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After reintroducing hard locks during the fall, several European countries appear to be emerging from the second wave.
And in Sweden there are signs that the second coronavirus outbreak may be shorter.
– There are good opportunities where we can see a development much less drastic than in many other countries, Anders Tegnell tells SVD.
Several European countries, including France, Belgium, the United Kingdom and Italy, were hit hard by the wide spread of the infection and high death rates in the first corona wave. In early autumn, the second wave hit countries, whose governments responded with new blockades and restrictions.
And now there are signs that several of them are on their way to reversing the trend.
– We’ve seen some slowdown in Europe over the last three weeks, says Karin Tegmark
In France, the infection curve began to rise in September, with a sharp increase in October. At the end of October, the government again introduced a national curfew, except to buy necessities, go to school or train for an hour. Unnecessary activities have been forced to close.
“The virus is spreading at a rate that even the most pessimistic forecasts had not predicted,” President Macron said in a televised address at the time.
Photo: ASSEMBLY
The infection is declining in several countries after severe restrictions.
Belgium coming off the wave
On November 8, the country broke records with more than 86,000 new cases per day. Since then, the curve has turned steeply downward.
Belgium introduced a new blockade with a night curfew and closed shops and schools in late October when infection rates soared. On October 28 there was a peak of more than 22,100 cases and since then they have fallen steadily.
With just a tenth of new cases, 2,153, on Wednesday, it appears to be emerging from the second wave.
“The pressure is still extremely high on healthcare, but there is a sun on the horizon,” Belgium’s leading virologist Yves Van Laethem told Reuters last week.
Italy broke death records
Even Italy, severely affected by the crown, shows a slight tendency to lightning since October 25. During the second wave, restrictions were again introduced in the country. Among other things, shops and restaurants close at 6 p.m., schools have distance education, and many work from home.
The number of new cases has dropped from a peak of nearly 41,000 on November 14 to 32,191 cases on Wednesday. However, the deaths, 731, are a daily record during the second wave.
In Germany, Spain and the UK, the curves are not as dramatic, but even there it looks like the second wave could be on the decline.
Photo: Paul Wallander
Belgian curve. Source: WHO
Photo: Paul Wallander
The French curve. Source: WHO
Photo: ANDREAS BARDELL
Anders Tegnell.
Signs of a shorter Swedish wave
In recent weeks, Sweden has experienced a direct infection curve with an increase in the number of admissions to hospital, intensive care and an increase in mortality rates. The infection rate is 562 cases per 100,000 in the last 14 days.
A dire situation, according to Karin Tegmark Wisell, head of the microbiology department at the Swedish Public Health Agency.
– We have continued with a large number of cases, but it is too early to draw conclusions this week, says Karin Tegmark Wisell, during Thursday’s press conference.
But there are indications that the second wave will not be as long as for other European countries, writes SVD.
This is indicated by the so-called doubling period in the number of new intensive care admissions. A short doubling time means a sharp increase rate. Since the end of October, it has averaged eight days. At the beginning of November in ten days and a week ago it was 21 days, with reserve for some delay.
According to the newspaper, this may indicate that Sweden will reach the top of VAT admissions in the coming weeks.
– We have to cross our fingers for that. There are some trends for that, as you point out. We hope they hold out. But again, it’s a lot about avoiding meeting. There are many indications that many are already doing it now, Anders Tegnell tells SVD.
The proportion of infected people is no longer increasing in Uppsala, the region that was the first to face stricter restrictions.
– If it continues to hold out like that, there are good opportunities where we can see development much less drastic than in many other countries.
Photo: Paul Wallander
The UK curve. Source: WHO
Photo: Paul Wallander
Spanish curve. Source: WHO
Photo: Paul Wallander
Italian curve. Source: WHO
Photo: Paul Wallander
Germany curve. Source: WHO
PODD So the second wave may be over
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