LONDON — From the re-opening of bars and restaurants to the dropping of legal requirements for masks, many of Europe’s biggest economies are now relaxing Covid-19 rules and restrictions in a bid to salvage their economies.

This is despite the fact that there are high rates of infection across Europe due to the spread of the Omicron variant. But many governments are now impatient to reopen their societies, particularly as it has become clearer that the new variant causes fewer hospitalizations than previous strains, and as booster Covid vaccine shots continue to be rolled out.

Many people in Europe are becoming increasingly angry and frustrated at the restrictions. This is especially true when they see other countries, such as the U.K. doing relatively well following its decision to not impose tighter restrictions during the omicron wave.

England ended the law requirement that face covers be worn and Covid passes were required to enter certain places. The government also relaxed “Plan B”, measures that had been in effect before Christmas.

Meanwhile in the Netherlands — which had some of the toughest rules in Europe with the country going into a partial lockdown before the holiday period — bars, restaurants and museums were allowed to reopen on Wednesday although the former must close at 10 p.m. Social-distancing rules remain, people are still advised to work from home and there is a limit to the number of guests people can receive at home.

The Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced the relaxed of measures in a television address on Tuesday. He stated, “We really are taking an opportunity today, and it is important that we be crystal clear about this.”

Denmark announced that it will scrap the Covid plans by February 1st with Denmark’s government. issuing a statement WednesdayAlthough it “decided Covid-19 shouldn’t be classified as a socially important disease after 31 Jan 2022”, there are still some rules such as mask wearing in elder care home settings.

Although Covid cases are declining in the U.K. and have peaked, they are near record levels in France and Germany. France has reported just above 428,000 Covid new cases during the 24-hour preceding Wednesday. Germany reported a new record of 164,000 new daily infectionsOn the same day, however, this was beaten Thursday. with 203,136 new infections reported by the public health body, the Robert Koch Institute.

Germany is not showing any signs of relaxing restrictions at this time, however Olivier Veran, France’s Health Minister, stated Tuesday that France will reach the summit in just a few days. Already the government signaled it would ease restrictions on work from home in February. Then, nightclubs can reopen in a few weeks.

Although infection rates remain high, officials at the government have focused on data that shows a decrease in hospitalizations and infection rates when making the cautious decision to reopen.

Omicron is more easily transmissible than other variants, like delta. However it can cause less serious illness. Boosters shots and mass Covid vaccinations have helped.

Different vaccination rates affect the pace at which governments look to reopen their economies. Booster programs are slower in certain countries than others.