As European countries ease measures, numbers skyrocket in Russia and Brazil

(Patria) – European countries continue to implement new, milder measures aimed at activating the economy after an almost three-month standstill that left a deep mark even on the strongest economies.

For the first time in two months, French citizens can go for a walk without filling out a form; primary schools are reopening their doors, as are some shops and hairdressing salons. As in most other countries, catering facilities, theaters, and cinemas remain closed.

In Spain, the hardest-hit urban centers like Madrid and Barcelona remain under strict restrictive measures. In other parts of the country, even the outdoor seating areas of catering facilities are opening.

The governments of these countries are encouraged by the lower number of deaths – in France, this number was 70 on Sunday, the lowest since early April, while in Spain, the daily average of deaths has fallen below 200.

However, the risk of a second wave of the epidemic is growing, especially after news from South Korea, which had suppressed the epidemic. After a renewed increase in the number of new infections, the country's government immediately closed bars and clubs in the capital again, after clusters of infection formed in these establishments.  

China reported its first infection in Wuhan in a month on Sunday. On Monday, this number rose to 5, the highest average since March 11, and it involves local transmission in a residential building there.

Germany, like other European countries, has eased measures, but an increase in new infections has been observed.

As of Monday, Greece and Belgium are also easing measures, while Turkey already allowed people over 65 to leave their homes on Sunday.

Iran, the Middle Eastern country hardest hit by the pandemic, is also easing restrictive measures, with shops and shopping malls opening in the capital despite warnings from the Minister of Health that the situation 'should not be considered normal'. One region in Iran is recording a rapid increase in new infections again, so measures have been immediately reintroduced.

The number of new infections continues to rise in Russia and has already exceeded 200,000. It is predicted that Russia will be the first in Europe in terms of the number of infections in just a few days, although the number of deaths is comparatively low at 1,915.

The situation is also worsening in Brazil, where more than 11,000 people have died and there are 163,000 confirmed infections. Scientists believe these numbers are significantly higher due to a lack of testing.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who has downplayed the epidemic from the start, calling the disease a 'minor flu' and considering the measures unnecessary, was seen last weekend water skiing on his way to a floating barbecue.

The coronavirus has also entered the inner circle of the White House, where a member of the US President's staff tested positive for the virus, as did the spokesperson for the US Vice President. Pence said he would not go into quarantine and would come to work on Monday. Dr. Anthony Fauci and two other officials have been in self-isolation since Sunday, despite testing negative for the virus.