"Winter Approaching, Resurgence Becomes Reality"…Europe's COVID-19 Spread Surpasses US Speed

New COVID-19 Cases per Million: Europe > US
European Countries Implement Various Emergency Measures Except Lockdowns
Growing Concerns Over Healthcare System Collapse Amid Patient Surge

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] The spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in Europe has once again surpassed that of the United States. European countries are implementing emergency measures such as declaring states of emergency and imposing nighttime curfews, excluding extreme measures like lockdowns.

According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on the 14th (local time), the recent seven-day average number of confirmed cases in the European Union (EU) was 153.9 per one million people, surpassing the United States' new confirmed cases of 149.6 on the same day. WSJ analyzed that "Europe has reached the tipping point of the second wave of COVID-19."

This spring, Europe saw a sharp increase in new confirmed cases, but the spread was curbed through lockdown policies. Now, the second wave, which has surpassed this spring's level, has begun.

European countries are in an emergency situation. In France, new confirmed cases are rapidly increasing, fluctuating between 10,000 and 20,000. Considering that the maximum daily new confirmed cases in the first half of this year was 7,578, this is an explosive increase. The French government issued a nighttime curfew order for eight major cities, including the capital Paris, effective from the 17th. Movement is prohibited from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. President Emmanuel Macron expects these measures to last at least four weeks. To this end, the French government declared a national health emergency through a cabinet meeting.

North Ireland has also decided to introduce a 'circuit breaker,' which corresponds to a mini lockdown. Accordingly, from the 16th, pubs and restaurants in North Ireland will only be allowed takeout, and liquor stores will not be allowed to sell alcohol after 8 p.m.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

European countries are significantly increasing the number of COVID-19 tests to block the virus, but the positivity rate remains high. In France, the positivity rate relative to COVID-19 tests is 12.2%. Spain's rate has also exceeded 10%. Experts say this shows that "the speed of COVID-19 spread is faster than the increase in testing by health authorities." The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends maintaining a positivity rate of 5% or lower relative to tests.

European countries are concerned about the collapse of the healthcare system due to the rapid increase in COVID-19 confirmed cases. Especially with winter approaching and an expected surge in patients, both health authorities and medical staff are on high alert. Professor Linda Bauld of the University of Edinburgh in the UK said, "What all countries need to do now is buy time," adding, "The number of confirmed cases must be kept below a certain level so that the healthcare system can function properly." Tom Longfield, an infectious disease physician at a hospital in Liverpool, UK, said, "The demand for hospital beds is gradually increasing, and with winter approaching, it is uncertain how long the current situation can be sustained."

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