UK Lifts Lockdown... Germany and France See Sharp Rise in COVID-19 Cases

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] While the number of people receiving the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in the UK has surpassed 30 million and lockdown measures have been further eased, European Union (EU) countries such as Germany and France are implementing additional measures as confirmed cases surge.

In the UK, from the 29th (local time), outdoor gatherings of up to six people and outdoor sports such as tennis, golf, and swimming were permitted. On the same day, the UK government changed its quarantine slogan from "Stay at Home" to "Hands, Face, Space, Fresh Air."

The UK has been gradually easing lockdown measures since schools reopened on the 8th. On April 12, shops including hair salons and outdoor seating at restaurants and pubs will resume operations.

Earlier this year, the UK saw daily new cases soar to 70,000, but due to vaccination and lockdown measures, the number dropped sharply to 3,862 yesterday. The number of deaths recorded zero for the first time in about six months. CNN explained, "This is the first time since September 14 last year, before the start of the second wave."

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

On the other hand, major EU countries struggling to secure vaccine supplies are experiencing a surge in confirmed cases.

In France, where daily new cases nearly doubled from 20,000 in a month, there is a shortage of medical staff and hospital beds due to an increase in severe COVID-19 patients. Dentists, veterinarians, pharmacists, paramedics, radiology technicians, medical students, and even firefighters are preparing to administer vaccines, while surgeries for less urgent illnesses are being postponed.

Doctors from 41 hospitals in the Paris area signed a statement on the 28th (local time), expressing concern that "soon, we will have to choose between patients for emergency treatment." They also pointed out that "the government's partial lockdown policy is insufficient to quickly curb the spread of COVID-19."

Germany, where the spread of variant viruses has caused the number of confirmed cases per 100,000 people over the past seven days (130 cases) to increase by 30% compared to the previous week, is tightening lockdown measures again. Chancellor Angela Merkel and local governments agreed earlier this month to strengthen lockdown measures if the number of infections per 100,000 people over seven days exceeds 100.

Chancellor Merkel stated, "The number of infections per 100,000 people over the past seven days has exceeded 100," and criticized, "Yet some local governments are gradually resuming economic activities." She warned, "We may consider nationwide lockdown measures."

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