Europe Surpasses 1.4 Million COVID-19 Cases... Spain Extends State of Emergency

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy International Desk] As the cumulative number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in Europe surpasses 1.4 million, some countries including Spain and France are extending their state of emergency measures in response.

According to the real-time statistics site Worldometer on the 2nd (local time), the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases on the European continent was recorded at approximately 1,424,000. Spain has the highest number with 245,567 cases, followed by Italy (209,328), the United Kingdom (182,260), France (168,396), and Germany (164,702).

The cumulative death toll reached about 139,300. In Italy, the number of deaths suddenly surged. As of 6 p.m. on the 2nd, the Italian health authorities reported 28,710 COVID-19 deaths, an increase of 474 from the previous day. This daily increase is more than 200 higher than the 269 reported the day before. AFP news agency explained that the sudden surge in deaths was due to the inclusion of 282 deaths outside hospitals that had been omitted from last month's count in the current statistics.

In Europe, although there are moves to ease lockdowns based on the judgment that the COVID-19 spread has peaked overall, some countries are extending their national state of emergency responses as new confirmed cases continue to emerge.

The Spanish government is responding by extending the national state of emergency to May 24 while also introducing lockdown easing measures such as allowing outdoor exercise. Spanish Prime Minister S?nchez announced at a press conference that he will request the parliament to extend the state of emergency, originally set to end on May 9, by an additional 15 days. Spain declared a national state of emergency on March 14 due to the severe spread of COVID-19 and has been enforcing nationwide movement restrictions and store closures.

France also held a cabinet meeting on the same day and decided to extend the national health emergency, which is set to expire on May 24, until July 24. This proposal is scheduled to be submitted to the parliament on the 4th. France declared a national health emergency on March 24 when the COVID-19 spread intensified. Olivier V?ran, the Minister of Health, explained the necessity of extending the emergency by saying, "It is premature to lift the emergency. There is a risk that virus infections could become serious again."

Meanwhile, Italy has decided to extend school closures until September, when the new academic year begins.

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