nationwide, a curfew from 3 p.m. to 6 a.m. has been extended.

On April 6, major cities Riyadh, Dammam, Tabuk, Jeddah, Dhahran, Khobar, Hofuf, Al Qatif, and Taif were all put on 24 hour lockdown, Bloomberg reports. All nonessential businesses must close.

Minister for Hajj and Umrah Mohammed Saleh Benten also asked that Muslims delay preparations for July's annual Hajj pilgrimage.

Advertisement

New Zealand enacted a mandatory 14-day quarantine for all individuals entering the country. The country went on full lockdown on March 25.

New Zealand enacted a mandatory 14-day quarantine for all individuals entering the country. The country went on full lockdown on March 25.

New Zealand went into a month-long national lockdown on March 25 as the number of cases in the country rose by almost 50%, the Guardian reported.

The lockdown will only be partially eased after a month if case trends slow.

"I say to all New Zealanders: the government will do all it can to protect you. Now I'm asking you to do everything you can to protect all of us. Kiwis — go home," New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said, according to the Guardian.

South Africa went into a 21-day lockdown on March 26. On April 9, the lockdown was extended through the end of April.

South Africa went into a 21-day lockdown on March 26. On April 9, the lockdown was extended through the end of April.

Only essential businesses remain open, and soldiers and police are monitoring the streets, Al Jazeera reported.

"While this measure will have a considerable impact on people's livelihoods, on the life of our society and on our economy, the human cost of delaying this action would be far, far greater," President Cyril Ramaphosa said, according to Al Jazeera.

On April 9, Ramaphosa extended the lockdown through the end of April, Quartz reports.

"Unless we hold to this course for a little longer, the coronavirus pandemic will engulf, and ultimately consume, our country," he said in an address, according to Quartz.

Advertisement

On March 30, Moscow's residents were ordered to stay in their houses and will need passes for their movements.

On March 30, Moscow's residents were ordered to stay in their houses and will need passes for their movements.

Russia also closed its borders and canceled any international flights except for those bringing Russians home, CNN International reported.

On March 30, Moscow residents were ordered to stay at home — they can only leave to go to the grocery store or pharmacy, take out the trash, or walk their pets within 100 meters of their home, according to Bloomberg. Residents will be monitored. At least 27 other regions in Russia have followed Moscow's lead.

On March 31, bills with harsh punishments for quarantine rulebreakers were pushed through parliament, according to Yahoo News; those who break quarantine and infect others — or spread misinformation about the coronavirus — will face up to five years in jail.

Thailand began a 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. curfew on April 3. The country is under a state of emergency until at least April 30.

Thailand began a 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. curfew on April 3. The country is under a state of emergency until at least April 30.

The only exceptions to the curfew will be for those seeking medical care or transporting goods, according to the Nikkei Asian Review.

Phuket, the most popular resort island in Thailand, has the highest infection rate of any province, and went into a two-week lockdown on April 13, according to CNN International.

The state of emergency is active until April 30, but could be extended; there's no date on when the curfew will end. Violators of curfew face up to two years in jail, a $1,200 fine, or both.

Advertisement

Panama and Peru both implemented measures restricting days citizens could outside by gender.

Panama and Peru both implemented measures restricting days citizens could outside by gender.

In Peru, men can leave their houses on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; for Panama, those are the days women can leave.

In both countries, no one is allowed outdoors on Sundays.

In Panama, these restrictions have already created difficulties for the trans community. One trans woman, Bárbara Delgado, was detained by police for being outdoors on the "wrong day" and had to pay a fine of about $50, CBS News reports. LGBT researcher for Human Rights Watch Cristian González Cabrera told CBS that he has documented at least three other cases of trans citizens facing discrimination under the new restrictions.

Dubai went into a two-week lockdown on April 4, while the rest of the United Arab Emirates have been under an overnight curfew since March 26.

Dubai went into a two-week lockdown on April 4, while the rest of the United Arab Emirates have been under an overnight curfew since March 26.

