The latest developments on the coronavirus
In Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel made her first statement on the coronavirus on Wednesday, March 11. Referring to the country’s financial reserves and emergency mechanism, she expressed confidence. According to her, Germany is well prepared to face the epidemic. Regarding additional measures to be taken to contain the virus’s spread, Angela Merkel stated that “what is necessary” would be done.
In Belgium, the number of confirmed cases reached 314 as of Tuesday, with the first three deaths. “Once again, we are seeing an increase in the number of new cases. Our hospitals are also seeing more people with lower respiratory tract infections. This could indicate the start of a true epidemic in our country,” warned the Ministry of Health on its website.
In the United Kingdom, Chancellor Rishi Sunak allocated a package of 30 billion pounds (35 billion euros) in the first post-Brexit British budget presented Wednesday, to support the country’s economy and combat the effects of the coronavirus. The measures include suspending business rates for many businesses in England, additional funding of 5 billion pounds for the NHS health system, and extending statutory sick pay for all workers advised to self-isolate due to the pandemic.
In Ireland, the first victim of the disease was recorded after the number of infections increased by nine on Wednesday, bringing the total to 43 known infections. An elderly woman from eastern Ireland, who already had an underlying health issue, passed away.
In Italy, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced new restrictive measures to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Bars, pubs, restaurants, hairdressers, beauty salons, and canteen services will remain closed over the next two weeks. On Wednesday, the number of COVID-19 cases reached 12,462, while the death toll reached 827, an increase of 196 compared to the previous day.
In Spain, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez sent a message of “unity, serenity, and stability” to overcome the “difficult days and weeks” until the situation returns to normal. Since yesterday, all educational establishments have been closed.
In Greece, the first death due to coronavirus was reported early in the morning of March 12. A 66-year-old man died after being hospitalized on March 4. The government has taken strict measures such as closing all educational establishments for two weeks, while Prime Minister Mitsotakis sent a clear message to the Greek Orthodox Church to heed the science when it comes to public gatherings.
In Austria, the Ministry of Education announced that it would begin closing schools, and school principals have already been instructed to cancel all excursions and events until further notice. The closure will be phased, with classes for older students first suspended starting Tuesday, March 17, without schools being completely closed and locked down, announced the Ministry of Education.
In Hungary, 13 cases had been recorded with 69 people in quarantine as of March 11. The government has now declared a state of emergency, stated Gergely Gulyás, head of the Prime Minister’s office. A travel ban (for non-citizens) from Italy, China, South Korea, and Iran was decreed by the government. Hungarian citizens coming from these countries will have to remain isolated at home for two weeks upon arrival.
In Romania, 18 new cases have been reported since Tuesday, bringing the total number of infected people to 47. In response, Romania has closed schools, and many other public activities have already been canceled. Additionally, most universities are beginning to transition to online classes, theaters are canceling performances or announcing only online shows, and several public services are preparing to operate exclusively online.
