More and more countries under partial lockdown

Following a significant increase in Covid-19 infection rates, Europe is moving ever closer to another lockdown. After the numbers infected reached a record high in the Czech Republic, the government imposed stringent curfew restrictions for the second time since the spring. People have been told to stay at home and limit their contacts with others to the absolute minimum required.
In neighbouring Slovakia, too, where the infection figures have risen dramatically since last week, strict limits have been imposed on people going out. In four regions close to the Polish border that are particularly badly affected, even harsher regulations apply. The announcement of the stringent measures triggered panic buying of pet food along with litter and hay products in pet stores in the days leading up to their imposition.
Slovenia's government has followed suit in curbing public life due to rising numbers of people infected with the coronavirus. Since Saturday, all shopping centres, restaurants, hotels and many businesses have had to close for at least a week.
At the beginning of last week, Ireland was the first EU country to impose a second lockdown. Only businesses supplying the basic essentials, including pet stores, remain open.