*Multiple European countries are experiencing a significant surge in new Covid-19 infections.*

They have systematically let their guard down. Vaccination will keep the rate of deaths down, but it is no guarantee against lasting incapacitation by long Covid.

You need to use precautions with your friends as well as with strangers. Overall, the chance of catching Covid from friends is greater than that of catching it from strangers. You probably encounter far more strangers than friends, but you spend much more time, and in closer conditions, with each friend.