As the omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 continues to displace the delta variant around the world, the coronavirus crisis has taken on a new tone, with more countries beginning to relax or lift the restrictions that have blighted people's lives for the last two years. With this week's highly sharable infographic, we take you on a global tour to see which countries are responding to the changing circumstances, and which are digging in regardless, denying them fundamental rights such as the right to informed choice over medical interventions.

Many countries are still requiring proof of covid jabs in order to travel or are recommending continued mask wearing so we've used 4 different metrics linked to the current status to deliver our colour-coded conclusions (red, amber or green). These relate to whether or not mandates are still in place for, respectively, masks, covid jabs and jab passports, as well as looking at which countries are now relaxing or lifting restrictions.

The infographic does not show the levels of ongoing censorship of those speaking out against restrictions or the removal of doctor's licences (New Zealand, Australia) where doctors have chosen to administer or prescribe 'unapproved' treatments to help save lives or they have spoken out against restrictions or coercion. 

Countries such as Austria, France and New Zealand have been given an amber rating because they are beginning to ease some restrictions even though though they are continuing to impose various mandates. The infographic is based on a snapshot of what's happening now, but things are changing and evolving continuously so what we see today may have changed by tomorrow!

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Below you'll find notes and links to information on the countries shown in the infographic.

Mexico

Mexico has removed all covid requirements, including its health form, for travellers entering the country. ¡Hurra!

France

The French government started lifting covid restrictions including the mandatory wearing of masks outside yesterday.

Covid jabs are mandatory for health workers. Although the government has stopped short of mandating covid jabs for all adults, in December a six month expiry date was set on jabs for those over the age of 65 making it a requirement for people to have booster jabs.

France's 'Pass Sanitaire' has now been changed to a vaccine pass, which allows access to everyday activities and travel. The 'new' vaccine pass does not allow people to use negative tests in place of proof of vaccines, however it does allow a 'recovery' or exemption certificate. Children aged 12-15 can continue to provide a negative test result.

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.

Italy

Jabs are mandated for everyone over 50 years of age. Those who refuse covid jabs will be fined as of 1^st Feb.

The validity of both the ‘Super’ green pass (proves jab status or recovery from covid) and green pass was cut from 9 – 6 months on Feb 1st. The time period will run from the date of the last covid jab. 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, haridressers, beauty salons, barbers, newsagents and shopping malls.

Passes based on negative tests are only valid for 48 hours.

Also as of 1st February, anyone who remains jab-free will only be able to access grocery shops, supermarkets and pharmacies. Sorry, no restaurant pizza.

Mask wearing is required both indoors and outdoors. Commuters using public transport are required to wear FFP2 masks.

However, in a bid to circumvent the stringent rules, some Italians are holding 'covid parties' so they can become infected and claim a recovery certificate. That's good for building natural immunity when omicron poses a relatively trivial risk to health among healthy people.

Canada

NB: restrictions vary according to state.

All visitors to Canada must be ‘fully vaccinated’.

Covid vaccination for anyone aged over 12 internally or outside of Canada is required for flights, trains, boats.

Vaccine mandates are in place for a range of workplaces and workers.

Masks remain mandatory for anyone over the age 5 in all indoor public settings in some states with limits on the number of people allowed at indoor gatherings.

Some states require people to be jabbed in order to visit loved ones in care homes.

Ontario and Quebec began easing restrictions from the 31st January.

Vaccine passports are required in order for Canadian citizens to travel.

Tens of thousands are standing with truckers in Canada to oppose covid jab mandates.

USA

Masks are currently being mandated on public transport.

The Biden Administration tried to impose wide-ranging jab mandates, but the mandates have been defeated in court.

The use of covid jab passes varies by state.

The lifting and easing of restrictions varies across the US according to individual state.

England

The majority of covid restrictions have been lifted in England as the government removed Plan B. However, anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 must still self-isolate for up to five days but that regulation is set to expire on March 24. The Prime Minister said after this date the requirement to self-isolate will likely be replaced only with advice and guidance.

The threat of mandatory jabs for NHS and associated CQC regulated organisations has also been lifted pending further consultation after huge pushbacks and the realisation of the damage that would be caused by the loss of circa 100,000 workers in the NHS.

Denmark

Denmark has lifted all restrictions, labelling covid as no longer being a significant threat to public health

Australia

NB: restrictions vary according to state.

The mandation of covid jabs varies 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 in terms of covid jab passses (New South Wales, Victoria).

Various states began easing covid restrictions at the end of 2021, despite omicron's appearance in the country.

New Zealand

Mandated mask wearing has been increased and tightened as omicron spreads across New Zealand. People will be required to wear masks in a wider range of settings and those who are legally mandated to be jabbed will have to use medical grade masks.

Covid jabs are mandated across a range of workforces.

New Zealand has a covid jab pass, but its use is not currently mandated through law. However, many businesses are being forced into using it under threat of financial support being withheld plus it's not possible to access a range of businesses without it to prove to your jab status (see update in comments)

Germany

German citizens are now 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, jab-free citizens have been put under partial lockdown, which prevents them from accessing non-essential shops and services.

Germany doesn't have any jab mandates currently, but politicians are debating the introduction of a similar scheme to that imposed in Austria.

Although the German government has tightened covid restrictions, some states have begun to ease restrictions.

Life in Germany is far more complex than the above indicates however. For a fuller overview of the true extent of the restrictions and what life is like in Germany at the moment please read the comment below.

Ireland

Ireland lifted the majority of covid restrictions on the 22nd January 2022. However, the mandated use of masks in some settings continues, jab passports are required for international travel and self-isolation rules remain. There are currently no jab mandates in Ireland.

Austria

Austria has implemented the most draconian jab mandate yet imposed in the Western world, as it requires all citizens over the age of 18 to be covid jabbed. Punitive fines will be meted out to those that continue to refuse to be jabbed.

Bizarrely, at the same time, some restrictions are being eased such as the lifting of the lockdown on those who are jab-free 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 jab status.

Greece

Greece has implemented mandatory jabs for anyone over the age of 60. It's imposing monthly fines on anyone over 60 who remains jab-free.

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 jab passes, which it used to force Israelis to be covid jabbed. 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. However, the speed at which changes to restrictions are being lifted and reimposes is confusing many.

South Africa

South Africa is currently considering whether or not to bring in the use of covid jab passes in the workplace.

Mask mandates continue to remain in place.

South Africa has not imposed covid jab passes but some universities and private businesses have taken it upon themselves to impose jab 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 jabs or mask wearing, although most of the population wear masks on a voluntary basis. Although a covid pass is available its use is not mandated.

Brazil

Proof of covid jabs status is only required for travellers entering Brazil.

India

India is not mandating covid jabs.

The use of covid jab 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 jabs are mandated in Nigeria for government workers, although there is no use of covid passes.

For more on the global coronavirus situation, take a look at our global, weekly Coronavirus News Update

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