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Spain surpassed a grim milestone by registering more than half a million coronavirus cases on Monday, becoming the first Western European country to do so amid a strong upward trend reflected in neighboring France.
Spain added 49,719 new cases last week, bringing its total since the start of the pandemic earlier this year to 525,549 infections. About a third of the new cases and deaths are in the epicenter of the outbreak: Madrid.
After severe restrictions cut the number of infections this summer, a rebound of the virus is taking place in several European countries. Unlike what happened during the previous peak last spring, this increase is concentrated among young people, which means that the death rate is significantly lower due to their stronger immune systems.
But authorities warned that the virus may still have serious long-term health consequences for younger patients.
“Many people will be infected. And some of these people, even if they do not die, will suffer an immediate and severe impact on their health that will probably be lasting ”, warned the co-founder of the Institute of Health and Strategy of Spain, Rafael Bengoa.
In France, prominent epidemiologist Professor Antoine Fontanet called for greater distancing and precautions to avoid the need for stricter rules in the coming weeks after more than 15,000 additional cases were reported in the country over the weekend. of week.
“If this rate continues, we will reach a critical situation in several regions of France in December. It is better to act now, the sooner we act, the less strict the measures will be and less, ”said Professor Fontanet. “If we wait 15 days it will be more difficult and longer.” Of the 101 departments in France, 28 are now classified as “red zones” with cities like Lille, Dijon and Strasbourg on high alert.
The Strasbourg ranking added to the reluctance of many members of the European Parliament to travel from Brussels to the city for a session scheduled next week, when the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, will deliver her annual speech on the state. of the Union. to MEPs.
What about Great Britain?
In England and Wales, dozens of schools have reported coronavirus outbreaks a week since they reopened. An estimated 200 students and 21 staff members are in isolation in Liverpool following an outbreak, while a school in Suffolk closed its doors after five teachers tested positive.
“The increase in the number of cases that we have seen in recent days is mainly among young people. Under 25, especially between 17 and 21, “said British Health Secretary Matt Hancock.
“Although you have less risk of dying from Covid if you are under 25 years old, you can still have really serious symptoms and consequences,” he warned.
A British government source warned of great concern that the UK could be “six weeks behind France” in its infections.
In the United States, cases are increasing in 22 of the 50 states. With more than six million registered cases, the United States is the most affected country, followed by India, Brazil and Russia.
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