“There is still a long struggle ahead”: what is the situation with coronavirus in the world

The German authorities managed to cope with the goal of slowing the spread of coronavirus infection COVID-19. This was stated by German Chancellor Angela Merkel during a video conference with the leaders of the federal states.

“We have overcome the first stage of the pandemic. But there is still a long struggle with the virus. Therefore, it is important to keep distance and wear protective equipment in public places, ”Merkel said.

Following the meeting, it was decided to extend the restrictions on social contacts for the next month - until June 5. However, at the same time, previously introduced quarantine measures will be softened, since the daily increase in detected cases of infection is low.

So, educational institutions and shops gradually resume work. Appropriate decisions will be made directly by the authorities of the federal states.

In addition, the games of the German football championship in the first and second divisions should begin on May 15. Matches will be held without spectators.

“The Bundesliga can resume the game from the second half of May if the agreed and tested rules are followed,” the chancellor said.

Earlier in the German Football League (DFL) it was reported that they plan to conduct regular testing of athletes for the presence of coronavirus.

• German policeman inspects a motorist on the border with France
• Reuters
• © Ralph Orlowski

Meanwhile, the German authorities have provided a mechanism for the return of harsh measures in the event of a worsening epidemiological situation. If within seven days in one of the regions more than 50 new cases of infection per 100 thousand inhabitants are recorded, all restrictions will re-enter into force.

Germany ranks sixth in the number of detected cases of coronavirus infection COVID-19 - 167.5 thousand. At the same time, more than 137 thousand patients recovered, more than 7 thousand people died from complications.

Meanwhile, in neighboring Austria until May 31, control at border points with Germany, Italy, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Liechtenstein and Slovenia was extended. This is stated in the order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Entry into Austria from these countries is permitted only with a medical certificate confirming a negative coronavirus test. Moreover, the certificate must be received no later than four days before crossing the border. In the absence of a medical certificate, entry will be denied.

Previously, the corresponding ban was valid until May 7.

At the same time, the Baltic states, on the contrary, decided to open internal borders from May 15 so that citizens of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia could move freely. However, according to Latvian Prime Minister Krishjanis Karins, residents of other countries will still have to comply with the two-week quarantine upon entering the Baltic territory.

Meanwhile, the harsh measures introduced by the countries of the European Union to combat the spread of coronavirus infection COVID-19, led to the largest collapse of the EU economy in history.

“The estimated drop in annual real GDP in 2020 will exceed the amplitude of the deepest recessions in EU history, including the first oil crisis (1973-1975) and the global financial crisis,” the report of the European Commission says.

At the same time, according to EC forecasts, in 2021 the EU's GDP will grow by 6.1%, but this will not cover the damage caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Recall that one of the countries most affected by the spread of COVID-19 is Italy. However, the epidemiological situation is gradually improving here. So, over the last day, a record number of patients recovered - 8014, the total number of patients recovered reached 93,245.

However, in Italy there are a total of 214,457 detected cases of infection, including 1,444 over the past 24 hours. In addition, 369 patients have died in the last 24 hours, increasing the number of victims to 29,684.

USA

The United States of America is the leader in the number of cases of COVID-19 coronavirus infection. Since the start of the pandemic, more than 1.17 million people have been infected.

Against this background, the US intelligence community is still trying to establish the source and nature of the origin of a new type of coronavirus.

“The intelligence community is still figuring out where exactly this virus came from,” said Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

The day before, General Mark Milli, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the United States Armed Forces, stressed that the authorities did not know exactly where COVID-19 appeared. In addition, evidence suggests that the spread of infection was unintentional.

One of the most difficult situations with COVID-19 in the United States is in the state of New York. In order to combat the spread of infection, the metro was closed for the first time in history in a city of the same name for disinfection. Trains did not run on their routes from 01:00 to 05:00.