WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
WHAT HAS BEEN DONE?
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Many countries in Europe are recording more cases of COVID-19 each day now that they were during the first wave of infection earlier this year.
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New COVID-19 cases have doubled in five weeks, propelling the region to cross the 10 million milestone of total infections on Sunday.
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According to a Reuters analysis, Europe almost took nine months to record its first 5 million COVID-19 cases. However, the next 5 million cases were reported in slightly over a month.
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In Europe, there have been over 127 coronavirus cases and four deaths per 10,000 residents. For comparison, in the United States, there have been 278 cases and seven deaths per 10,000 residents.
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Eastern Europe has the highest number of cases, accounting for nearly one-third of the total reported COVID-19 cases. Russia is the worst-affected Eastern European country with over 1.6 million infections.
- The region currently accounts for about 22% of the global infections of 46.3 million. Meanwhile, with over 269,000 deaths, Europe accounts for 23% of the global death toll of 1.2 million.
WHAT HAS BEEN DONE?
- France, Germany, Belgium, Greece and the United Kingdom announced nationwide lockdowns for at least the next month.
- In France, people will only be allowed to leave their homes to buy essential goods, for medical reasons and to exercise for an hour a day.
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"The virus is circulating at a speed that not even the most pessimistic forecasts had anticipated," French President Emmanuel Macron said.
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In Germany, gyms, cinemas, theatres, bars and pubs will close, while restaurants will remain open for takeaways only. Schools will remain open.
- Spain and Italy are are also tightening restrictions while Portugal reimposes partial lockdown in most of the country
