This week has seen catastrophic numbers of positive COVID cases increase exponentially on a global scale, largely due to the influx of social gatherings of holiday celebrations. And with New Year's Eve right around the corner, things are expected to only get worse.
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France records the highest number in Europe ever
On Tuesday, 28 December, five European countries as well as Canada and the United States broke records for the most cases of COVID-19 ever recorded since the beginning of the pandemic.
France, particularly, counted the most amount of cases in the whole European continent with 179,807 cases recorded—not to mention 290 more deaths as a result. The country has recently tightened restrictions, imposing mandatory remote work at least three days a week when possible, among other measures. Even more concerning, the French are expected to see numbers go as high as 250,000 cases per day in the coming weeks.
Elsewhere in Europe
Other staggering figures include:
- Italy, which counted 78,313 cases—an all-time high for the country which was hit the hardest at the onset of the pandemic.
- Portugal, with 17,172 new cases and 19 deaths.
- Greece, with 21,657 cases and 61 deaths.
- Cyprus, the island country, also recorded its highest amount in a single day with 2,241.
As for the UK, a new high has also been reached with 129,471 cases in a single day. And though numbers continue to rise, the UK government has decided to not impose more restrictions until at least the new year, allowing Brits to carry on with festivities. Health Secretary, Sajid Javid, said:
We won’t be taking any further measures, of course people should remain cautious as we approach New Year celebrations, and take a lateral flow test, celebrate outside if you can, have some ventilation indoors.
Before adding:
Please remain cautious and when we get into the New Year, of course, we will see then whether we do need to take any further measures but nothing more until then at least.
