UK has become new epicenter of virus on continent with second-highest death toll worldwide after US
The European countries worst-hit by the novel coronavirus pandemic have begun to see light at the end of a long tunnel.
British authorities announced Wednesday that the total number of deaths across the UK from the coronavirus had hit 30,076, an increase of 649 in the last 24 hours.
Speaking to Sky News, Health Secretary Matt Hancock refused to admit that the UK had the highest death toll in Europe.
During the prime minister's weekly question time in parliament, Boris Johnson said he would give a statement on Sunday on his plans for an “un-lockdown” so people knew what changes would take place on Monday.
At a Downing Street press briefing earlier in the day, the prime minister’s spokesman said it was “entirely possible” that the cabinet would meet over the weekend – a further sign the lockdown may be eased next week.
-Italy
Italy reported 369 new fatalities from the coronavirus Wednesday, bringing the total to 29,684, as the country adapts to the new rules of Phase 2 of the emergency.
Data released by Italy’s Civil Protection Department confirmed that the peak of the outbreak has been overcome, but experts warn that a relaxation of the lockdown could trigger a rebound in the virus contagion curve.
Under the Phase 2 rules, Italian citizens are allowed to visit relatives and move more freely within each region. Some strategic businesses resumed activities under stricter security protocols, with over 4 million Italians back at work.
Schools, hairdressers, gyms and many other commercial activities, however, will remain closed.
Cafes and restaurants will offer takeaway only, and all travel between regions will be banned except for work, health or emergencies.
“We’re turning a new page, and we will have to write it together with faith and responsibility,” Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said in a Sunday Facebook post. “The risks of having more infections are numerous, but we will be able to avoid them with responsibility.”
-Spain
As of Monday, small shops and businesses in Spain were allowed to reopen provided that social distancing and hygiene measures are taken.
The shops can only serve customers based on reservations and there must be one worker per customer.
Restaurants were allowed to resume takeaway service. Previously, only deliveries were permitted.
The authorities have also made the use of masks mandatory on public transportation.
Four small Spanish islands, which have very few coronavirus cases, were also allowed to open some bars at 50% occupancy, and groups of up to 10 people can meet.
Although the number of deaths and new infections remain relatively low, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez was seeking another two-week extension to the country’s state of alarm on Wednesday, which has been in effect since March 14.
“Taking away the state of alarm would be an absolute mistake,” Sanchez said Wednesday morning.
“We need more weeks with limitations to guarantee the health of our people.”
The country recorded another 244 deaths from the coronavirus and 685 new infections Wednesday.
The number of fatalities is the highest it has been since Saturday, but confirmed new cases fell by around 200 compared to yesterday.
-France
The country reported 278 fatalities on Wednesday, bringing the death toll to 25,809, with the total number of cases at 137,150.
Some 53,972 patients in the country have recovered from the pandemic.
-Germany
An earlier ban on gatherings of more than two people in public was also relaxed amid a decline in the number of coronavirus infections and deaths.
Merkel told reporters that from now on, members of two separate households will be allowed to meet outside, provided that they maintain the physical distance.
-The Netherlands
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced Wednesday that the Netherlands will ease restrictions concerning the coronavirus step by step until Sept. 1.
Rutte said hairdressers will resume operations on May 11. Libraries will also open on the same date.
Restaurants, cafes and museums will reopen with restrictions on June 1.
Wearing masks will be compulsory on public transportation from June 1.
As of Wednesday, the country reported 41,518 coronavirus cases, while the death toll stands at 5,521.
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