BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The World Health Organization said this week that Europe is now the epicenter of the pandemic, which led several European countries to enact new social-isolation policies.
Here's a list of some of the steps being taken in Europe to slow the spread of coronavirus.
Italy
As the European country suffering the most from coronavirus, Italy remains under a near-complete lockdown with residents facing three months in jail if they break quarantine.
On Saturday, Italy's COVID-19 cases jumped by 25 percent, which is nearly 3,500 new cases since the day before. With its largest single-day fatality count, 368 people died overnight Friday from the virus. There are now more than 24,700 people with the virus in Italy, and there have been 1,809 deaths.
Spain
47 million Spanish residents are now banned from leaving their homes except to buy essentials, to pick up medicine, or for work. The quarantine order is in place for at least 15 days. Bars, restaurants and hotels are closed. Travel restrictions are also in place.
As of Sunday, Spain had more than 5,700 confirmed coronavirus cases and 288 deaths, making it the second-hardest hit country in the EU. This weekend, the Spanish Prime Minister's wife has tested positive for COVID-19.
France
As of midnight local time on Saturday, French restaurants, cafes, ski resorts, cinemas, and most shops are closed. Pharmacies, gas stations, and other essential stores remain open, as do religious houses, although services have all been postponed. Travel restrictions are also in place
France is 3rd worst hit on the list. With 4,500 coronavirus cases and 120 deaths, the French government has now implemented similar measures to Spain.
Germany
Following in the footsteps its neighbors, Germany announced Sunday it would be closing its borders with Denmark, Luxembourg, Austria, Switzerland, and France. People are being asked to not travel unless it is necessary, and to remain in isolation at home. As of Sunday, more than 5,800 Germans have been diagnosed with virus, ten have died, making Germany the 4th worst hit in Europe by COVID-19.
UK
The British Health Minister announced on Sunday there are plans in the works to pass a measure that would order anyone over the age of 70 to remain in isolation for up to four months as COVID-19 spreads on the island. Ministers are also planning to expand the law to allow British police to arrest anyone with the virus who is not self-quarantining.
Britain now has more than 1,100 cases of coronavirus, with 35 deaths, ten of which happened overnight Saturday to Sunday. All the deaths have been people over 60 or people with pre-existing conditions.
Denmark
Denmark has also closed all its borders on Saturday March 14 until April 13. The country has been less hard-hit than many of its neighbors, with just over 870 cases and zero deaths.
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