Premature abandonment of restrictive measures could lead to a third wave of the pandemic, said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

According to her, shopkeepers, bartenders, and waiters want the restrictions lifted, but we need to learn the lessons of this summer and not repeat our mistakes, BBC reported.

People, in particular, are urged to stop visiting the mountains this year, and it is also proposed to ban the operation of ski resorts.

Restrictions are in place across Europe to curb the spread of the coronavirus, but amid the declining curve of new infections and news of vaccine testing successes, some countries are looking to ease their quarantine regimes.

Several countries are planning or have already decided to lift some restrictions so that families can get together for Christmas.