European countries including Italy and England are mulling strict new measures to stop the spread of the coronavirus, as cases on the continent continue to soar.
More leaders are preparing to take drastic action, which will likely damage their economies, to contain a second wave of Covid-19 — following in the footsteps of nations such as France and Spain, which have been forced to tighten restrictions in major cities.
Italy — one of the worst-hit European countries during the first wave of the pandemic — is expected to impose new rules this week after Sunday saw the highest increase in coronavirus patients entering intensive care since March 31.
Italy last Thursday brought in a rule mandating the use of masks outdoors and when in close contact with people who are not household members — with exceptions for young children, people with disabilities or pathologies that preclude mask-wearing, and people playing sports.
Anyone caught breaking the rule faces fines of between 400 and 1,000 euros ($470-1180).
The country on Sunday reported a total of 420 people in ICU — up 30 on the previous day — the highest increase since late March. A total of 5,456 new cases and 26 new deaths were recorded Sunday, bringing the nation’s Covid-19 death toll to 36,166.
England prepares for tiered system
