In the EU = European Union, while many countries are easing regulations on wearing masks outdoors, which has been obligatory as a countermeasure against infection with the new coronavirus, there is increasing caution that the mutant virus confirmed in India may spread. ..
In the EU, due to improvements such as the infection status of the new coronavirus, the obligation to wear masks outdoors has been lifted in France and Spain, and it will no longer be mandatory in Italy from the 28th.
In Spain, due to the improvement of the infection situation of the new coronavirus, it is no longer mandatory to wear a mask outdoors except in crowded places from the 26th.
In the center of Madrid, the capital city, we saw people taking a walk in a relaxed manner without wearing masks in the strong sunlight.
One of the women said, "I was really tired of having to wear a mask for a long time, but now I feel very relieved and free."
On the other hand, there were many people wearing masks due to the caution against the Delta strain of the mutant virus confirmed in India.
A man wearing a mask said, "I think it's too early to relax the obligations of the mask. I'll keep wearing it for a few more months."
In Europe, as the infection situation has improved, there is a growing movement to lift the obligation to wear masks outdoors. In France, it started on the 17th of this month, and in Italy, it will not be mandatory from the 28th.
On the other hand, each country is wary of the influx of mutant viruses and is strengthening border measures at airports and ports.
Regarding Delta strains, the ECDC = European Center for Disease Control and Prevention is 40% to 60% more infectious than Alpha strains confirmed in the United Kingdom, and by the end of August, Delta strains accounted for 90 of newly infected people in the EU. It shows the prospect of becoming%.
ECDC Director Amon said in a statement, "People who are currently vaccinated only once can also be infected with the Delta strain. During the summer, the variant could be widespread, especially among young people. Is high, "he said, calling for the completion of the second vaccination as soon as possible.
ECDC = European Center for Disease Control and Prevention released a report on the 23rd, saying that Delta strains are 40% to 60% more infectious than alpha strains confirmed in the United Kingdom, and there is a higher risk of hospitalization if infected. I will.
In addition, a single vaccination could also be transmitted, with Delta strains expected to account for 90% of new infections in the EU by the end of August.
For this reason, the ECDC says that if each country relaxes measures such as social distance to keep away from people and wearing masks indoors or in crowded places, it may lead to the re-spread of infection like last fall. I will.
As of the 26th of this month, 58% of people over the age of 18 have completed the first vaccination in the EU, but only 35% have completed the second vaccination.
ECDC Director Amon said that in order to control the spread of Delta strains, it is essential to finish the second vaccination as soon as possible, in addition to infection control according to the local situation, "Vaccination at a very fast pace. It is extremely important to proceed. "