Spain And Italy Post New Coronavirus Records Since Lockdown

TOPLINE

 Both Spain and Italy reported new highs of daily recorded coronavirus cases Wednesday after ending their strict lockdowns months ago, as more and more viral cases are detected throughout Europe in a worrying trend.

KEY FACTS

Surprising fact

Many of Europe’s new infections have been detected in young people, the World Health Organization’s regional director for Europe Hans Kluge has warned, telling Today, a BBC Radio 4 show in July that young people “have a responsibility towards themselves, their parents, grandparents and their communities” to continue social distancing. Similar trends have been reported in U.S. cities as well, like Los Angeles and New York. 

Key background

Spain and Italy both had months-long lockdowns that were far more harsh than anything seen in the U.S. Under Italy’s lockdown, which was ordered in March, Italians were barred from traveling either within or outside of the country for unnecessary reasons most businesses were eventually ordered to close if deemed nonessential, like restaurants and many retail stores. In Spain, residents were largely confined to their homes except for necessary trips, like to the grocery store or for medical care, and restaurants were closed even for delivery and takeout.

Further reading

Italy records highest daily rise in infections since lockdown eased (The Guardian)

Spain reports 3,715 new coronavirus cases in post-lockdown record (Reuters)

Coronavirus Spikes In Ireland, France, Spain And Italy Put Europe On High Alert (Forbes)

Europe’s Youth Could Be Steering New Coronavirus Cases, Officials Warn (Forbes)

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