France ‘could lose control of coronavirus at any moment’ as second wave strikes Spain, Greece and Germany
FRANCE have raised the alarm about an impending second coronavirus wave as a new spike plagues Germany, Greece and Spain.
In the past 24 hours alone, the country has reported 1,695 new coronavirus infections — the highest daily increase for two months.
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As France — the world's most popular tourist destination — contends with more than 1,000 new cases each day for the past week, its health ministry said: "The situation is precarious.
"We could at any moment tip into a scenario that is less under control, like in Spain.
"It is highly likely that we will experience a second epidemic wave this autumn or winter."
But the ministry warned that if people continued to snub social-distancing rules, a second wave could arrive within weeks.
The surge in cases comes after an increasing number of French cities decided to make mask-wearing mandatory in crowded outdoor areas.
The situation is precarious and we could at any moment tip into a scenario that is less under control, like in Spain.
French Health Ministry
Paris could be next.
Mayor Anne Hidalgo has submitted a formal request to state authorities to make masks mandatory.
This includes its shopping streets, the banks of the river Seine and parks and gardens, Le Monde reported.
In light of the second wave fears, president Emmanuel Macron said: "It's important to continue to respect guidelines against kissing and shaking hands.”
He added wearing masks, washing your hands with antibacterial gel was crucial.
VIRUS SWEEPING GERMANY
Meanwhile In neighbouring Germany, the doctors' union said it was already contending with a second wave.
They said widespread disregard for social-distancing guidelines was risked squandering the country's early success in containing the virus.
The number of German coronavirus cases rose by 741 yesterday to 212,022 and deaths were up by 12, with an average of 700 new cases per day - the highest level since mid May.
Initially Europe's largest economy had seen measured success dealing with the pandemic, owing to excellent testing and a prepared healthcare sustem.
But now German hospitals are making intensive care beds available for more Covid-19 patients and warning some non-essential operations may not take place.
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Greece, which also had success in the past controlling the bug, recorded 121 new cases yesterday, which is the highest daily tally since April 22, and the prime minister urged the country to maintain social distancing.
And Spain saw 8,500 new cases over the weekend; an all-inclusive resort in Majorca was shutdown and two towns north of Madrid have been put under strict lockdown.
