Responding to a resurgence in imported coronavirus infections internationally several countries in Europe are taking additional steps to prevent travel-related cases.
Italy Adds Four Countries in Mandatory COVID-19 Testing List
On Wednesday Italy added Spain, Greece, Croatia and Malta to its travel-restricted list. There is no ban on arrivals from these nations but all visitors must undergo COVID-19 testing.
The news came as Europe continues to strengthen defenses against possible outbreaks as a result of imported infections.
Italy has added Colombia to its total travel ban as more countries in Latin America experience significant rises in both coronavirus infections and fatalities.
Italy was the epicenter of Europe's COVID-19 outbreak but has since seen new daily cases fall to around 500 or fewer.
As of Wednesday Italy had 251,713 confirmed cases and 35,225 deaths.
France Sees Highest Daily Increase Since May
Government officials Wednesday announced an additional 2,524 new COVID-19 cases - the highest since May.
Furthermore, the weekly positive rate has risen to 2.2 percent from last week's 1.6 percent. Health officials said recent developments showed indicators were "clearly worsening."
France has been reporting multiple clusters over the past few days. In the past 24 hours it logged 18 new COVID-19 clusters which increased worries about a growth in community transmissions.
As of Wednesday France had 206,696 confirmed coronavirus cases and 30,371 deaths.
Spain in 'Critical' Ground amid COVID-19 Resurgence
Spain has seen a resurgence in daily coronavirus infections over the past seven days prompting concern among health experts about the easing of restrictions.
Catalonia Open University health scientist Salvador Macip said the situation was "critical." "Things can get better - or worse."
In the past week the country has reported an average of 4,923 daily cases - higher than other countries in Europe over the same period.
The resurgence of cases since the first week of July follows the lifting of a lockdown and the opening of borders.
As of Wednesday Spain had 376,864 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 28,579 deaths.
Germany Joins Others in Europe in Resurgence Trend
Meanwhile, Germany recorded its highest daily increase in new cases in more than three months with more than 1,200 additional infections Wednesday.
Health officials said a resurgence over the past 24 hours was in part a result of citizens returning from overseas holidays. Officials are monitoring the potential rise in imported transmissions.
Earlier this week Germany announced new travel warnings for Spain and discouraged nonessential travel.
As of Wednesday Germany had 220,850 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 9,276 deaths.
