Europe's daily Covid-19 deaths could reach five times April peak

[Jean-s]

Belgium facing 'tsunami' of Covid infections, health minister says
Frank Vandenbroucke says situation in parts of country is ‘most dangerous in all of Europe’
Belgium is losing control of the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic and is very close to being overwhelmed by a “tsunami” of infection, the country’s health minister has said. Frank Vandenbroucke, the federal minister, told the broadcaster RTL that Belgians needed to radically alter their behaviour. He described the situation in Francophone Wallonia in the south and in the country’s capital, Brussels, as “the worst, and therefore the most dangerous in all of Europe”. He said: “We are the most affected region in all of Europe. We are really close to a tsunami … that we no longer control what is happening. Today, we can still control what is happening, but with enormous difficulties and stress.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2...nami-of-covid-infections-health-minister-says

There is no middle ground now. Families will need to live in relative isolation, avoiding trips outside the home and until there is a vaccine, essential trips for food and medicine while wearing masks and socially distancing making sure to wash hands well when returning home.

 

[Alfons]

Daily coronavirus deaths in Europe could reach four or five times their April peak within months without effective countermeasures, the World Health Organization has said, as nine more countries reported record numbers of new infections. Dr Hans Kluge, the WHO’s regional director for Europe, said on Thursday that Europe had recorded its highest weekly number of new Covid-19 cases as the virus again spread rapidly across the continent. “The evolving epidemiological situation in Europe raises great concern: daily cases are up, hospital admissions are up and Covid is now the fifth leading cause of deaths” in the region, killing more than 1,000 people a day, he said.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2...ghest-ever-weekly-covid-cases-says-who-expert

Dr Hans Kluge

So, it can get worse before it gets better. What can a person do? I will wear my mask whenever venturing out. Upon returning home I will wash my hands. And finally, unless a trip outdoors is vital, I will be at home. This coming winter will be a time for hibernation.

Do you know what't going on in reality?

 

[TU Curmudgeon]

Belgium facing 'tsunami' of Covid infections, health minister says
Frank Vandenbroucke says situation in parts of country is ‘most dangerous in all of Europe’
Belgium is losing control of the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic and is very close to being overwhelmed by a “tsunami” of infection, the country’s health minister has said. Frank Vandenbroucke, the federal minister, told the broadcaster RTL that Belgians needed to radically alter their behaviour. He described the situation in Francophone Wallonia in the south and in the country’s capital, Brussels, as “the worst, and therefore the most dangerous in all of Europe”. He said: “We are the most affected region in all of Europe. We are really close to a tsunami … that we no longer control what is happening. Today, we can still control what is happening, but with enormous difficulties and stress.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2...nami-of-covid-infections-health-minister-says

There is no middle ground now. Families will need to live in relative isolation, avoiding trips outside the home and until there is a vaccine, essential trips for food and medicine while wearing masks and socially distancing making sure to wash hands well when returning home.

The Belgians are recognizing the danger and attempting to take action BEFORE the disaster hits.

Mr. Trump is merely hoping that the disaster isn't reported as having hit until AFTER 03 NOV 20.

 

[Jean-s]

Spanish government considering nationwide state of alarm to implement a curfew
Health Minister Salvador Illa yesterday confirmed the possibility was being studied, but stressed it would require the support of the regions and opposition parties such as the PP
The Spanish government is considering introducing a nighttime curfew across the whole of the country, in a bid to bring down coronavirus infections. The executive believes, however, that it would need to do so under a state of alarm given that there is no other option that would give it the legal framework to limit a fundamental right such as that of movement in this way.

The possibility was confirmed on Tuesday by Health Minister Salvador Illa of the Socialist Party (PSOE), who pointed to the fact that other European countries are considering curfews. The political discussion on such a restriction has arrived today, however, because the Madrid regional government – which is headed by the conservative Popular Party (PP) in coalition with Ciudadanos (Citizens), and propped up by far-right Vox – made clear this morning that it is open to a curfew for the region, which once again has been particularly badly hit by the pandemic during this second wave.
https://english.elpais.com/society/...ide-state-of-alarm-to-implement-a-curfew.html

I just wonder will they be using a claxon to warn citizens that a curfew has begun. It is not unusual to see every table outside bars occupied by pensioners, families, and friends not wearing masks and socializing as always. How can you drink a beer and eat tapas while wearing a mask? The result is todays headline. But I do not see how a curfew alone is the answer because comida is at 2 p.m. and a vino blanco semi dulce beforehand is popular in the middle of the day. Whatever we are doing is not yet working.

