Europe reenters lockdowns as COVID-19 cases surge

Source: The Hill | October 14, 2020 | Alexandra Kelley

Both the Americas and Europe are experiencing skyrocketing upticks in new coronavirus cases.

Multiple European countries are announcing greater public health restrictions in response to increased coronavirus transmission across the continent. 

Along with the Americas, Europe is experiencing an uptick in new cases following a slowdown during summer months after initial outbreaks in February and the following spring. Reuters reported Wednesday that many European governments gradually eased lockdowns during the summer months to help support struggling economies. 

The reopening of some social spaces, including restaurants and university campuses, helped fuel a second surge in new cases — not unlike the wave of new infections hitting the U.S.

Data from Johns Hopkins University notes that Russia, Spain, France and the U.K. are leading with the majority of new cases. Each of their epidemiological curves are showing steep increases, with new daily cases surpassing previous records observed at the onset of the pandemic. 

Cumulatively, the countries have recorded more than 882,000 new cases over the past seven days, per World Health Organization (WHO) data. 

The WHO said Monday that each of the last four days have seen the highest number of cases reported so far. During the week of Sept. 28 to Oct. 4, the number of new cases in Europe increased by 11 percent compared to the previous week. 

Lockdowns on social spaces will vary depending on the country; The Associated Press reports that Italy and France will restrict social gatherings and reimpose capacity limits on bars and restaurants. France will also shut down gyms and swimming pools.

The Netherlands has issued stricter lockdowns, closing all eating establishments and banning the sale of alcohol after 8 p.m.

The U.K., which leads the continent in the number of COVID-19-related deaths, has implemented a new tiered approach that places different regions in different risk levels. 

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