The coronavirus situation in Europe has yet to see a significant change in the rise of new cases, but a steady decline in Italy's intensive care unit (ICU) patient toll has shone a ray of hope for the continent's recovery.
Italy's Severe Patient Toll Drops Again
For the third consecutive day, the number of patients in Italy's intensive care units has fallen, marking what could be a small sign of slow recovery in the country, The Local Italy reported.
The number of new CoVID-19 cases has also fallen over the past few days, with the Civil Protection department announcing 3,599 new cases on Monday. The said figure is over 700 patients less than the previous toll.
On the other hand, the country also confirmed 636 new deaths from the fast-spreading virus. Italy now has a total of 132,547 confirmed CoVID-19 cases, 60,313 of them on self-quarantine at home.
Spain Reports 4th Daily Drop in CoVID-19 Deaths
In Spain, the number of deaths dropped for the fourth straight day at 637, The Local Spain reported.
According to the Spanish health ministry, the said number is the lowest in almost two weeks, marking a steady decline in fatalities in the country since the novel virus swept Europe in February.
Madrid remains the hardest-hit region in the country, with 5,136 deaths rounding up Italy's total of CoVID-19 deaths at 13,055. The country has registered a total of 135,032 confirmed coronavirus cases as of Monday.
Merkel: Coronavirus is EU's Biggest Test
On Monday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the government has yet to decide on a cut-off date for the movement restrictions implemented since the CoVID-19 crisis in the European Union kicked off.
According to The Local Germany, Merkel noted that the coronavirus crisis is "the biggest test" the EU has encountered since it was founded. She noted that dropping a date on the movement restrictions for citizens and businesses would make the German government look bad.
Merkel's comments came ahead of the supposed lifting of the movement restriction orders in the country on April 19. Germany registered at least 103,375 confirmed CoVID-19 cases and at least 1,810 deaths as of Monday.
French Health Minister Acknowledges France Not Yet at the Peak
French Health Minister Olivier Véran said on Monday evening that France has yet to reach the peak of the coronavirus crisis in the country, following a jump in new fatalities over the last 24 hours, The Local France reported.
Véran revealed that 833 lives were lost to the CoVID-19 strain on Monday, bringing the country's total death toll to 8,911. 2,417 of the deceased patients were from home for the aged facilities.
Despite bringing bad news, Véran noted that the government will soon launch a "large scale operation" to test healthcare workers in Ehpads to determine the extent of the CoVID-19 situation in the area.
As of Monday, France recorded at least 98,010 confirmed coronavirus cases.
Swedish Frontliners Talk of 'Anger and Upset' amid CoVID-19 Battle
Some frontliners in Sweden have spoken up about the current coronavirus situation in the country, with some revealing that there have been "racist" tendencies and rising concerns about the availability of testing.
Some healthcare workers revealed that people across Sweden have been expressing fears about the CoVID-19 situation in the country, with some callers indicating "anger and upset."
The news came as Sweden's government remains lax compared to other countries in terms of their movement restrictions and quarantine orders.
The country so far registered 7,206 confirmed coronavirus cases and 477 deaths.
World Leaders Send Encouraging Messages to Johnson
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson spent the night at the St. Thomas' Hospital's intensive care unit on Monday, BBC News reported.
The government revealed on Monday that Johnson was transported to the hospital after his coronavirus symptoms worsened. A spokesman said Johnson himself asked Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab to be a deputy to his duties "where necessary."
Johnson was first admitted to the said central London on Sunday but had to be brought to the ICU following the worsening of his symptoms. World leaders such as French President Emmanuel Macron and United States President Donald Trump have since sent their messages of support to their British counterpart.
As of Monday, the United Kingdom reported at least 51,608 confirmed CoVID-19 cases and 5,373 deaths.