Granada before curfew

 

[PeteEU]

Spanish government considering nationwide state of alarm to implement a curfew
Health Minister Salvador Illa yesterday confirmed the possibility was being studied, but stressed it would require the support of the regions and opposition parties such as the PP
The Spanish government is considering introducing a nighttime curfew across the whole of the country, in a bid to bring down coronavirus infections. The executive believes, however, that it would need to do so under a state of alarm given that there is no other option that would give it the legal framework to limit a fundamental right such as that of movement in this way.

The possibility was confirmed on Tuesday by Health Minister Salvador Illa of the Socialist Party (PSOE), who pointed to the fact that other European countries are considering curfews. The political discussion on such a restriction has arrived today, however, because the Madrid regional government – which is headed by the conservative Popular Party (PP) in coalition with Ciudadanos (Citizens), and propped up by far-right Vox – made clear this morning that it is open to a curfew for the region, which once again has been particularly badly hit by the pandemic during this second wave.
https://english.elpais.com/society/...ide-state-of-alarm-to-implement-a-curfew.html

I just wonder will they be using a claxon to warn citizens that a curfew has begun. It is not unusual to see every table outside bars occupied by pensioners, families, and friends not wearing masks and socializing as always. How can you drink a beer and eat tapas while wearing a mask? The result is todays headline. But I do not see how a curfew alone is the answer because comida is at 2 p.m. and a vino blanco semi dulce beforehand is popular in the middle of the day. Whatever we are doing is not yet working.

Granada before curfew

Problem is not the bars and cafes and restaurants. It is the social gatherings in homes that is causing the spike pretty much everywhere. It is just politically convenient to blame cafes and restaurants and easier to impose a curfew. I doubt that such a curfew will have a big impact as long as people are allowed to meet on Sundays in homes for Sunday lunch and such.

What a curfew will do, is to cut down on the young people partying .. well somewhat. The young people hanging out sharing a bottle of beer and cigs, is the primary reason of the acceleration of the second wave in Spain. They infect the parents and grandparents, which is shown in the change of average age. A month ago Spain had an average age of 34 or so, now it is over 60 last I looked.

This stage still has a good month to go and deaths will go up, but I suspect to to the levels seen in the first wave.

 

[Higgins86]

Interesting how where there are the most covid-19 cases are in the countries with the strictest lockdown, masks and other tyrannical orders by their governments.

Which countries?

 

[snakestretcher]

Which countries?

Don't bother asking; you won't get anything remotely coherent in reply from someone who likens mask wearing recommendations and safeguarding restrictions to government tyranny.

 

[Higgins86]

Don't bother asking; you won't get anything remotely coherent in reply from someone who likens mask wearing recommendations and safeguarding restrictions to government tyranny.

Where in Uk are you currently at ?
I’m in Bath and the cases in Wiltshire haven’t been that bad lately.

 

[snakestretcher]

Where in Uk are you currently at ?
I’m in Bath and the cases in Wiltshire haven’t been that bad lately.

I'm in Exeter. Fortunately we're doing reasonably well. The main problem has been the tens of thousands of students descending on the town after the summer break, ignoring masks and partying. I fear it's going to get worse, and I anticipate another general lockdown. Stay safe.

Exeter Uni students under 'soft lockdown' for next 14 days

For the next 14 days, beginning from today (Monday, September 28), students who live in Exeter are being asked to not to meet indoors with anyone who is not part of their household

www.devonlive.com

 

[TU Curmudgeon]

Where in Uk are you currently at ?
I’m in Bath and the cases in Wiltshire haven’t been that bad lately.

