France and Italy record significantly fewer hospitalizations

(Patria) – The British government will extend restrictive measures for three weeks, announced Foreign Minister Dominic Raab, who is deputising for Prime Minister Johnson while he recovers from a coronavirus infection.

The measures, in place since 23 March, were intended for a three-week period, but as the country is only now passing through the peak of the epidemic, restrictions are necessary.

Raab warned that any change in social distancing measures could lead to a 'second peak of the epidemic' and thus cause even greater loss of life.

Measures have also been extended in Portugal, whose Prime Minister Antonio Costa expressed hope that this is the 'last extension'.

The French president called for a gradual return to work and school from 11 May, although France is recording several hundred deaths daily.

The German chancellor announced the opening of some shops with mandatory mask-wearing.

The easing of measures in some European countries is driven by a lower number of hospitalizations, which may indicate that the peak of the epidemic has passed.

In France, that number is lower by 474, and in Italy by 750 compared to the previous day.

Research conducted in EU countries showed that 57% of deaths resulting from coronavirus infection are linked to nursing homes.