Virus epicentre again: Europe is bringing back curbs & more

Nations Introduce Lockdown For Unvaxxed, Cash For Jab, Booster Shots

Europe has become the epi-center of the pandemic again, prompting some governments to consider reimposing unpopular lockdowns in the run-up to Christmas and stirring debate over whether vaccines alone are enough to tame Covid-19. Europe accounts for more than half of the average 7-day infections globally and about half of the latest deaths, according to a Reuters tally, the highest levels since April last year when the virus was at its initial peak in Italy.

The fresh concerns come as successful inoculation campaigns have plateaued ahead of the winter months and flu season. About 65% of the population of the European Economic Area (EEA), which includes the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, have got two doses but the pace has slowed in recent months. Take-up in southern European countries is around 80%, but hesitancy has hampered rollout in central and eastern Europe and Russia. Germany, France and the Netherlands are also experiencing a surge in infections, showing the challenge even for governments with high acceptance rates.

A combination of low vaccine take-up in some parts, waning immunity among those inoculated early and complacency about masks and distancing as governments relaxed curbs over the summer are likely to blame, health experts said. However, it is to be noted that hospitalisations and deaths are much lower than a year ago.