The UK came out on the good side of the ±5% of the "Death Chance vs US" ratio back on 14 OCT 20, but doesn't appear to be having a lot of success decreasing those odds since then.

​

 

[snakestretcher]

The UK came out on the good side of the ±5% of the "Death Chance vs US" ratio back on 14 OCT 20, but doesn't appear to be having a lot of success decreasing those odds since then.

View attachment 67300641​

Yes, it's no coincidence that our rates went up as restrictions were eased and schools and universities reopened. Reopening was clearly premature, and we're paying for that poorly considered decision now.

 

[Jean-s]

Spain becomes first European Union country to reach 1 million Covid-19 cases
Spain has become the first European Union nation to surpass a million coronavirus infections, official data showed Wednesday. The Mediterranean country doubled its tally in just six weeks despite the government’s fresh restrictions on public life to curb the spread of the disease.
Spain, which is home to around 47 million people, is only the sixth country in the world to cross this grim milestone after the United States, India, Brazil, Russia and Argentina, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.
https://www.france24.com/en/europe/...t-eu-nation-to-reach-1-million-covid-19-cases

Spain needs to learn from two big mistakes. Firstly, the regions of Spain enjoy considerable autonomy but the central government needs to exercise a national lockdown response now and not leave it to regional governments with different responses. Secondly, having wasted time, more doctors and frontline medical workers need to be hired to properly run the first responder clinics in local health centers. This should already have happened and overworked, exhausted medics need help.

 

[Jean-s]

Six days after curfews came into effect in greater Paris and eight other metropolitan areas, French Prime Minister Jean Castex announced new measures to stem the spread of coronavirus as cases rise across the country.
Hours after the new measures were announced, France recorded 41,622 new Covid-19 cases over the past 24 hours, a new daily record. "The second wave is here" and "the situation is grave", Castex said in a news conference on Thursday as he announced the extension of Covid-19 curfew measures to 38 more administrative departments throughout France.
https://www.france24.com/en/europe/...unces-new-coronavirus-measures-as-cases-surge

There is no good news to report. Not yet. But we can keep a smile under the mask.

Vive La France!

 

[snakestretcher]

Six days after curfews came into effect in greater Paris and eight other metropolitan areas, French Prime Minister Jean Castex announced new measures to stem the spread of coronavirus as cases rise across the country.
Hours after the new measures were announced, France recorded 41,622 new Covid-19 cases over the past 24 hours, a new daily record. "The second wave is here" and "the situation is grave", Castex said in a news conference on Thursday as he announced the extension of Covid-19 curfew measures to 38 more administrative departments throughout France.
https://www.france24.com/en/europe/...unces-new-coronavirus-measures-as-cases-surge

There is no good news to report. Not yet. But we can keep a smile under the mask.

Vive La France!

Bon courage.

 

[Jean-s]

After a meeting of health authorities failed to produce an agreement on nationwide restrictions, Spanish regions are taking the initiative to limit nighttime activity
The Spanish regions of Andalusia, Castilla y León and Valencia will be the first to introduce curfews in Spain in a bid to contain the accelerating spread of the coronavirus. The announcements come after a meeting of central and regional health authorities on Thursday failed to produce a consensus on a nationwide nighttime curfew, despite support for such a move from the central government and a majority of regional authorities. In Andalusia, there will be an 11pm-to-6am curfew in the city of Granada and 30 municipalities in its metropolitan area, due to go into effect on Sunday. The Andalusian government’s decision is still pending legal backing from the regional high court.
https://english.elpais.com/society/...curfews-to-curb-coronavirus-transmission.html

Since the national government is in a state of paralysis, the regional authorities will have to get serious.

