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Of: Malin Kardell, Sara Milstead
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The spread of the coronavirus is increasing dramatically in Europe.
Now both France and Germany are once again facing new closures.
– The second wave will be more deadly than the first, says Emmanuel Macron, president of France.
The “second wave” of the spread of the infection has recently been felt in Europe. Several countries have more confirmed cases per day than ever. Something that is now also reflected in the actions of the countries.
Germany and France are two of the countries that are once again facing tighter restrictions, hoping to take control of the situation from the crown. And on Wednesday, the two countries presented new packages of measures to curb the spread of the virus.
Before the national shutdown
French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a televised address to the nation on Wednesday night. He then said that the country is “overwhelmed” by a second wave, which will undoubtedly be more difficult than the first.
According to Macron, some 9,000 people will likely need intensive care in mid-November, which corresponds to the total capacity of the country.
Photo: Thibault Camus / TT
Frankrikes President Emmanuel Macron.
Emmanuel Macron also announces that the country is introducing new and stricter restrictions due to the continued spread of the infection. Among other things, a national closure is announced, which will take effect from Friday.
This means that travel between different regions of France will no longer be allowed. Restaurants and bars will also be closed. And the main rule for working in the country will be working from home.
“We need to take new measures to deal with the crown,” Macron said.
Schools, on the other hand, will remain open as usual, with the exception of universities where students will receive distance education.
– The new rules will apply until December 1, said the president.
He adds that the rules on closure can be relaxed sooner, if the number of new infection cases per day falls to around 5,000. On Wednesday, 33,405 new confirmed cases were reported in France, according to figures from the World Health Organization (WHO).
Merkel: prevent emergencies
Hours before the French announcement, German Chancellor Angela Merkel held a press conference. He then claimed that the situation was urgent and that new restrictions were introduced.
“We must act, and now, to avoid a national emergency,” he said.
On Wednesday, the country registered its highest daily number of patients so far: almost 14,000 confirmed infected.
He also announced that previously effective infection tracking has now failed in many regions; it is simply not possible to keep track of infected people. 75 percent of documented cases are now of unknown origin.
Photo: Michael Kappeler / TT
German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
The new restrictions mean, among other things, that large crowds are banned, restaurants and bars are forced to abolish all services except take-out, that hotel stays for tourism are limited and that it is introduced teleworking for all who can and have the opportunity to sit at home.
Meetings outside the boundaries of the home are also regulated, this time a maximum of ten people from two households can meet.
Gyms, restrooms, and other recreation centers are closed, as are sporting events.
However, schools and preschools will remain open. Stores can also be kept open, but with congestion restrictions.
The question, however, is whether the German population intends to hack into the new forces. Opinion polls have previously shown strong support for previous covid restrictions, but now patience is wearing thin. According to polls, about 53 percent are currently in favor of new restrictions to stop the infection, while 43 percent are against it, a clear change in the mood of voters.
Another thing is what happens to the economy.
Although Merkel promised that support to businesses and enterprises will be paid, the cost will remain remarkable, to say the least.
The immensely popular Chancellor is likely to face a severe test, many experts predict. There is also an obvious risk of turmoil and protests, which have already been seen in various places in Europe.
No one knows how it will end.
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