Europe is experiencing one of the biggest outbreaks outside mainland China as countries announced closures in borders and new death tolls trigger fears among citizens.
Germany to Temporarily Shut Borders with Five Countries
Germany is set to impose temporary controls on borders with Luxembourg, Switzerland, Denmark, France, and Austria starting Monday as part of the government's action plan in containing the novel coronavirus, BBC reported.
While Germany will close borders, other European nations are also moving to halt further spreading of the CoVID-19 strain. The main goal is to contain the virus but also to prevent people from panic-buying.
The Republic of Ireland has requested that all pubs close until March 29, while Austria announced the ban of gatherings among five people and above. Netherlands is also preparing to shutter schools.
Germany recorded 4,585 confirmed coronavirus cases and at least nine deaths.
Italy Reports Record-High CoVID-19 Deaths in One Day
Italy reported 368 new coronavirus deaths on Sunday, marking the biggest death toll in a single day recorded worldwide. The said number beats China's biggest CoVID-19 death toll in one day of 254.
While Italy is still second to China in being the world's worst-hit country, the country has been on lockdown over the past days and flights to and from the country have been canceled by multiple airlines to prevent potential spreading.
Italy now has a total of 24,747 coronavirus cases and 1,809 deaths related to the disease.
Spain Goes Day 1 on Lockdown
In Spain, the lockdown took place on Sunday, following the confirmation that the country now has 7,553 coronavirus cases. There were also 96 new deaths, bringing the toll to 288.
According to the Anadolu Agency, the lockdown came shortly before CoVID-19 test results for the wife of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, Begona Gomez, came out. Gomez tested positive of the novel coronavirus.
Local reports stated that Gomez is doing fine, but it was not immediately confirmed whether Sanchez will go on quarantine following the confirmation that his wife contracted the disease.
As part of the efforts to hopefully prevent further disease-spreading in Spain, Sanchez announced that security forces will begin patrolling streets to ensure that the quarantine will be implemented as necessary.
France Braces for Partial Lockdown
In France, the authorities are preparing to implement a partial lockdown on the country as the European Union continues to experience a spike in new CoVID-19 cases.
According to Reuters, sources revealed that the new measures will tighten movement privileges for residents in the country as part of government efforts in preventing further infections among French citizens.
A source with knowledge of the matter revealed that confinement among citizens is expected to be imposed starting midnight on Tuesday. The government has yet to officially confirm the report.
France reported 5,423 coronavirus cases and a total of 120 deaths as of Sunday.
Norway Offers $9.7 Billion in Funding to Support Economy
Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg said at a media briefing on Sunday that the government will assist companies, whether big and small as the country battles the coronavirus crisis.
As part of the efforts to curb the effects of the CoVID-19 crisis on the Norwegian economy, at least 100 billion Norwegian crowns or approximately $9.7 billion will be offered in funding to big and small businesses across the country.
The news came after Norway last week imposed a widespread closure in restaurants, schools, corporate facilities, and other establishments as a way of preventing further community coronavirus-spreading.
The country recorded a total of 1,077 infections as of Sunday.
Greece Infection Toll Passes 330
On Sunday, the Greek health ministry's Sotiris Tsiodras confirmed at a media briefing that Greece's coronavirus infection toll reached 331 and the total number of deaths reached four.
As of Saturday, the country still allowed boutiques and shops to operate as usual, along with pharmacies and supermarkets. However, beach resorts were shut down, as well as bars and restaurants.
Greece has also canceled remaining flights to and from Italy as the latter remains on lockdown.
