Europe is increasingly strangled by the corona virus. There is hardly any public life left and the number of victims continues to rise, especially in Spain.
- 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 from March 24, 5.47 p.m .: All further developments on the Corona crisis in Europe can be found here immediately.
Update of March 24, 4:53 p.m .: According to the EU Commission, the overcrowded refugee camps on the Greek islands are being prepared for an outbreak of the corona virus, while at the same time the calls for evacuation of the camps are getting louder. An emergency plan is being worked with the Greek authorities, the Commission said in Brussels on Tuesday. It is about the reaction to "a potential outbreak of the coronavirus on the islands".
With the help of the EU, among other things, the use of doctors in the hotspots is co-financed, the authority said. In addition, it supports an acceleration of transfers from the islands to the mainland. The Greek authorities have also taken a number of measures, such as measuring the temperature of new arrivals and suspending visits.
Corona shakes Spain: ice rink is converted into a mortuary
Update March 24th, 3:41 pm: An ice rink in Madrid is being converted into a morgue due to the rapidly increasing number of corona deaths in Spain. The first coffins are expected to arrive there on Tuesday, the mayor of the Spanish capital, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, told RTVE on Tuesday.
"It was a painful decision, but it was necessary because the funeral directors are overloaded," said the conservative politician.
Corona virus in Europe: Rapid increase in Belgium too
Update March 24, 1:51 pm: After Spain, Belgium is also reporting rapidly increasing numbers. Authorities say coronavirus deaths have skyrocketed from 34 to 122. Most recently, 1859 patients with Covid-19 were in hospitals, 381 of them in intensive care units. Four percent of the 4,269 people now infected in the country are doctors and nurses, it said.
Recently there was great hope of a weakened spread in Belgium. In the past two days, significantly lower numbers of cases had been reported. However, experts explained the development with the fact that the reports over the weekend may have flowed more sparingly.
Update March 24th, 1:19 pm: In Spain , the number of infected people continues to rise unabated. Around 6,500 new cases have been registered in the last 24 hours , bringing the total to about 40,000 , the Ministry of Health said on Tuesday in its daily balance sheet.
With around 5,400 infected people, medical staff accounted for around 13 percent of the total. The number of recorded deaths was just under 2,700 - on Monday it was a good 2,200, on Sunday 1,700.
Coronavirus in Spain: Madrid region remains epicenter
After infection with the Covid-19 pathogen Sars-CoV-2, an average of "seven to ten days" pass according to Fernando Simón, head of the authority for health emergencies (CCAES), until the infection is detected. The current data therefore provided an old picture of the situation. One is "in the hard week".
The Madrid region remains the epicenter of the crisis in Spain . There, the number of people with proven infection was more than 12,300 on Tuesday. More than 1,500 of those affected died. It is followed by Catalonia with almost 8,000 cases recorded and almost 300 dead.
The Spanish authorities hope that the crisis will culminate this week thanks to the strict measures with far-reaching restrictions on freedom of movement for the almost 47 million Spaniards.
Coronavirus in Europe: Cyprus also limits citizens' exit
Update March 24, 11:00 am: Now Cyprus has also introduced far-reaching measures that restrict the exit of the citizens . People are only allowed to leave the house to shop for groceries, go to the doctor, pharmacy or sport and walk the dog . You can also leave the house for work , as long as it cannot be done from home. "The enemy is invisible, but not invincible," said Cypriot President Nikos Anastasiades during a speech the evening before. As he went on to say, citizens should remain in their homes, "the shelters of this war ."
To date, 116 corona infections have been diagnosed in the south of the Republic of Cyprus. A person died of it. In the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (KKTC), which is only recognized by Turkey, according to official data, 40 people have contracted the corona virus .
Update March 24th, 10.15 a.m .: All of Europe, public life is largely at a standstill. Well, in almost all of Europe. As the Stern reports, there are hardly any restrictions for citizens in Sweden so far - despite the fact that there are now more than 2,000 people infected and more than two dozen deaths.
Only events with more than 500 people are prohibited, and home offices are recommended and travel is not recommended. In contrast, the ski areas , for example, whose counterparts in the Alps were particularly affected, are still heavily frequented. Après-ski parties are limited to 499 people, according to SZ the 35,000 guest beds are fully booked in the well-known ski resort of Are.
Most recently, Björn Olsen, professor of infectious medicine at the University of Uppsala, warned in the Svenska Dagbladet newspaper: "Didn't we learn from developments in the Italian Alps how fast this can spread?" wear: At the weekend, several restaurants and clubs stopped operating.
