Explained: how lockdown measures differ between European countries

As the world continues its battle with Covid-19, we look at measures adopted by Europe's nations to contain the virus

A customer wears a face mask in Borough Market, London. AFP

Across Europe and beyond, countries have a patchwork of curfews and lockdowns of varying strictness to combat the spread of coronavirus.

Measures include closed schools, the closure of retail outlets, restaurants and cafes, and restrictions on spending time outdoors.

Here are the rules in place in the European Union’s 27 member nations and some neighbouring countries.

Austria: In a third lockdown. Leaving home allowed only for work, medical visits, exercise and groceries. No overnight curfew.

Belgium: 10pm to 6am curfew in French-speaking regions. Midnight to 5am in Dutch-speaking Flanders region.

Bulgaria: No lockdown or curfew.

Croatia: Limits on gatherings; cafes and restaurants closed, but no curfew.

Cyprus: In lockdown, plus a 9pm to 5am curfew.

Czech Republic: 9pm to 5am curfew.

Denmark: No lockdown or curfew.

Estonia: No lockdown or curfew.

Finland: No lockdown or curfew.

France: EU's longest curfew from 6pm to 6am in 25 regions of eastern France. The measure is being extended nationwide from Saturday, to include zones where the curfew has started at 8pm. Shopping and all outdoor leisure activities stop at curfew, only short pet walks allowed. Working and commuting allowed with note from employer. Food deliveries but not takeaway allowed. Fines for curfew-breakers.

Germany: A network of restrictions in the 16 states; some have overnight curfews; no curfew in the capital Berlin.

Greece: In lockdown; limited movement allowed during the day, plus 9pm to 5am curfew.

Hungary: 8pm to 5am curfew.

Ireland: In lockdown; travel allowed for work, education, other essential activity and for exercise within five kilometres from home. No curfew.

Italy: 10pm to 5am curfew.

Latvia: 10pm to 5am curfew from Friday night to Sunday morning.

Lithuania: No curfew.

Luxembourg: 11pm to 6am curfew.

Malta: No curfew.

Netherlands: Strict lockdown until at least February 9. No curfew, but it is being considered.

Norway: No lockdown or curfew.

Poland: Shopping centres closed, with the exception of pharmacies, cleaners, barbers and grocers. Restaurants can sell only takeaway food. Hotels and sports facilities closed. No curfew.

Portugal: Strict lockdown to start on Friday. Staying at home is mandatory, including for work. Schools to remain open, along with businesses providing essential services.

Romania: 11pm to 6am curfew. Localised lockdowns, but not strictly enforced.

Russia and most other former Soviet nations: No lockdowns or curfews. Georgia has a 9pm to 5am curfew.

Slovakia: In lockdown. Leaving home allowed for work and essentials.

Slovenia: 9pm to 6am curfew.

Spain: Curfews start between 10pm and midnight and end between 5am and 7am, depending on the region.

Sweden: No lockdown or curfew.

Turkey: 9pm to 5am weekday curfew. 24-hour lockdown on weekends.

UK: All four nations (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales) in lockdown, people must stay at home except for limited essential trips and exercise. Schools closed except to children of key workers and vulnerable children. No curfew.