Europe is increasingly strangled by the corona virus. There is hardly any public life left. The number of victims continues to rise.
- The Coronavirus * largely paralyzes public life across Europe.
- The states are responding with correspondingly rigorous measures to contain the infection chain.
- There are even curfews in more and more countries.
- Here you will find the basic facts about the corona virus and the corona news from Germany. You can also find current case numbers in Germany as a map. The following recommendations for corona protective measures are currently available.
Update March 22, 10.30 p.m .: The corona virus has also claimed the first fatalities in Romania . The three patients whose death the authorities confirmed on Sunday are older men with previous illnesses. One of the deceased had cancer, one was on dialysis, the third had diabetes. From Saturday to Sunday, the number of people infected with the Sars-CoV-2 virus in Romania rose by 66 to 433 cases. Nocturnal curfews and further restrictions on freedom of movement are to take effect on Sunday evening.
Corona virus in Europe: 1236 infected in Turkey
Update March 22, 9:20 p.m .: The coronavirus is spreading more and more in Europe . The official number of infected people in Turkey has risen to more than 1,000. On Sunday, 289 people tested positive, bringing the total number of people infected to 1236 , Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said on Twitter. In one day, nine people died of Covid-19, increasing the death toll to 30 .
In total, 20,345 people have been tested for the corona virus in Turkey, Koca said. In Turkey, which, like Germany, has around 83 million inhabitants, comparatively few tests are carried out.
The corona virus also plays a major role in TV reporting. So also with Anne Will *. Chancellor-in-chief Helge Braun and Bavaria's Prime Minister Markus Söder met there on Sunday - which had great potential for conflict.
Corona shakes Europe: 1559 new infections in France
Update March 22, 8:20 pm: In France, the number of Covid 19 patients and deaths has increased further. As the Ministry of Health announced on Sunday, 16 018 infections were registered, 674 people died from the new lung disease. Thus, there were 1,559 new infections in France and 112 further casualties in just one day.
Update March 22, 4:12 p.m .: The federal and state governments want to adopt a kind of ban on contact in the fight against the spread of the corona virus *. Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) and the state premiers agreed on a conference call on Sunday that the gathering of more than 2 people should be prohibited. Families and people living in a household should be excluded.
Coronavirus: first infected doctor died in France
Update of March 22, 2:25 p.m .: For the first time in France, a doctor died from the consequences of a coronavirus infection. The deceased was an emergency doctor (60) at Compiègne Hospital. The city is around 80 kilometers north of Paris in the Oise department, one of the areas most affected by the Corona crisis in France. One of his children posted the sad news on Facebook on March 21. "My father, this hero, an emergency doctor in Compiègne, got away from us much too quickly because of the corona virus," reads there.
French health minister Olivier Véran confirmed the death of the radio station RTL on Sunday and said that, to the best of his knowledge, it was the first case.
Corona shakes Spain: nearly 400 dead in 24 hours - health system threatens to collapse
Update of March 22, 12:31 pm: In Spain, almost 400 more people died within 24 hours from the lung disease Covid-19 caused by the coronavirus. The government in Madrid said on Sunday that 394 new deaths had been registered. This is an increase of around 30 percent.
The Ministry of Health in Madrid announced on Sunday afternoon in its daily balance that the number of infected had climbed to more than 28,500. That is 3500 more cases than the day before. The number of deaths rose to 1720.
In the meantime, renowned scientists are warning that, under the current conditions, the health system in Spain will collapse on March 25th. Doctors used garbage bags to protect themselves, it is reported (see video above).
Update of March 22nd, 9:59 am: After Italy, Spain is currently the most severely affected by the Corona pandemic in Europe. 25,496 people there are currently infected with the virus (1381 people died, 2,125 have recovered - source: Johns Hopkins University). So far, the capital Madrid has been particularly hard hit. But the situation on the holiday island of Mallorca is becoming increasingly tense.