Sweden in Corona mode: The Scandinavian country is trying to cope with the virus largely without restrictions.
© AFP / ANDERS WIKLUND
Corona in Spain: a dead person every six minutes - soldiers discover corpses in old people's homes
Update March 24, 9.22 a.m .: The Finnish Nobel Prize winner and former President Martti Ahtisaari has also contracted the coronavirus, as the Presidential Office of the Scandinavian country explained. The 82-year-old is doing well under the circumstances , said the Finnish peace organization CMI founded by Ahtisaari. The novel virus Sars-CoV-2 had already been detected in Ahtisaari's wife Eeva at the weekend.
Ahtisaari had been Finnish President from 1994 to 2000. Since the 1970s, he has been working as an intermediary for solving international crises and conflicts all over the world. For this effort he received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2008.
Update March 24, 6:15 am: In Spain , soldiers deployed to fight the coronavirus pandemic have found self-employed residents and in some cases even corpses in old people's homes . Defense Minister Margarita Robles reported on Monday on Spanish TV station Telencino that the soldiers had discovered dead people in their beds during some of their visits. According to its own statements, the Spanish public prosecutor's office then initiated an investigation into the conditions in the homes.
Corona virus in Europe: catastrophic conditions in Spanish old people's homes
The government will be "strict and unyielding" when it comes to neglecting residents of retirement homes , Robles said. The Spanish army is now tasked with disinfecting the homes. Dozens of people have already died in old people's homes in Spain from the lung disease Covid-19 caused by the novel coronavirus.
Health Minister Salvador Illa emphasized that the government placed “absolute priority” on retirement homes in the fight against the spread of the virus. The situation in the homes should be monitored closely.
Spain is one of the countries most affected by the coronavirus pandemic in Europe. The number of infections there is more than 33,000. By Monday, the number of corona deaths recorded in Spain had risen to 2,182. Recently, another 462 people who died of Covid-19 were counted within 24 hours.
Corona virus in Europe: France is massively tightening its measures
Update March 23, 10:42 p.m .: France is massively tightening its measures in the fight against the corona virus in the face of increasing infections and deaths. Prime Minister Edouard Philippe announced on Monday on TF1 that the curfew would be extended . Physical activity will be strictly restricted from Tuesday and most markets will have to close, said Philippe.
Activities such as jogging or walking should only take place within a radius of one kilometer of the place of residence and only once a day for a maximum of one hour , said the Prime Minister. Markets would be closed. Only in exceptional cases could local authorities make a different decision, including in places where the market is the main source of food.
"Many of our fellow citizens want things to be the way they were before, in normal times. But that won't happen tomorrow," said Philippe. He is preparing the French for the situation to continue "a few weeks".
In times of the corona virus, Andrea Berg and her family now want to help directly - with their hotel.
Update March 23, 22:06: During the disinfection of old people's homes in the wake of the Corona crisis, soldiers in Spain have discovered dead seniors in several residences. The bodies had apparently remained unnoticed for longer, the newspaper "El Mundo", the state television station RTVE and other media reported on Monday, citing the military emergency aid unit UME.
Minister of Transport José Luis Ábalos then confirmed the reports at a press conference in Madrid. You still have little information. If necessary, the prosecutor's office will begin investigations, said Ábalos.
Europe: Belgium destroyed six million protective masks months before the corona crisis
Update March 23, 9.45 p.m .: A few months before the onset of the Corona crisis, the Belgian government had six million protective masks that are currently urgently needed destroyed - without providing supplies.
The masks were purchased for the fight against swine flu in 2009, as the Belgian news magazine "Le Vif" reported on Monday, citing the minutes of a meeting of the Belgian risk management group. Last year they were disposed of due to their expiration date.
Health Minister Maggie De Block did not purchase a replacement due to cost reasons. According to the report, the masks that were destroyed were of the FFP2 type. These are the only masks that prevent infection with the corona virus.
Update March 23, 8:20 pm: The Netherlands has significantly tightened the measures to contain the corona epidemic. Minister of Justice Ferdinand Grapperhaus announced on Monday in The Hague that all events and gatherings were prohibited until June 1. Until now, a ban on events for 100 or more people had been banned until April 6th. The police can intervene in the event of violations and impose heavy fines.
"I am aware that this is very tough," said the minister. "But we have no choice." According to the minister, the reason for the tightening is that numerous Dutch people have disregarded the previous rules. In the Netherlands, 4749 corona people have been reported and 213 deaths (as of March 23).
