Reached the Peak...? As the Spread Slows, Europe Stretches Out in Various Places

Following Austria and Denmark, Spain Also Considers Easing Lockdown

UK Prime Minister Johnson in Intensive Care Due to Worsening Symptoms

▲Sebastian Kurz, Chancellor of Austria [Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jaehee] Austria and Denmark are the first European countries to plan lifting lockdown measures imposed due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). Spain, which has the highest number of confirmed cases among European countries, is also reportedly considering easing movement restrictions, raising expectations that the spread of COVID-19 in Europe may have peaked.

According to the Washington Post (WP) and others on the 6th (local time), Austria will allow small shops to reopen starting from the 13th. Additionally, permission for large stores to operate will be granted on the 1st of next month, and by mid-month, reopening of restaurants, hotels, and schools is being considered, with a final decision expected by the end of this month. However, strict regulations regarding mask-wearing, social distancing, and the number of customers allowed inside stores will continue to be enforced even after reopening. Previously, Austria implemented high-intensity social distancing measures earlier than neighboring countries by banning gatherings of more than five people outdoors from the 16th of last month and closing all restaurants and cafes.

At a press conference, Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said, "We were able to prevent the worst-case scenario by responding quickly and implementing lockdown measures earlier than other countries," adding, "With swift decisions and responses, we can quickly overcome this crisis."

This decision is based on the assessment that the spread of COVID-19 is slowing down. In Austria, the number of recovered patients exceeds the number of new confirmed cases. On the 6th, there were 241 new confirmed cases, but 465 patients were declared recovered within a day. Authorities have secured maximum hospital beds to provide intensive care for patients and have implemented strict measures such as imposing fines of thousands of euros for violating lockdown rules. The economic downturn also influenced this decision.

Denmark also plans to start reopening childcare facilities and elementary schools from the 13th, followed by allowing business activities. Denmark implemented lockdown measures earlier than neighboring European countries on the 11th of last month and conducted widespread COVID-19 testing. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen explained, "Border controls will still be maintained, and gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited," adding, "We are easing lockdown measures gradually because moving too quickly could cause setbacks." However, she added, "If the number of infections rises again, restrictions will be immediately reimposed."

Spain, which has the highest number of confirmed cases in Europe, is reportedly considering easing the nationwide movement restrictions and store closure orders that are in effect until the 25th.

With Austria and Denmark deciding on phased lockdown easing, attention is turning to the situation across Europe. According to Worldometer, which provides real-time updates on COVID-19 worldwide, Spain's confirmed cases increased by 3,386 to a total of 135,021 as of this day. Italy recorded 3,599 new cases, bringing the cumulative total to 132,547. Italy's daily new cases fell to the 3,000 range for the first time since the 17th of last month.

Meanwhile, the condition of the UK Prime Minister has worsened. Boris Johnson, who was hospitalized after testing positive for COVID-19, was moved to the intensive care unit for treatment on this day. The UK Prime Minister's office stated, "Prime Minister Johnson's condition worsened in the afternoon, and following medical advice, he was transferred to intensive care," adding that Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab will act as the deputy prime minister.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.