As of 9 April 2020, confirmed cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have continued to significantly increase across Europe. At present, there are five countries that have surpassed 50,000 confirmed cases: Spain (152,446), Italy (139,422), Germany (113,296), France (112,950) and the U.K. (61,487). Transportation services continue to be significantly disrupted and restrictions continue to be extended across the continent as officials attempt to contain COVID-19.
On 9 April Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki announced that the country’s border will remain closed until at least 3 May. Officials stated that businesses will also remain closed through 19 April and mandated that residents cover their mouths and noses when in public through at least 16 April.
Officials in the German state of Brandenburg also announced new restrictions on travelers. Beginning on 10 April all travelers arriving to the state will be expected to self-quarantine for 14 days. The new restriction applies through 19 April.
On 8 April Lithuanian officials announced a ban on travel during the Easter holiday weekend from 10-13 April to slow the spread of COVID-19. More than 300 police checkpoints will be set up across the country to check travelers. Exceptions to the domestic travel ban include people traveling to work and returning home. Extensive roadblocks and police checkpoints are also expected in Italy and Spain throughout the holiday period.
Additionally, French officials extended the nationwide lockdown beyond the 15 April expiration date. President Emmanuel Macron is expected to release further details on 13 April. Officials in Paris and the departments of Hauts-de-Seine, Seine-et-Marne, Val-de-Marne, Val-d’Oise and Yvelines announced further restrictions. Residents are not allowed to leave their homes for physical exercise from 1000-1900 local time (0800-1700 UTC) in an effort to lessen crowds during the daytime.
Meanwhile, officials in Switzerland extended lockdown measures through 26 April. Previously, the lockdown was expected to end on 19 April. Officials indicated that they will likely lift some restrictions before May.