Residents will only be allowed out for essential purposes — and only one family member at a time is allowed to leave, according to US News & World Report.

It is forbidden to leave for exercise or even dog walks — and a police permit is required for every trip outdoors.

Food stores in Dubai will be allowed to reopen ahead of Ramadan, Al-Monitor reports.

Advertisement

Singapore closed schools and all nonessential businesses April 7.

Singapore closed schools and all nonessential businesses April 7.

Singapore had stood out as a leader in controlled pandemic measures, but the number of cases started to grow at a higher rate, Variety reports.

"Despite our good contact tracing, for nearly half of these cases, we do not know where or from whom the person caught the virus," Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said. "This suggests that there are more people out there who are infected, but who have not been identified. And they may be passing the virus unknowingly to others."

Citizens should only interact with their family members and work from home if possible. Lee also said that the government will supply reusable masks to all households.

On March 30, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban gained the power to rule by decree indefinitely and suspended elections.

On March 30, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban gained the power to rule by decree indefinitely and suspended elections.

The bill was passed 137 to 53 in parliament. While opposition asked for a time limit, but the prime minister's ruling party was able to pass through the bill without changes.

"At this point, Hungary is a full-on dictatorship. No if, ands, or buts. This was simply the last step in the process," Sheri Berman, a professor of political science at Barnard College and author of "Democracy and Dictatorship in Europe," told Insider's John Haltiwanger.

Business Insider's Ashley Collman reported that Orban has previously been scrutinized for his usage of governmental powers, such as announcing a 2015 state of emergency over mass migration from Syria. That state of emergency still has not ended.

On March 28, prior to the bill's passage, Orban put the country on a two-week lockdown, according to Reuters.

"This bill creates an indefinite and uncontrolled state of emergency and gives Viktor Orbán and his government carte blanche to restrict human rights," David Vig, Amnesty International's Hungary Director, wrote in a press release. "This is not the way to address the very real crisis that has been caused by the COVID-19 pandemic."

The lockdown has been extended through April 25, Reuters reported.

Advertisement

The UK went into full coronavirus lockdown on March 23.

The UK went into full coronavirus lockdown on March 23.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that citizens will only be allowed to leave their homes for essential work, exercise, and purchasing food or medicine. Citizens are only allowed one form of outdoor exercise a day.

Gatherings of more than two people — excluding people who live together — are banned, as are most ceremonies other than funerals.

"From this evening, I must give the British people a very simple instruction — you must stay at home," Johnson said.

Johnson was hospitalized and spent three nights in intensive care for the coronavirus. He was discharged on Sunday night. "The NHS saved my life," he said.

The UK government extended the lockdown by at least three weeks on Thursday, CNBC reports.

Spain became the second European country to impose a nationwide quarantine on March 14. Some nonessential sectors have reopened and thousands of workers are returning to work, but everyone else will be in lockdown until at least April 26.

Spain became the second European country to impose a nationwide quarantine on March 14. Some nonessential sectors have reopened and thousands of workers are returning to work, but everyone else will be in lockdown until at least April 26.

Some businesses in Spain have been allowed to reopen as the country heads into its second month of lockdown. The Guardian reports that non-essential workers in industries like manufacturing and construction have been allowed to return — tentatively — to work.

At some public transportation hubs, police handed out masks to commuting citizens. As of Monday, the Madrid public transport system had seen a 34% increase in passengers from two weeks previous.

Prime minister Pedro Sánchez reportedly consulted a "committee of scientific experts" when making the decision to restart those sectors.

"The health of workers must be guaranteed. If this is minimally affected, the activity cannot restart," interior minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said, according to The Guardian.

However, the rest of the country remains under lockdown until at least April 26. Everyone else is only allowed to leave to purchase food or medication, visit the sick, go to the hospital, or walk dogs.

Bars, restaurants, and hotels are still closed across the country.

"We have only one objective, which is to defeat the coronavirus," Sánchez said in a national address. "We are all on the same team."

The country has had more than 19,315 deaths and 184,948 cases, both among the most worldwide.

Advertisement