Amid rising new COVID-19 cases across Europe, more countries have started introducing stricter measures to hopefully curb the spread of the virus, especially as economies open up.
Netherlands Joins List of Countries with Stricter Measures
On Monday, the Netherlands announced new anti-coronavirus measures that are expected to help reduce the number of new COVID-19 cases in the country.
The restrictions include an order on restaurants and bars to shut down by 10pm for the next three weeks, as well as a ban on spectators at professional sports matches.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Mark Rutte urged residents to opt for telecommuting. He added that only up to three visitors should be allowed to visit homes to prevent further COVID-19 infections.
When shopping, people have been encouraged to wear face masks, particularly in the following hard-hit cities: The Hague, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam. Only up to four people should step out together as another way of preventing the virus' spread.
As of Monday, the Netherlands has logged a total of 114,540 confirmed COVID-19 cases and at least 6,380 deaths.
Nightlife in Marseille Disrupted by France's New Restrictions
The port city of Marseille in France saw new COVID-19 restrictions that started during the weekend as part of the French government's efforts in curbing the second wave of infections.
The new measures are expected to be in place for up to two weeks and Marseille's nightlife will be disrupted as bars have been ordered to shut down.
Restaurants have also been ordered to close within the next two weeks, including operating restaurants in the island of Guadeloupe. Marseille and Guadeloupe have seen a spike in infection rates over the past few weeks.
The local governments announced the restrictions following the French central government's move of implementing stricter measures in Paris and ten other cities.
As of Monday, France has reported a total of 542,639 confirmed COVID-19 cases and at least 31,808 deaths linked to the virus.
Northeast of England's Bars Face Toughened Measures
England started implementing stricter anti-coronavirus measures last week but the northeast part of the country on Monday saw intensified restrictions, including a ban on people from different households to join others when in pubs.
The new restriction has also been slapped with a fine. Violators, or those who still mix in with pub customers from other households will face fines of up to £6,400 (approximately $8,238) from a minimum of £200 (approximately $257) on the first offense.
The said measures are also applicable to customers in restaurants and bars. These areas are covered by the stricter restrictions: Northumberland, Sunderland, Gateshead, South Tyneside, Newcastle, Durham, and North Tyneside.
England is the hardest-hit in all of the United Kingdom, with over 279,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases and over 36,000 deaths.
Madrid Residents Fend Off Restrictions
While other countries across Europe have started reintroducing local anti-coronavirus restrictions, Spain's central capital of Madrid continues to struggle with defiant residents and seemingly unrelenting local officials.
What appears to be a war between the national and regional administrations sparked a wave of protests from Madrid residents over the past several weeks, with local officials defying national calls for heightened measures.
Madrid has the highest COVID-19 infection rate in all of Spain and it has logged over 108,000 confirmed coronavirus cases.
Last week, the regional government said there was no need for the national administration's call for Madrid residents to only be allowed out of their neighborhoods for essential activities such as work, school, and medical needs.
As of Monday, Spain has recorded 748,266 confirmed COVID-19 cases and at least 31,411 deaths.
