Reuters reports that European countries now account for half the world’s daily new COVID-19 cases, a surge that is causing several governments to implement responsive measures. Acting Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced a three-week partial lockdown starting Saturday, while a draft law in Germany would enforce compulsory face masks and social distancing in public spaces until March. About 65% of the EU area is fully vaccinated, with better numbers in the southern part of the continent and lower rates in eastern EU nations still plagued by vaccine hesitancy. Despite the rise in cases, hospitalization and death rates are far lower than previously in higher-vaccinated countries.

Pictured by Medakit Ltd