US New Epidemic Center, European Countries Introduce Stricter Measures

(Patria) – The number of coronavirus infections worldwide has reached 420,000, while the death toll stands at 18,900, according to data from the Johns Hopkins University Center for Resources. More than 100,000 people have recovered and are no longer positive for the virus.

This data is slightly higher than that of the World Health Organization (WHO), whose spokesperson Dr. Margaret Harris stated that 85% of new cases worldwide are linked to the US, with half of them in New York and the rest in Europe.

The WHO claims that the US is on its way to becoming the new epicenter of the pandemic.

Meanwhile, in Europe, the death toll in Italy has jumped again after two recorded decreases, and now stands at 743, although new infections are now occurring at a slightly slower pace.

The highest number of deaths are recorded in Spain, France, and Great Britain.

In Great Britain, 422 patients have died due to complications as of Tuesday morning, compared to 355 on Monday. The total number of infected is 8,000 out of 90,000 tested. After fierce criticism for its relaxed stance on the epidemic, Prime Minister Boris Johnson introduced strict measures allowing only essential exits from home (grocery shopping, exercise, doctor's visits, helping the vulnerable, going to work where remote work is not possible). Catering facilities and schools have also been closed, but violations of the new rules have been recorded, with the London Underground being crowded on Tuesday.

Spain is facing its toughest week so far – 6,584 new cases were reported on Tuesday alone, bringing the total number close to 40,000, with 2,696 deaths. Around 5,400 medical workers are also infected. 11 elderly individuals were found lifeless and abandoned in Spanish nursing homes, which is linked to this viral infection.

Due to the largest increase in deaths so far, France is considering extending the overall lockdown and isolation beyond the usual two-week period to at least six weeks. Markets are now also being closed, and residents will be allowed one hour of outdoor time per day for essential needs such as grocery shopping or doctor's visits.

India, with a population of 1.3 billion, has announced a 21-day nationwide lockdown, as well as mandatory home isolation to prevent the spread of infection. According to university data, there are currently around 500 cases of infection in India.

 

(data source Euronews)