Spain is undertaking newer measures to keep away an increase in the number of coronavirus cases. It seems that the country is living in the fear of a “second wave” of coronavirus, and more widespread following the same. While Catalonia has stepped up and closed down its nightlife for the upcoming two weeks, there is still a surge in cases around the north-eastern region. On the other hand, the UK has ordered people who are coming back from Spain.
Similar to the rules prevailing in France and Norway, a person coming back from Spain needs to self-isolate. The scenario is similar if we look at both Germany and France. There is a rise in the number of cases, and the government is trying newer measured to control the same. They are juggling between controlling the number of fresh cases and reopening the economies. Moreover, the rise in the number of cases in European countries is now surpassing the rate of increase in the rest of the world. The new record of numbers increasing every day is around 280,000 in the past two consecutive days.
According to the statement on July 25, by the World Health Organization (WHO), there is a reason for the rise in cases in specific countries. The size and population of South Asians and Americans are the major reason for the massive transmission here. As per the reports of the Johns Hopkins University, the total number of cases has exceeded 15.7 million. Moreover, the number of deaths has surpassed 640,000.
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The present scenario of Spain
It was not even a month that the Government of Spain declared an end to the state of emergency that the unfortunate scenario started developing. There is a surge in the number of infections in most parts of the country. The cities that are witnessing the major threat of a second outbreak include Barcelona, Madrid, and Zaragoza. The Spanish government is on its toes warning and making people aware of the probable consequences.
The Catalonia government has issued an order to close down all late-night bars and nightclubs around the region for an upcoming couple of weeks. The Defense Ministry of Spain is trying to implement every measure to protect the military. There is a tracker system for early response in case there is an upturn in cases. On July 24, the Ministry of Health reported 900 fresh cases. Moreover, a second division football team, Fuenlabrada has now confirmed 28 cases. Guy Hedgecoe from BBC reports about Madrid’s contagion condition. He says that the younger adults seem to be more prone to the virus right now. The major reason for the same is that they are constantly gathering in the cities at night.
Starting from July 26, the UK has ordered that every person returning from Spain must self-isolate for the next 14days. The rule remains the same for both the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands. Even though none of these places are a part of the new general warning list of the UK, it does fall under one of the places that fall in between the route. On the other hand, Norway has also announced the rule of quarantining for two weeks for everyone returning from Spain. On the contrary, France issues warning for its citizens not to travel to Catalonia at the moment.
Does the present situation concern other states of Europe?
It seems that the increase in the number of fresh cases is common in the majority of the states. However, the governments are still trying to keep the economies running. They are all hoping that the second outbreak, if any, will only be regionally limited. In this context, Belgium has taken an opposite step. The Belgian government decides to slow down the opening of the economy keeping in mind the increasing number of cases. On the other hand, Italy is restricting arrivals from Bulgaria and Romania. Everyone coming into Italy from either of these places must quarantine themselves for 14 days.
The decision is made after Italy witnessed a surge in the number of cases. Moreover, Jean Castex, Prime Minister of France has declared COVID-19 tests on the spot for people arriving from 16 countries where there is a constant rise in cases. According to the health ministry of France, the country is witnessing 1000-plus cases at least every day in the hospitals. Germany also announced compulsory testing for people returning from high-risk countries. The latter country is now witnessing what it seems like a peak in the number of new coronavirus cases.
Let’s look at the global figures
WHO says that the trajectory is still alarmingly upwards. The total figure has hit a quarter of a 3 million fresh cases as of July 24. Out of all other countries, one of the places of major concern in India. Here, the total number of confirmed cases is presently around 1.3 million. While there is a confirmation of 100,000 cases in just the past two days, experts believe that it is still not the worst. One of the notable cases is of the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shivraj Singh Chouhan. He has been tested positive and is constantly warning people to be more careful. On the other hand, cases are rising at an increasing rate in the United States, South Africa, and Brazil too.
Other major developments
The other developments around include the case of Jair Bolsonaro, President of Brazil. He is now out of danger and has been tested negative for COVID-19 on Saturday, July 25. He suffered for more than two weeks and says that the credit for his recovery goes to hydroxychloroquine, which created quite a stir recently. However, medicine is yet to be proven as one of the perfect ones for coronavirus. All the New Year Eve’s celebrations in Brazil that were to be held in Rio de Janeiro are canceled for 2020. Besides, Vietnam is now on high-alert after the news of the first locally transmitted case in Danang City.
Africa is one of the hardest hit with more than 10,000 health and medical workers being affected with COVID-19. Hong Kong also extended all the precautionary measures after the highest mark of daily infections was hit on Saturday, July 25. On the other hand, South Korea is also witnessing the highest number of daily cases presently, in comparison with the past three months. Japan has recorded the highest number of cases this week too.