 

[Jean-s]

Spain’s new state of alarm: what you can and can’t do
The Spanish Cabinet today approved a curfew from 11pm to 6am, leaving the regions various options when it comes to restricting mobility
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced today a new state of alarm for Spain, which will go into force today. Spain’s regions will be in charge of implementing the coronavirus restrictions they see fit, and under the emergency situation will now be able to limit fundamental rights such as freedom of movement without having to first turn to the courts for their blessing. The decree approved by the Cabinet today contains one blanket restriction: a nighttime curfew, the timing of which can be altered by the regions by one hour either way. Curfew in Andalucía is to be announced in about half an hour. It is not known if a klaxon similar to The Purge will be used to warn the people. Regional authorities will be deciding the extent of the lockdown. The state of alarm allows for the regions to limit social meetings to six people or fewer. Remarkably, the national government in Madrid is intending to keep this state of alarm until 9 May 2021.
https://english.elpais.com/spanish_...-state-of-alarm-what-you-can-and-cant-do.html

Looking at the clock. Twenty minutes to go.

 

[Jean-s]

Unbelievable! Not one car. Not one person. Not even a cat can be seen in our town. I never saw anything like this in my life. All that can be heard are some crickets.

 

[Lovebug]

This would be absolutely chilling, if accurate.

So true. We also must consider that "Europe" is very broad.

 

[Phys251]

Unfortunately, I'm afraid it's possible. We've been stocking-up, in case we go back to a March-April type scenario.

You seen what's going on in North Dakota right now? They're neck-and-neck with Belgium for per-capita rates.

 

[Chomsky]

You seen what's going on in North Dakota right now? They're neck-and-neck with Belgium for per-capita rates.

Agreed. It is not looking good. This is not the best way to start the high season. Not at all.

 

[Phys251]

Agreed. It is not looking good. This is not the best way to start the high season. Not at all.

Fauci was hoping that we would go into the winter with a low baseline. We will not.

Winter is coming and I am not looking forward to it.

 

[Chomsky]

Fauci was hoping that we would go into the winter with a low baseline. We will not.

Winter is coming and I am not looking forward to it.

The Covid itself, is problem enough. But I conduct myself safely, and am patient in my approach. I'm also comfortable doing without, in the interest of safety. I don't have a need for instant gratification, either. So, I can deal with this,

But my problem is with the panic buying & shortages of necessities, especially PPE & disinfectants! That does get me pissed-off!

 

[PeteEU]

The second wave is different. Yes we are seeing higher numbers than the first wave at the moment, but also lower hospitalizations and so far deaths.... (knock wood, and so on). Hope this continues.

So why are we getting a second wave? Those foreigners? No of course not.. it is the young people primarily and the "no maskers". Why do I say this? Track and trace tells us this. Governments will blame business, restaurants, bars and night clubs. The only one that should have any blame is nightclubs and non compliant bars. Reality is, that most of the spread is in fact happening in homes where families and friends meet up and infect each other. Social gatherings in general. And this is hard to do anything about other that put in curfews and rules on low gathering numbers.. but actually policing this is near impossible.

Add to that, that many people are slacking on masks and hygiene.. which is not good. I see it every time I am out and about.. mostly young people and older men not doing masks right and it is infuriating. Luckily I am in a low infection area (so far.. knocks wood), but how hard it is to put your mask over your nose? Also many people are not using the provided alcohol gel when going into shops or bars/cafes.. and that is a problem. Luckily most places are disinfecting all the time so that is a plus.

Regardless, this will get worse over the next few months simply because most countries social gatherings will move indoors due to the weather. Hopefully the pressure on the hospitals can be managed so that non covid stuff does not get pushed.

 

[Jean-s]

Violent demonstrators have taken to the streets this weekend in cities including Barcelona, Bilbao and Málaga to protest coronavirus restrictions such as the nighttime curfew
A total of 32 people were arrested in the center of Madrid on Saturday night, after an unauthorized demonstration took place to protest against the nationwide curfew that has been put in place across Spain in a bid to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
The disturbances came after similar scenes in other Spanish cities over the weekend, including Barcelona, Bilbao, Logroño, Málaga, Valencia and Santander, among others.

https://english.elpais.com/spanish_...econd-night-of-disturbances-across-spain.html

Clearly, a lot of people do not accept the necessity to have curfews all over Spain from north to south coasts and Madrid in between. It was predictable that many people who have had their lives disrupted to such a major degree are hitting back. Covid-19 is so infectious that a culture which places great value on nightlife and socializing such as the Spanish, find the curfews inacceptable. The cure is looking as bad as the disease.

Barcelona this week