London to move into highest restrictions level, strict lockdown in Netherlands

The following are the latest developments of the COVID-19 pandemic in European countries, reported Xinhua.

LONDON

Another 20,263 people in Britain have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total number of coronavirus cases in the country to 1,869,666, according to official figures released Monday.

The coronavirus-related deaths in Britain rose by 232 to 64,402, the data showed.

The figures were revealed as British Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced that London will move into Tier 3, the highest level in England's local coronavirus restriction tier system, from midnight on Wednesday, following a surge of COVID-19 cases in the British capital.

Under Tier 3, bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants in London will have to close, except for takeaway, delivery and click and collect services. Theaters in London will also have to close their doors once again.

STOCKHOLM

Sweden's COVID-19 hospitalizations hit a record high with a total of 2,389 patients in hospitals, 65 more than the previous peak registered in mid-April, local media reported on Monday.

The record was set on Monday as Sweden brought in new national recommendations, replacing regional guidelines for containing the spread of the coronavirus, Swedish Television reported.

The new recommendations place more responsibility on the individual to practice social distancing and hygiene routines.

People are being urged to stay at home when showing symptoms, to work from home and to limit social interactions, particularly with those belonging to risk groups. They should also travel in a responsible way and avoid crowding, especially during the Christmas shopping season, according to the recommendations.

THE HAGUE

The Dutch government has decided to implement a strict lockdown in the fight against the spread of the novel coronavirus, Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced on Monday evening during a televised speech here from his office.

"The coronavirus is spreading too fast," Rutte said. "Our country will go into a lockdown for five weeks. The Netherlands will be closed. We have no choice. The number of contacts between people must be reduced."

One of the most important measures is that primary and secondary schools have to be closed by Wednesday and must switch back to online education as much as possible. Childcare must also be closed and will only remain accessible for parents with essential professions.

In addition, starting from Tuesday, non-essential shops such as department stores, garden centers and clothing stores have to be closed. Essential shops such as supermarkets and other food shops, banks and pharmacies will remain open.

ROME

Italy's Ministry of Health reported 491 coronavirus-related deaths on Monday, up from 484 on Sunday. Overall, the country has registered 65,011 fatalities since the start of the pandemic.

The ministry also reported 12,030 new coronavirus cases on Monday (down from 17,938 on Sunday), pushing the total number of confirmed infections to 675,109 in this country of about 60 million people.

Another 22,456 patients recovered on Monday (up from 16,270 on Sunday), bringing the total recoveries since the start of the pandemic to 1,115,617.

Of the positive cases, 644,249 are isolated at home with light or no symptoms, 27,765 are hospitalized with symptoms and 3,095 patients are in intensive care.

The overall number of infections, recoveries and fatalities since the pandemic began in this country has risen to 1,855,737, the Ministry of Health reported.