Sat 29 August 2020:
Europe’s second wave of coronavirus continues to hit the continent, with France recording its highest daily cases since the lockdowns ended and Spain reporting its worst infection rate since the outbreak started.
Amid the ongoing battle to stop the rise in coronavirus cases, European governments have used broad testing and isolation to control the virus. France recorded a daily tally of 6,111 new confirmed coronavirus infections on Thursday, the highest level since the lockdowns ended and the second-highest ever. It was the most since a high of 7,578 seen on March 30 during a lockdown, at the height of the epidemic.
France recommended that anyone who thinks they need a test should get one. France’s Prime Minister Jean Castex announced face masks will become compulsory throughout Paris, expressing concern over an “undeniable” trend of expanding infection in the country. Castex said 19 more departments have been added to a map with “red” zones of active virus circulation, meaning 21 of France’s 94 departments are classified as such.
In Germany, people with close contact of 15 minutes or more with a person with COVID-19 are advised to have a test. Germany has in recent days recorded its highest number of daily virus cases since April, with authorities suggesting large numbers of returning summer tourists may be bringing the virus with them. Chancellor Angela Merkel’s government and leaders of Germany’s 16 states on Thursday unveiled tougher measures to curb the spread, including extending a ban on large events until Dec. 31.
In Spain, children above the age of 6 will be required to wear face masks at school at all times, the government said, as it seeks to restart lessons despite a surge in coronavirus infections. In the past two weeks, Spain has recorded 190 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, by far the worst rate in the 27-nation European Union.
