Europe and Latin America Face COVID-19 Resurgence Emergency... "Increased Holiday Season Mobility is the Cause"

Daily COVID-19 Cases Surge to 1,000-4,000 in Major European Countries
Latin America Surpasses 6.4 Million Cases and 250,000 Deaths

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Since the lifting of lockdown orders last May, the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Europe, which had been showing a declining trend for a while, is becoming serious again. The daily COVID-19 confirmed cases in major European countries such as France, Spain, and Germany have risen back to around 3,000 to 4,000, clearly indicating signs of resurgence. The main causes are attributed to the easing of social distancing measures and an increase in travelers during the holiday season. In Latin American regions such as Brazil and Mexico, the cumulative confirmed cases have surpassed 6.4 million, and deaths have exceeded 250,000, accelerating the spread even further.

According to foreign media including the BBC on the 20th (local time), the French Ministry of Health reported that the number of new COVID-19 confirmed cases in one day reached 4,711, marking the highest since the nationwide lockdown was lifted in June. The previous day, France recorded 3,776 new daily cases. Similar to the first wave in March, thousands of people are being infected daily, intensifying the resurgence.

Neighboring countries of France, Germany and Spain, are also seeing a significant increase in cases. According to CNBC, the German government estimated the daily confirmed cases at 1,707, the highest since April. Spanish health authorities reported 3,715 new cases and 127 deaths in one day. In Italy, the number of confirmed cases reached 845 on the same day, the highest since May 16.

The clear signs of resurgence in Europe are due to increased population movement following the easing of lockdowns and the summer vacation season. Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, analyzed, "An average of about 26,000 new confirmed cases are being reported daily across Europe," and added, "The resurgence has started due to the easing of social distancing and increased population mobility during the holiday season."

Although there are calls for re-lockdown, opposition is strong due to the significant social impact caused by economic downturn. French President Emmanuel Macron stated in an interview with the French weekly Paris Match on the same day, "We cannot stop the country again. Nationwide lockdowns cause enormous collateral damage," and added, "If lockdown measures are necessary, selective business closures and stay-at-home orders will be issued regionally."

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