Corona virus shakes Europe: the number of infections in France is increasing rapidly
Update March 23, 8 p.m .: The number of Covid 19 patients and deaths has continued to increase in France. The number of deaths rose by 186 to 860 within 24 hours.
The number of infections is 19,856 - an increase of more than 3,000 compared to the previous day. According to the minister, more than 2,000 people are in intensive care . France has had strict exit restrictions since the beginning of last week.
Corona virus in Europe: the Czech Republic closes borders for daily commuters
Update March 23, 6.10 p.m .: The Czech Republic is now closing its borders for daily commuters who go to work in neighboring countries. You could either stay at home or find accommodation in Germany for several weeks, Interior Minister Jan Hamacek said after the cabinet meeting in Prague on Monday.
In the latter case, they would have to go into a two-week domestic quarantine after returning to the Czech Republic. Compliance with the quarantine regulations is checked “very strictly”. The same applies to Austria.
It is estimated that more than 37,000 Czech cross-border commuters are employed in Germany and a further 12,000 in Austria, primarily in the healthcare and catering sectors.
Corona shakes Europe: One death every six minutes in Spain - Two doctors in France died
Update March 23, 5:25 pm: According to media reports, two doctors have died in France after a coronavirus infection . It is a 66-year-old gynecologist and obstetrician from Mulhouse and a 60-year-old general practitioner who also comes from the crisis-stricken region of Grand Est. The 66-year-old died on Sunday at the Dijon University Hospital, the regional newspaper D ernières Nouvelles d'Alsace reported on Monday. He had practiced in Mulhouse until March 12 and was probably infected, the newspaper wrote, citing the clinic.
Afterwards he traveled to his country house in the Burgundy region and finally came to the hospital because of breathing problems. The 60-year-old general practitioner was admitted to a clinic in Saint-Avold on Wednesday with respiratory problems, the French news agency AFP said, referring to the mayor of the city. The entire Grand Est region, which also borders Germany, is one of the epidemic hotspots in France.
Coronavirus in Belgium: First death in the European Parliament in Brussels
Update March 23, 5:19 p.m .: An employee of the European Parliament died of the coronavirus in Brussels for the first time. A parliamentary spokesman informed the AFP on Monday that it had been an “external employee”. He was of Italian origin, between 40 and 50 years old and worked in the IT area for the parliament. The EU authorities had already sent the majority of their employees home from work and had previously reported several infected people. The EU Commission , the European Council and the EU Parliament itself were affected.
Belgium has already closed its borders and has also closed schools, bars and restaurants nationwide. In addition, the population can only leave their homes for necessary companies. So far, 3743 infections and 88 deaths have been reported in Belgium, but the authorities assume that the number of unreported cases is significantly higher.
Corona virus in Spain: A person dies in Madrid every six minutes
Update March 23, 1:08 pm : "I would never have expected anything like this," says a doctor to the Spanish El País . “We don't even have time to pee anymore.” Doctors and nurses are trying to save the lives of Covid 19 patients in intensive care units.
Spain has strict curfews. Only in exceptional cases are almost 47 million Spaniards allowed to leave their homes. However, the number of corona infected continues to rise. By Monday noon, around 33,000 cases had been confirmed, 14 percent more than the previous day. The death toll climbed to just under 2200, from 1720 on Sunday.
In the Madrid region alone, the center of the crisis in Spain, the death toll was around 1200. After Italy, Spain is the most severely affected country in Europe. More than 3300 patients are already healthy again.
Fernando Simón, head of the Health Emergency Agency (CCAES), expects the peak of the spread to be reached this week. "These are crucial days," said the expert.
And the alarm bells are not only ringing among those responsible in Spain. In the Heinsberg district of North Rhine-Westphalia, the district administrator has now sent a call for help to China. The local hospital is threatening to close down.
Corona in Europe: first fatality in Romania
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 of 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 Prime Ministers of the federal states agreed on a telephone conference on Sunday to fundamentally ban gatherings of more than 2 people, according to information from the German Press Agency. 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 coronavirus," you can read 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 p.m .: In Spain within 24 hours, almost 400 other people died 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 of March 21, 6:20 p.m .: 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 the 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 from the previous month, according to the latest Harris Interactive Epoka poll 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.
Two penguins were also moving in a room that was actually reserved for humans. 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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List of rubric lists: © dpa / Emilio Morenatti