[ad_1]
European countries have welcomed Pfizer’s announcement that it believes its vaccine is more than 90% effective with relief, as much of the region remains closed. This is what is happening in some countries:
Germany
German Health Minister Jens Spahn said Pfizer’s announcement, based on early data, was “very encouraging” and that he was “very pleased” that a German research and development team was playing a role. The German company BiOnTech has been a partner with Pfizer in the development of the vaccine.
Germany has signed up 15,332 new cases of coronavirus since Monday, as well as 154 more coronavirus-related deaths. The country’s total death toll now stands at 11,506 according to the Robert Koch Institute of Germany (RKI).
France
A French government spokesman said on Tuesday it was too early to propose a “relaxation of the rules” on coronavirus restrictions in France. The spokesperson added that while there is some evidence that restrictive measures imposed by the government “could be having an impact,” the country must remain “cautious.”
The spokesman’s statements come just a day after the director of France’s National Health Agency, Jérôme Salomon, said that the country’s second wave of Covid-19 had not yet reached its peak.
Italy
Five more local regions in Italy have been declared “orange zones”, which means that the stricter restrictions will take effect in the areas from Wednesday and will last at least two weeks.
The Abruzzo, Umbria, Tuscany, Liguria and Basilicata regions will see ‘non-essential’ shops closed, and bars and restaurants will be limited to serving takeout only. People will also be prevented from leaving their cities of residence.
Portugal
Portugal’s government on Monday imposed a two-week state of emergency on 121 municipalities, mainly concentrated around the country’s two largest cities, Lisbon and Porto. In those municipalities, a mandatory curfew between 11 pm and 5 am The local time has been introduced, with an extension from 1:00 pm. – 5 am. weekend.
Mandatory body temperature controls will be carried out when accessing workplaces, schools, universities and public transport, as well as commercial, cultural and sports spaces.
Now it is also mandatory to wear a mask in all public areas, even outside if social distancing is impossible to maintain.
