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Although New Zealand has once again crushed another coronavirus outbreak, the pandemic continues to cause a whirlwind of chaos in many countries around the world.
Bars have been closed in parts of the north of England and gatherings restricted as Covid-19 case numbers soar to new levels. France is also tightening restrictions after recent surges. While a second wave seems to be hitting Italy, with the compilation of bans also on the cards.
The World Health Organization has repeatedly said that the virus will persist for a long time and, in fact, may never go away.
The UK is experiencing a second wave like no other, with a daily total of new infections breaking records set by the first wave earlier in the year.
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The country’s deputy chief medical officer, Jonathan Van Tam, said the UK is currently at a “tipping point”, the guardian reported.
Jon Super / AP
A staff member serves a drink at the Dispensary pub in Liverpool, England, on October 12.
Liverpool is among the worst affected areas in England. As of early September, the city was registering about 90 cases a week. Now, he’s recording more than 3,000 a week, according to his city council.
Residents are being subjected to harsh new restrictions as officials struggle to overcome a large increase in infections.
Starting Wednesday, the city will see strict measures in place that include the closure of pubs, bars, gyms and casinos, as well as restrictions on meetings. Stores, schools and universities will remain open.
The army is also being recruited and the city would receive a six-month financial support package.
The move comes after the UK introduced a new three-tier system that will classify areas of England at medium, high or very high risk. The measurements will be reviewed every four weeks.
Alberto Pezzali / AP
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson wears a face mask as he leaves 10 Downing Street.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the very high bar, under which the city of Liverpool will be, was meant for places where, without swift action, the NHS would be under intolerable pressure.
According to the BBC, several NHS Nightingale hospitals in the north of England have been put on hold and asked to prepare for further admissions.
Jon Super / AP
Members of the public walk in Liverpool, England, on October 12.
Johnson said Monday the virus was once again spreading among the elderly and vulnerable, with more Covid patients in the hospital than on March 23. Deaths were also on the rise again, he said.
Parts of France have also been raised to their most restrictive levels following sudden increases in cases. Paris, Lyon and Marseille are already at the highest level, with Toulouse and Montpellier set to join them this week.
Last week, Paris closed its bars, gyms and swimming pools to help curb the spread of the virus in the city. Public places will be closed for two weeks.
Prime Minister Jean Castex also urges residents to limit the number of people they invite into their homes. Speaking to French media, he said that the rise in infections is putting pressure on the country’s hospital system.
Too many people did not know how to recognize that “the second wave is here”, the guardian informed him saying.
Laurent Cipriani / AP
People wearing masks pass restaurants in central Lyon, central France, on Saturday, October 10.
Over the weekend, France recorded more than 26,800 new infections in a 24-hour period, for the first time since the start of the pandemic.
President Emmanuel Macron is likely to address the country this week, French media reported.
In Italy, the ban on private parties is on the cards, as well as the restrictions on the number of guests at weddings and funerals. The country’s daily infections surpassed 5,000 in recent days for the first time since March.
In addition to the national ban on private parties, Rome is also considering limiting the opening hours of bars and restaurants. The Guardian reported. However, the Foreign Minister has ruled out a return to the blockade.
Petr David Josek / AP
Image of John Lennon, in Prague, Czech Republic.
In Greece, restrictions have been placed on the number of people allowed inside restaurants and museums. The country reached a bleak new milestone on Sunday with 13 reported deaths and 280 new infections. According to officials, there were 93 people with fans, Greek media reported.
Meanwhile, the Czech Republic could also be creeping closer to entering a second lockdown. More than 8,600 new cases were reported there on Friday, more than 3,000 from the previous day.
According to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, the Czech Republic has the highest infection rate in Europe, with 433 cases per 100,000 people in the last 14 days.
Russia has also broken daily records, reporting more than 13,600 new cases on Sunday. The surge in infections has Moscow officials considering closing bars and nightclubs. NBC News reported.
