Several countries in Europe expressed concern over the return of Covid-19 cases on the rise, so much so that some have had to introduce new sanctions measures.
Half of Italy’s 20 provinces, which include the cities of Rome, Milan and Venice, will enter new coronavirus restrictions from March 15 to April 6.
In addition, the Italian government also put the entire country under the red zone on the weekend (Easter Day) and will be subject to lockdown from 3 to 5 April.
Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi said tighter sanctions were needed to prevent the situation from worsening, but these measures would be accompanied by government support to help affected citizens and businesses.
Meanwhile, French Prime Minister Jean Castex has voiced concern about the situation in the capital Paris, where 95% of beds in intensive care units have been filled with Covid-19 patients. Following that, the government is ready to impose further restrictions if necessary.
Europe is now not only facing a resurgence of Covid-19 cases, but also a slowdown in vaccination measures.
What is even more worrying now is that the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine has to be suspended by most countries in Europe due to concerns about blood clotting of vaccine recipients.
However, according to the latest statement from pharmaceutical firm AstraZeneca, there is no evidence to suggest the vaccine had anything to do with the case the recipient suffered.
