While the coronavirus originated in China, it spent it spread all across Italy and other European states. While the world still came in terms with this deadly pandemic, Italy became the ground zero of how serious this disease actually is. But all that is in the past, now some European countries wish to take their countries back to normalcy. Europe starts to resume public life as coronavirus cases decrease. Lockdown restrictions will ease and some European countries will announce plans to reopen.
What’s In It?
In a move that comes as a ray of hope, Austria and Denmark are first in Europe to announce an easing of the lockdown due to coronavirus. This announcement came on Monday and made Austria and Denmark the first European countries to announce concrete plans to reopen their countries. Other countries like Belgium, France, Spain with others are also examining how can they loosen the restrictions placed on the population while maintaining a careful eye to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Both Austria and Denmark plan to lift the restrictions in stages. In Austria, small shops will begin to reopen from April 14, with larger stores to follow on May 1. Restaurants, hotels, and schools may be able to reopen in mid-May but this will happen upon prior announcement towards the end of April. However, reopening will not mean that the previous rules will not be followed. Strict rules about masks, social distancing and the number of people allowed into a store at any one time will remain in place. Denmark plans to open its nursery and primary schools from April 15, while companies will resume business gradually.
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What’s More?
Many European leaders, however, are cautious since countries such as Singapore and Japan, have seen waves of new infections. Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz credited his country’s early response; “We reacted faster and more restrictively in Austria than in other countries and were, therefore, able to prevent the worst from happening so far,” Kurz said, removing a blue surgical mask to speak at a news conference. “The quick and restrictive reaction now also gives us the opportunity to get out of this crisis faster.” Did you know Rio’s Christ The Redeemer Statue Lit Up As A Doctor As Tribute To Medical Professionals Fighting Coronavirus?
In another country of Austria, it has been witnessed since the past three consecutive days that coronavirus recoveries have exceeded the number of new cases. On Monday, Austrian authorities reported 241 new infections but 465 recoveries over the previous 24 hours. The slowing spread of the virus has relieved pressure on the medical system. The rollback of the restrictions may vary in Europe. While Austria plans its entire population to start moving again, other countries, including Italy, Germany and Britain, have contemplated splitting the population into immune and nonimmune groups. That strategy would rely on tests that are not yet readily available.