Covid-19 Pandemic In Europe -- News Updates May 2, 2021

Statistica: The State Of The Third COVID Wave In Europe

Despite still experiencing one of the highest COVID-19 virus caseloads relative to population in Europe, France today announced its exit strategy which would see the country reopen (except nightclubs) until June 30. Secondary students are already starting to return to schools on Monday. Outdoor dining, non-essential shops and cultural venues could reopen as soon as mid-May with occupancy limits. As of early June, health passes are supposed to govern entry to larger events. The curfew - currently set at 7 p.m. - is being pushed back incrementally before ending June 30.

With the UK already reopening after a very successful vaccination campaign, the frenzy to reopen is not limited to France. Italy, which like France is experiencing falling case numbers, opened outdoor dining in three quarters of regions until the curfew at 10 p.m. on Monday. Previously, even in regions deemed low risk, restaurants had to shutter at 6 p.m. Cultural venues reopened simultaneously at 50 percent capacity, while sports venues and amusement parks will begin operations slowly from July 1.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: A world of caution from WHO .... Covid threat for Europe ‘remains present,’ WHO says despite falling infections (CNBC)

Covid-19 Pandemic In Europe -- News Updates May 2, 2021

German hospital chief sees first signs of COVID easing - Bild -- Reuters

Italy reports 144 coronavirus deaths on Sunday, 9148 new cases -- Reuters

Western Europe's Covid Vaccine Push Raises Hopes the Worst Is Over -- Bloomberg

How continental Europe is emerging from Covid lockdown -- The Guardian

As Covid-19 Vaccine Campaign Accelerates in Europe, Optimism Swells Despite Recession -- WSJ

COVID: EU 'confident' of herd immunity by summer -- DW

Coronavirus: How Europe plans to reopen -- DW