Europe, with the exception of the United Kingdom, is still struggling to contain a new upsurge in Covid-19 cases amid a prolonged deployment of vaccines, with several countries having just adopted stricter rules for social distance or now considered.
In Germany, daily infections resumed their recent upward trend after a brief hiatus around the Easter holidays, with hospitalizations continuing their steady climb. The country registered 13,245 newly confirmed cases on Sunday, up from 12,196 a week earlier.
The government is considering a nationwide exclusion that goes beyond the measures currently in place, which differ by region. The move is controversial, however, as it would override the powers of regional governments, which are legally responsible for most aspects of the pandemic response, and that both MPs should vote.
German vaccine explosion accelerated last week after authorities allowed doctors to administer the vaccine in their own surgeries instead of using only dedicated vaccination centers. But a lack of doses and Germany’s strict priority system for shots means the country has lagged behind other EU member states, including Italy and Spain. The EU as a whole has so far administered 21 doses per 100 inhabitants, at 59.3 in the UK and 55.4 in the US
The UK has meanwhile continued to gradually ease its Covid-19 restrictions, with pubs and restaurants opening for the first time in England this year – although it could only serve table service outside.
Hair and nail salons are also reopening, non-essential shops, gyms and outdoor attractions such as zoos and theme parks. Wedding celebrations are limited to 15 people and funerals, as planned on Prince Philip on Saturday, up to 30. People are still being asked to work from home if they can.
Across the country, almost everyone over the age of 50 who wants one has been given at least one shot of vaccine – following a government decision to postpone second shots to 12 weeks. Now the health authorities are increasing the number of second doses: as of Sunday, 32 million people received a first dose and almost 7.5 million per second.
The country’s gradual loosening of locks, including the reopening of schools, has so far apparently not resulted in an increase in cases, and hospitalizations and deaths have declined rapidly. In the UK, 18,403 positive Covid-19 tests were reported in the week to Sunday – 30% lower than the previous week – and 251 Covid-19-related deaths, roughly in line with the previous week.