Several European countries are facing a new wave of the Covid pandemic. Figures from the World Health Organization confirm that Europe is the only region where both infections and deaths are steadily increasing, for the sixth consecutive week. Of 3.1 million new cases globally, nearly two-thirds – 1.9 million – have been registered on the continent, up 7% in the past week. Deaths rose 10%, accounting for more than half of the 48,000 reported deaths globally.
The European Center for Disease Control (ECDC) defines the situation as “very worrying” in 10 countries: Belgium, Poland, the Netherlands, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary and Slovenia. Another 10 are considered to be in a “worrying” situation: Germany, Austria, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Romania and Slovakia. Italy remains with Malta, Sweden and Spain at a level of “low concern”.
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In Netherlands there were 12 thousand infections on average in the last week, compared to 8 thousand in the previous 7 days, and the government has decided to restore a partial lockdown, the first in Europe in months. The government has decided that from tomorrow 13 November it will close bars and restaurants at 8pm for at least three weeks and non-essential shops at 6pm. And sporting events will be closed to the public. 72% of the population vaccinated.
In Germany the latest data certify an average of 400 infections per million inhabitants compared to 280 per million in the previous week. The same goes for deaths: 2.4 per million compared to 1.6 7 days earlier. 67% of the population received two doses. Health Minister Jens Spahn wants to introduce the 2G Plus rule for public events: this means that access will only be allowed to vaccinated and convalescent people who can also show a negative coronavirus test. “2G alone is no longer sufficient in the current situation.”
In a press conference to update on the Covid situation, given that the number of infections is higher than ever, the federal minister – who was together with Lothar Wieler, president of the Robert Koch Institut – said that new restrictions are needed to stop the fourth wave , even for vaccinated people. Spahn warned of the risk of a “bitter December” if more severe action is not taken. Among other things, Germany will reintroduce free anti-Covid tests from tomorrow in addition to guaranteeing; starting Tuesday, greater reimbursement to doctors who will make vaccines.
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In France in the last week the incidence has risen from an average of 98 to 141 infections per million. The percentage of vaccinated (first dose and booster) is 69%. The obligation of the booster for over 65s to renew the green pass has been decided. In UK the curve goes against the trend. England – where 80% of the country’s population lives – recorded one case for every 60 inhabitants, compared to one in 50 the week before. Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland also fell. The campaign for third doses, already administered to 12 million, is advancing.
In Austria from 6,600 new weekly cases to 5 November it has gone to an average of 9,600, which will lead the country to tighten the circle around the no vax, imposing a lockdown on them. 63% of the population vaccinated. In Belgium in a week the infections have soared by 42%, hospitalizations by 20%. The percentage of vaccinated is 74%.
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In Spain the incidence of infections is still growing, albeit with a less pronounced trend than others. Over 14 days it is 67 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Almost 89% of the population over 12 has completed the vaccination course and over 2 million frail and over 70 have received a third dose.
The worst situation occurs in theEastern Europe especially for the low percentages of vaccinated. There Romania (only 40% immunized), has a red dot, with 5 thousand infections per million inhabitants in the last 2 weeks. In difficulty, also in terms of hospitalizations, Croatia, Serbia and Bulgaria. In the Czech Republic, the curve has shot up since the end of October, going from an average of 2 thousand infections to 8,500.
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