COVID-19 Daily - July 10, 2021: the number of new cases increases across Europe; Malta blocks access for the unvaccinated; France wants the covid vaccine to be mandatory for those in the health field!

Europe is preparing for the fourth wave with the new coronavirus. Although vaccination programs are in full swing, more and more European countries are reporting an increase in the number of new cases of COVID-19. Several European countries have already announced some restrictive measures. Let's see what's new today!

• Malta prohibits access to all unvaccinated. From 14 July, only travelers with a full vaccination schedule will be able to enter Malta. Malta thus becomes the first EU country to do so. The ban will be in place due to the increase in the number of new cases with COVID-19. Children between 5 and 12 years old are exempt from the ban if the negative result of an anti-covid test is presented before traveling.  

• Several European countries have begun to report an increase in the number of new cases, including Holland. In response to the new wave of COVID-19, the Dutch government closed nightclubs and discos and reduced restaurant hours. The number of infections in the Netherlands has increased sevenfold in the last week. The new measures will be in force until August 13.

• Several regions in Spain have imposed restrictions due to the increase in the number of new cases of COVID-19. Valencia, the Canary Islands and Catalonia have already announced the closure of nightclubs and the introduction of the test measure at events with over 500 people. Cases have been on the rise since mid-June, prompting Germany to classify Spain as a high-risk area. France has advised its citizens not to travel to the neighboring country.

The World Health Organization has not yet decided whether a third dose of vaccine is needed to maintain long-term protection against the virus. Research is still being done!

• Athe French health regulator has recommended that vaccinations be mandatory for health workers and those who come into contact with vulnerable people. He also said that the time between doses should be shortened, and people over the age of 55, who received the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine, should receive an mRNA vaccine as a booster.