Countries that are witnessing a resurgence of coronavirus

BusinessToday.In

Aug 27, 2020,
Updated Aug 27, 2020 9:43 AM IST

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The world is reeling under the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic caused by the sinister coronavirus. It has a capacity to withstand different climates, having hit the entire world at the same time. Now, it is rearing its head once again, in countries where it had come under control. South Korea, Italy and several other nations which had seemingly overcome the deadly virus are seeing a second wave.

Here are some countries that are witnessing a resurgence of infection despite reporting a significant decline only a few months ago.

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SpainAfter three months of aggressive lockdown, Spain lifted restrictions on June 21, as the country welcomed the new normal. The country put forth some of the strictest or toughest containment measures prohibiting children from venturing outside for six weeks. Ever since the lifting of lockdown, the country has been facing rising number of cases with maximum cases in Catalonia and Aragon.At present, (as per Worldometer) the country reportedly has more than 4,23,224 positive cases with 28,924 deaths.

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ItalyItaly currently has 261,174 totl coronavirus positive cases with 35,445 deaths.As per Italy's health officials, movement of people and partying has led to the spread of the virus.Most of those infected are young people who are not showing symptoms and it is urgent to "block the chain of transmission as fast as possible by finding the asymptomatic and averting the spread of the virus among families", he added. The northern Lombardy region, Venice area and Rome, are seeing a resurgence of the virus during summer, even if the daily numbers remain below the national threshold of 1,000.

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FranceNew coronavirus cases have been rising at an alarming rate in France since the beginning of the month. The world's greatest cycling race Tour de France starts in Nice amid fears of a 'second wave' of COVID-19. Coronavirus tests will be conducted in a mobile unit throughout the three-week race. The country reported 4,897 new coronavirus cases on August 23. This is the third time in the past week that the daily figure has surpassed 4,000. It is also the biggest spike since the country emerged in May from the two-month lockdown.

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South KoreaSouth Korea was able to contain the spread of coronavirus cases as early as April with the help of aggressive contact tracing and testing. It was also regarded as a leading example of the country which successfully combated the pandemic.Now the picture looks much grimmer. Doctors in South Korea, who were on a three-day strike, have been asked to return to work as the cases continue to spike in the city.The cases have been escalating particularly in the capital city of Seoul and in Gwangju and Daegu. The East Asian nation currently has 18,265 total cases including fresh 320 cases reported today.

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GreeceFree on-the-spot tests for travelers returning from Greek islands where outbreaks have occurred is the latest in a host of measures authorities are using to tackle a resurgence. Greece had so far managed to dodge the worst of the pandemic.New localised restrictions, including a midnight curfew for bars, restaurants and cafes and a ban on large gatherings have been imposed, mainly in popular tourist destinations such as the Aegean Sea island of Mykonos.

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TurkeyTurkey reported the highest surge in cases since mid-June to 1,502 cases today, as per government data. In a bid to contain the spread of coronavirus infection, authorities had earlier announced a ban on certain events, parties and celebrations.Due to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases, President Tayyip Erdogen announced flexible working hours for office goers.

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MaltaThe Mediterranean island nation of Malta reportedly has 1,751 total corona positive cases with a total of 10 deaths.The nation which, by mid-July, eliminated all the COVID cases with only three active cases has now witnessed a sudden surge of 603 cases between Aug 12 to 25.With the number of cases doubling, the island has imposed travel warnings and aggressive need of testing for anyone who visits.

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Hong KongHong Kong is all set to ease coronavirus restrictions from Aug 28 as it will reopen venues like cinema halls, salons, restaurants and beauty parlours to welcome normalcy. All this while keeping in mind certain guidelines.The country which witnessed the second wave of locally transmitted infection at the beginning of July reported nine new cases on Monday.The government has imposed strict guidelines making it mandatory for people to wear masks in public places or any social gatherings.

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ChinaIn an effort to fight a resurgence, China has locked down the western region of Xinjiang. Authorities have been going door to door sealing homes and warning residents. Residents are opposing the lockdown as China has managed to control the virus yet again.

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IranSima Sadat Lari, spokesperson of Iranian ministry of health, has urged Iranians to avoid unnecessary movement as the country has been facing a new surge in coronavirus cases. It happened after the country eased lockdown restrictions in April. Since June, the country has reported an average of 3,000 cases per day.In a bid to contain the infection, authorities have once again imposed restrictions on social gatherings in the capital city of Tehran, making it mandatory for everyone to wear a mask everywhere.The city recorded 2,213 fresh cases with 125 deaths yesterday.