In several European countries, the corona numbers are rising again – in some cases explosively. Especially regions in the east are affected, where there is a low vaccination rate. But the numbers are also increasing significantly in countries with a very high vaccination rate. For example in Denmark, Belgium and Great Britain.
Due to increasing corona numbers: These countries tighten their corona rules(01:41)
Denmark – 75.7 percent fully vaccinated
Denmark ranks fifth in Europe in terms of vaccination rates. Because the numbers were low at the time, almost all protective measures were lifted on Freedom Day on September 10, except for the mask requirement at airports. Shops and restaurants can now voluntarily request a certificate.
Denmark announced that it had the pandemic under control. But now the number of corona cases is increasing again. On Monday, 1,411 new cases were reported in the country with almost six million inhabitants, more than since January and over 1,000 more than a month ago.
The future does not look bright either. The Danish expert group on mathematical modeling predicts a further increase in the next six weeks. Specifically, the group assumes that 600 to 3200 new infections must be expected every day in mid-November.
Most new infections are expected among those vaccinated between 12 and 59 years of age. The study did not take into account the effects of a third vaccination.
Belgium – 73.7 percent fully vaccinated
5300 new cases per day: These are the dramatic figures from Belgium, which has a population of just under 12 million, in the period from October 17th to 22nd. These values mean an increase of 75 percent compared to the previous week. An average of 13 people die of Corona every day. 1275 corona patients are in the hospitals, 264 of them in the intensive care unit.
Nevertheless, the regulations are relatively loose. There are no 3G rules in Wallonia and Flanders. The mask requirement only applies in public transport, at the hairdresser’s and in hospitals. Despite the young population, the Brussels region has the lowest vaccination rate and at the same time the highest death rate in the country.
UK – 67.8 percent fully vaccinated
The British were the first to ignite the vaccination turbo: 91-year-old Margaret Keenan received the first vaccination in December 2020. But it is precisely for this reason that the corona numbers are likely to rise significantly again on the island. Because virologists suspect that the effect of the Astrazeneca substance wears off after six months.
On July 19, despite warnings, the British celebrated Freedom Day. At first the numbers went down, now they are increasing massively. There are an average of 45,000 new infections every day, 20 times more than in May and almost as many as in January’s record time of 59,000. Around 130 people die every day, 6 in May.
People who return from vacation tell: “I never had to show the certificate”(01:53)
The reasons
Experts suspect that the numbers are increasing despite vaccinations.
Cool weather: People are staying indoors more again, which makes transmission easier. Viruses also feel more comfortable at lower temperatures.
Decreasing effect: The protective effect decreases noticeably in people who have been vaccinated for a long time. This now applies above all to the risk patients who were vaccinated first. The German virologist Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit (42) says in the ARD Tagesschau: “We are currently seeing breakthroughs in vaccination among older people that can be fatal or serious.” Virologists therefore recommend a third booster vaccination.
Holiday returnees: Many were traveling again in autumn, some of them in countries with high corona numbers.
Carelessness: Especially in countries with Freedom Day, many believe that the pandemic is over. Vaccinated people also become negligent and forego the hygiene measures that are still necessary.