October 26, 2020
21:54
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After Europe had closed society this spring, all leaders agreed: we will not return to such an economically fatal hard lockdown. But the second corona wave is so powerful that new strict measures seem inevitable.
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The coronavirus continues to hit Europe mercilessly. Almost everywhere the lines of defense are slowly but surely giving way. In an attempt to curb the spread of corona, governments are forced to restrain the freedom of movement of their citizens.
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After Europe halted the corona offensive this spring with a strict lockdown, political leaders were nevertheless in full agreement. A repetition of that scenario was out of the question. The temporary closure of all non-essential businesses, shops, catering or sports centers and the ‘stay in your room’ obligation had left terrible scars in the social and economic fabric.
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European politicians were determined to wipe out the inevitable second attack of the corona ghost in the fall with precision ammunition. Schools and businesses would remain open at all costs so that the economy could keep running. Nor was there any enthusiasm for a new closure of the borders.
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Lost control
More than seven months after Italy and Spain became the first countries to lock their society in Europe, a new strict lockdown on the continent seems ever closer. Because in many countries, governments have lost control of the virus.
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The force with which SARS-CoV-2 is storming Europe these days seems to surprise policymakers. And even scientists. This is suggested by statements by Jean-François Delfraissy, the chairman of the scientific committee that is assisting the French government in defining its corona strategy.
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‘We expected this second wave. But we are also surprised by the boldness of what is going on, ‘said Delfraissy on Monday. The second wave may be more powerful than the first. It is taking over all of Europe and will take weeks, maybe even two months. ‘
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No change
The second wave may be more powerful than the first. It is taking over all of Europe and will take weeks, maybe even two months.
Jean-Francois Delfraissy
Chairman of the French Scientific Committee
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Nevertheless, it continues to wait in vain for a change in the corona tables. The records keep falling. That was the case in the Netherlands on Monday. France registered more than 52,000 new infections in 24 hours on Sunday. ‘And the actual number is perhaps twice as high if we take into account asymptomatic cases and infected people who do not get tested’, scientist Delfraissy gloated.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) is concerned about developments in Europe. She calculated that the continent, which it includes Russia, reports 46 percent of all new infections worldwide. Covid-19 has also killed more than 250,000 people in the region.
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Lockdown
‘Europe is running after the facts. The number of infections is constantly increasing, the virus is circulating rapidly among the population, the positivity ratios of the tests are very high while the contract tracing leaves more and more to be desired, leaving Europe blind in the fight against corona, ” said Mike’s message. Ryan, a WHO CEO, Monday night.
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If the continent wants to regain control of the virus, it will have to shift up a few gears, Ryan said. “In many countries in Europe, the specter of a lockdown will inevitably reappear in the coming weeks.”
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In many countries in Europe, the specter of a lockdown will inevitably resurface in the coming weeks.
Mike Ryan
Topman World Health Organization
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Some principles have already flew overboard. The catering industry was closed again in various countries. This also applies to theaters, cinemas and sports centers. Opening hours of shops are sometimes also limited. Slovenia threw out all non-essential stores again on Saturday.
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The intention to keep schools open at all costs has also been dropped in some countries, especially in Eastern Europe. Other European Member States are extending the autumn holidays or switching to distance learning.
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Limits
Closing the borders no longer seems out of the question. Italy advises its residents not to travel abroad. “There is a risk of getting stuck if a travel ban proves necessary soon.” Slovenia is again strict at the border.
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That country requires its residents to stay within their own municipality from Tuesday. In Spain, the authorities of the Basque Country, Aragón, Navarre, Asturias and La Rioja cordoned off their regions. In the Basque Country, residents are no longer allowed to leave their municipality. Catalonia is considering a strict lockdown on weekends. A similar possibility is being explored in France.
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While there may be support in the healthcare sector for a return to a radical lockdown, the prospect makes entrepreneurs shudder. Although it cannot be ruled out that they will soon, even without an explicit hard lockdown, still have to slow down if too many employees fall ill or end up in quarantine.
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