Since Friday afternoon, soldiers have been patrolling the most important places in Palma and checking compliance with the curfew . This is much more rigorous in Spain than is currently the case in Germany. For example, sports must not be left in Spain. As the picture reports, fines of several hundred euros have already been imposed on several dozen people in Mallorca because they would not have adhered to the curfew.
Corona fear in Mallorca: strict rules and first fines
Anyone wishing to drive to work must carry an employer confirmation. In addition, trips in the car are only permitted in emergencies. You can only go shopping alone for shopping. Air traffic on the island was severely restricted and private boats are now prohibited from heading for the island.
As the newspaper continues to report, the regional government of the holiday island is also planning to use special vehicles to disinfect the public spaces on a large scale.
According to the local Mallorca magazine, 246 people were infected with the new corona virus on Saturday. Four people died.
Corona in Europe: France reports almost 15,000 people infected
Update of March 22, 8.23 a.m .: In France, the number of coronavirus deaths rose by 112 to 562. This was announced by the Ministry of Health in Paris. According to figures from Saturday, 14,459 people are infected, 1847 more than the previous day. France imposed a curfew on Tuesday.
Corona virus in Europe: worst situation in Spain and Italy
Update from March 22, 6.53: In Europe, the situation was still the most dramatic on Saturday (March 21) in Italy and Spain. The government in Rome ordered the closure of all non-essential production activities within 24 hours, in the face of almost 800 deaths. Prime Minister Conte spoke of the "greatest challenge after the Second World War".
Corona virus in Europe: Spain is facing the "worst yet"
In Spain, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called on his compatriots to hold out after a week of curfew. There are now 25,000 people infected, 1,300 people have died of Covid-19. The worst is yet to come, Sánchez warned.
Corona crisis in Europe: Spaniards unreasonable?
Unfortunately, some Spaniards do not seem to take the existing rules very seriously given the crisis. So dogs can still be walked even during the curfew. According to media reports, however, people were also seen who were traveling with goats, pigs and even canaries. A man even walked the streets with a stuffed dog on a leash. The police were less amused. "Don't try to fool us or you will be punished," was the stern warning.
Corona virus in Europe: mighty soccer boss dies
In Spain, the crisis is slowly developing to such an extent that a situation like that in Italy could arise. There are many deaths. One of the latest victims of the sometimes fatal Covid 19 disease is Real Madrid's ex-president, Lorenzo Sanz.
Corona crisis in Europe: Great Britain warns risk group
Great Britain, which initially seemed to be quite relaxed about fighting viruses, also sees a need for action in view of the skyrocketing number of infections. Up to 1.5 million people who are particularly susceptible to previous illnesses should now stay at least three months at home. The UK's health authorities asked people at particularly high risk of infection on Sunday to take "additional" measures to "shield themselves".
Corona virus in Europe: Romania closes borders for foreigners
Update of March 21, 10:31 pm: To slow down the spread of the corona virus , Romania has largely closed its borders to foreigners . At the same time, citizens' freedom of movement was restricted. As Minister of the Interior Marcel Vela announced on Saturday evening, foreigners can only enter if they can prove that there is a professional need for this. However, foreigners are still allowed to pass through on controlled routes. The measures should apply on Sunday evening.
A curfew was also imposed at night - with the exception of emergencies. People are allowed to leave the house during the day, but do not form groups of more than three people who do not live in the same household. In the large shopping centers, only shops that offer groceries or hygiene articles may be open. Church services can only take place without believers. A maximum of eight guests are permitted in the churches for weddings, baptisms and funerals.
The corona pandemic is still relatively low in Hungary. However, Prime Minister Viktor Orban is now presenting a questionable draft law. Does he have other goals?
