COVID-19 Spread Subsides in Europe... Some Declare 'End of Pandemic'

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Yuri] As the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in Europe subsides, countries are gradually easing restrictions. Slovenia became the first country in Europe to officially declare the end of COVID-19.

According to the COVID-19 statistics site Worldometer, as of 7 PM on the 15th (Greenwich Mean Time, GMT), the cumulative number of confirmed cases in Europe increased by 21,168 from the previous day to 1,739,841. The cumulative death toll rose by 1,229 to 160,297. Spain has the highest cumulative confirmed cases at 274,367, followed by Russia with 262,843, the United Kingdom with 236,711, and Italy with 223,885.

Daily new confirmed cases were below 1,000 in most countries except Russia (10,598), the United Kingdom (3,560), and Spain (1,721). The number of deaths by country ranked as follows: United Kingdom (33,998), Italy (31,610), Spain (27,459), and France (27,425).

Slovenia, a Central European country with a total population of about 2 million, officially declared the end of COVID-19 first in Europe. The Slovenian government announced the end of the COVID-19 crisis, stating that new confirmed cases have been below seven per day for the past two weeks. However, foreign nationals showing COVID-19 symptoms are still prohibited from entering the country. Since the first confirmed case on March 12, Slovenia has reported a cumulative total of 1,464 confirmed cases and 103 deaths.

Finland reopened elementary and middle schools and also eased some border controls. Citizens of Schengen Agreement member countries, which allow free movement across European borders, are permitted to enter for work or other essential reasons.

Italy plans to completely lift movement restrictions for residents on the 3rd of next month. The Italian government is discussing specific details with regional governments. This move aims to allow domestic travel ahead of the peak summer vacation season.

In the United Kingdom, reports indicate that the COVID-19 reproduction number has fallen below 1 (0.75). The reproduction number refers to the average number of people that one infected person can directly infect.

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