With European infection rates soaring especially over the past week, countries are searching for tools that can keep hospitals and essential public services running, while limiting the spread of the virus

In the U.K., which has recorded over 100,000 cases daily since December 22, reaching over 189,846 on Friday, London commuter trains have been cancelled due to staff absence with COVID-19 while hospitals are under immense pressure from labor shortages and increasing COVID-19 patients.

In England, there were 24,632 hospital staffers absent due to COVID-19 sickness or self-isolation on December 26, according to NHS England data released Friday.

The U.K. Health Security Agency said the reduced quarantine period was in part based on the need to protect vital services and supply chains over the winter.