Corona virus shakes Spain: “Unity is our best weapon”
Update of March 21, 10.15 p.m .: Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has also recognized the seriousness of the situation and is trying to keep the people happy with slogans. "This crisis brings out the best in us," the socialist politician said late Saturday evening in a speech to the nation . He called the Spaniards to unity and said, “Unity is our best weapon. Only together will we defeat the virus. "
Sánchez also emphasized that the behavior of the population was "exemplary" and "moving" after the curfew imposed on Sunday. At the same time, however, he warned that the number of infections and deaths would initially continue to rise. The worst will come. "We are in a very difficult moment and we have very difficult days ahead of us." He insisted: "It is not fear that keeps us in our houses and apartments. It is courage. "
Corona threatens Europe: Spain threatens collapse of the health system
Update of March 21, 9:29 pm: Spain is badly affected by the Corona crisis ! According to John Hopkins University, Spain now has over 25,000 infected and 1,375 corona deaths .
The health system is working at the limit and is about to collapse as the picture reports. According to this, numerous scientists, epidemiologists and molecular biologists are calling for "total" isolation of Spanish citizens. If this isolation is not implemented immediately, the health system "around March 25th" could collapse .
According to the report, the experts presented the demands in an open letter and called for only those people who would work in the health sector to be driven to work.
A two-week curfew has been announced across the country - it was enacted last Sunday.
Corona virus in France: victim numbers increased by 112
Update of March 21, 8:16 p.m .: New figures from France : Unfortunately, the death rate of coronavirus deaths took a big leap there and rose by 112 to a total of 562. The Ministry of Health in Paris announced this . According to figures from Saturday, 14,459 people were infected, 1847 more than the previous day. France imposed a curfew on Tuesday.
Corona pandemic in Europe: new Slovak government sworn in with respirators
Update from March 21, 7.42 p.m .: Crazy times! The Corona pandemic resulted in a curious photo of the new Slovak government in Slovakia.
The members of the new Slovak government have been sworn in with protective breathing masks and gloves . Prime Minister Igor Matovic and his cabinet members took their oath of office on Saturday in Bratislava with President Zuzana Caputova. The 47-year-old head of government assured that his government would "rule with and for the people". The focus will be on combating the corona crisis and corruption rampant in Slovakia.
Overshadowed by the Corona crisis, the new government has taken office under the conservative entrepreneur Matovic in Slovakia.
© dpa / Jaroslav Novák
Corona pandemic in Europe: Turkey also imposes exit restrictions
Update of March 21, 6:33 p.m .: Turkey also responds to the corona crisis with a nationwide exit restriction! However, this is aimed at people who are older than 65 and have a chronic illness.
The Turkish Ministry of the Interior announced the measure on Saturday - the regulation should take effect from midnight . The number of infections in Turkey is currently 670 - nine people died as a result of the viral disease.
Corona crisis: Airplane from China with 500,000 breathing masks on board in Greece
Update from March 21, 6:20 pm: In view of the worsening corona crisis , a plane from China with 500,000 respiratory masks landed in Greece on Saturday. Greece's development and health ministers, Kostis Hadzidakis and Vassilis Kikkilias, were at Athens International Airport to accept the cargo, a photographer from AFP news agency reported.
According to the ministers, the delivery is "an offer" from China's state electricity company State Grid and Greece's Admie, a power company in which State Grid has a 25 percent stake. According to Greek airport employees, the plane came directly from China .
The masks are mainly intended to be distributed to hospitals . Greece's health system is suffering from chronic problems and has been further weakened by the debt crisis. There is a lack of medical equipment, especially masks, in the hospitals.
EU Commission on Corona Crisis: "Vital to implement measures"
Update of March 21, 5:13 p.m .: The EU Commission is urging member countries to take drastic measures in the fight against the novel corona virus . "It is vital that measures to enforce social distance are implemented early, decisively and quickly , " Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides told "Welt am Sonntag". This is the only way to slow the spread of the virus and reduce the pressure on health systems .
At the same time, the EU Commissioner called on the Member States to improve cooperation in the crisis. Measures taken by individual EU countries could "have a negative impact on others' attempts to contain ," warned Kyriakides.
