COVID-19 Daily - July 16, 2021: ECDC announces wave 4 of COVID-19; the mask returns to an area of France; Hungary approves third dose of vaccine!
The weekend does not come with good news. Following the data update, ECDC is sounding the alarm about the increase in the number of new cases and the 4th wave of COVID-19. Residents of a region of France will be required to wear a mask again. The US is considering banning travel to Europe. Let's see what's new today!
- European Center for Prevention and Control of disease (ECDC) predicts a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases in the coming month and announces the wave 4. ECDC officials said the Delta variant will be responsible for a fivefold increase in infections in Europe, up to 620 cases per 100.000 Europeans.
- The northern region of Spain, Catalonia, will reintroduce a night travel ban in an attempt to reduce a further increase in the number of new infections. The new restrictions will also include Barcelona, the largest city in the region. Catalans must stay at home between 01:00 and 06:00 in areas with 400 cases per 100.000 inhabitants.
- People in the Eastern Pyrenees region, which has a mountainous border with Spain and includes the city of Perpignan, will have to wear masks in all public spaces, in inside or outside. Beaches and mountain trails are exempt.
The US is preparing to lift travel restrictions in Europe
- US President Joe Biden has said the national travel ban in Europe could be lifted soon. Most non-Americans cannot fly to the United States if they have been to the UK or 26 EU Schengen countries.
- The Spanish Balearic Islands - Ibiza, Mallorca and Menorca - will return to the "yellow list" in the UK on July 19. After July 19, visitors and returnees will have to isolate themselves for 14 days after landing in the UK.
- The Eiffel Tower in Paris will reopen nine months after it closed. Its capacity will be limited to half the usual number (so only 13 visitors per day). After the longest blockade since World War II, about half of visitors are expected to be French.
- Belgian officials will begin direct verification of COVID-19 certificates and passenger location forms. If you do not have the required documents, the fine is 300 USD. People who try to use false documents will be fined $ 886. Airlines negligent in verifying passenger documents may be fined up to $ 56.700.
- Hungary decides to approve the administration of a third dose of covid vaccine. Prime Minister Viktor Orban has announced that vaccination with the third dose will help stop the threat of a fourth wave. From the beginning of August, people can request a third dose. It can be given four months after the booster, and doctors will be able to decide what type of vaccine can be used.