The Commissioner says she knows "how difficult it is for governments to make such far-reaching decisions for millions of people whose daily lives and economies are affected". She also knows how difficult it is for people to "live in the new reality that changes their everyday life and routine in this way". At the moment, however, it is an extraordinary public health crisis. "That is why these measures are necessary."
Corona in Europe: Macron gains popularity in crisis
Update of March 21, 3:55 p.m .: French head of state Emmanuel Macron has become significantly more popular among the French population due to his corona crisis management . Macron's reputation rose 13 points compared to the previous month, according to the latest "Harris interactive Epoka" survey for LCI television. Accordingly, 51 percent have expressed their trust in the head of state. According to the opinion institute, such a surge in popularity is rare. The 42-year-old has been one of the country's most unpopular presidents . Since the Covid 19 outbreak, 12,612 people have been infected until Saturday, 450 of whom have died from the virus.
Update of March 21, 3:42 p.m .: The first corona patient died in Finland . As the health institute announced, it is an elderly person. In the afternoon, 531 cases of infection with the Covid-19 virus were known in Finland. 17 patients had to be treated in the hospital.
Corona virus in Europe: animals conquer empty cities - pigeons in Milan, wild boars in Barcelona
Update of March 21, 3:25 pm: In the corona crisis , animals are spreading more and more in the areas that are actually populated by humans. From Milan, for example, eyewitnesses report how pigeons congregate on the deserted cathedral square - looking for food. Similar in Spain: A video circulated from the holiday center Benidorm in Twitter, in which a woman is followed by a large group of white pigeons after shopping. Commentators said the images were reminiscent of Alfred Hitchcock's thriller "The Birds".
Another side-effect: animals that normally roam in rural regions dare to go back to the centers of the metropolises - this is what happened in Barcelona . Wild boars have even been spotted in the center . Usually they live in the hills of the Serra de Collserola outside the metropolis.
In Venice , people posted pictures and videos of channels that appear cleaner than usual and return to the fish . “Nature is taking back its space,” write users of the Venezia Pulita (Clean Venice) group. In Milan, swans caused a sensation in the so-called "Navigli", an inner-city canal system.
Also in a really human space reserved two penguins moving. In the Lithuanian Maritime Museum in Klaipeda , the two went on a tour of discovery with their zookeepers through the halls , as a video published by the museum on Facebook shows. You can see how the two seabirds waddle past aquariums with fish and frolic with their keepers in front of the pools.
Corona virus in Europe: many countries impose curfews - the number of infected people is increasing
First registration from March 21, 3 p.m .:
In many European countries, the same picture emerges on streets and public places at the beginning of spring: yawning emptiness. The reason is the rampant corona virus , which encouraged politicians to issue curfews. This remedy has already been used in France, Spain or Belgium . In Bavaria and Saarland, too, citizens are only allowed to leave their home for compelling reasons.
The infectious disease has spread so rapidly across the continent that tens of thousands are ill within a month. The death toll has long been four-digit - and continues to rise rapidly. The big problem is that there are far too few test options *. In addition, many infected people do not have any symptoms * and are therefore not noticed at all. We are currently researching worldwide under high pressure for a vaccine *.
It was particularly hard hit in Italy, in whose northern regions the hospitals have long been hopelessly overcrowded. There are also a relatively large number of cases in neighboring Austria - probably in connection with ski tourists during the past few weeks - but Chancellor Sebastian Kurz is unequivocally intervening there. On the other hand, according to experts, Great Britain may face a similar number of victims as Italy, which is also related to the ailing health care system.
The corona crisis affects the whole world. Germany is one of the most affected countries. However, the situation in eastern Germany is not as bad as in the west.
Angela Merkel quarantines herself. The Chancellor had contact with a doctor who had tested positive.
* merkur.de is part of the nationwide Ippen-Digital editors network.
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Rubric list picture: © dpa / Francisco Ubilla