Coronavirus Briefing: A new surge in Europe

Leaders have not imposed strict lockdowns like those that curbed the virus in the spring.

View in browser|nytimes.com August 21, 2020 An informed guide to the global outbreak, with the latest developments and expert advice about prevention and treatment. (Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here.) The New York Times By Jonathan Wolfe Because of the coronavirus pandemic, and the economic collapse that followed, the U.S. federal debt has surpassed the size of the country’s economy. The C.D.C. now projects that nearly 195,000 people will have died from the virus in the U.S. by Sept. 12. South Korea threatened “​maximum” criminal penalties​ ​and arrests for people who impede the government’s disease-control efforts. Get the latest updates here, as well as maps and trackers for U.S. metro areas and vaccines in development. A new surge in Europe Europe is entering a new phase in the pandemic as a fresh wave of infection strikes countries that had initially reined in the virus. In the last few days, France, Germany and Italy have experienced their highest daily case counts since the spring, and Spain is in the middle of a major outbreak. Belgium, Croatia, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom have also seen a recent uptick in cases. Some of the surge is being driven by young people. The proportion of people age 15 to 24 who are infected in Europe has risen from around 4.5 percent to 15 percent in the last five months, according to the World Health Organization. This time around, European leaders have not imposed strict lockdowns like those that curbed the virus in the spring, concerned that the public would not tolerate a return to draconian measures. Instead, leaders are relying on localized efforts, targeted restrictions on movement and increased mask requirements. There are growing fears that the end of the summer vacation season will spread the virus, at the same time that people move their lives indoors and the fall flu season begins. Perspective: Newly detected infections per 100,000 people across Europe are still only about one-fifth the number in the United States over the last week, according to a New York Times database. Should you work from paradise? The coronavirus has trounced the tourism industry, and countries that rely on the sector have taken a huge hit. Now, many idyllic destinations are trying to lure visitors in unconventional ways. Several countries with fragile tourist economies, including Bermuda and Barbados, have begun to court the work-from-home set, offering visas that allow foreign nationals to live and work for at least six months. Some U.S. citizens hoping to escape the virus are scouring their family trees for the opportunity to move to places like Italy, Greece, or Latvia. They’re part of a number of Americans who may be eligible to apply for a European passport. Italy is desperate to have tourists back — but not those who destroy their priceless treasures. Recent corona-era visitors have swum in the Grand Canal in Venice, broken the toe off a statue of Napoleon’s sister and snapped selfies on top of newly reopen thermal baths in Pompeii. The acts of vandalism are putting a spotlight on the country’s fragile cultural heritage. Resurgences Ukraine reported a sharp increase in cases this week, attributed in part to church attendance and weddings. Papua New Guinea barred four dozen Chinese workers who had received an unproven vaccine from entering the country. Hundreds of doctors in Nairobi, Kenya, went on strike over what they say are delayed salaries and substandard personal protective equipment. Here’s a roundup of restrictions in all 50 states. What else we’re following A team of Israeli scientists created a pooled coronavirus testing procedure that they say is faster and more efficient than any now in use. Child-care centers may reopen safely in areas with low levels of the virus, according to a new C.D.C. report. Many renters have avoided eviction with the help of federal aid and eviction bans. With that support ebbing, it can take charity and sacrifice to avoid dislocation. This weekend’s Mets-Yankees series was canceled as the Mets grapple with two coronavirus infections. Considering getting on a plane soon? Here are five things you should know about flying right now. The sounds of a pre-pandemic New York are hard to imagine today. Times photographer Todd Heisler and longtime reporter Dan Barry used audio produced by the New York Public Library and Mother New York to display the contrast of then and now. What you’re doing I’ve been expanding my knowledge of all the great things in my house. I now know how to: custom program my treadmill, convection cook in my microwave, make yogurt with my instant pot, propagate my succulents, erase an unwanted object from a picture, use my exercise band in more ways than one and make five kinds of masks with my sewing machine. — Barbara Jordan, Arvada, Colo. Let us know how you’re dealing with the outbreak. Send us a response here, and we may feature it in an upcoming newsletter. Remy Tumin contributed to today’s newsletter. Email your thoughts to briefing@nytimes.com. Did a friend forward you the briefing? Sign up here. Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this email because you signed up for Coronavirus Briefing from The New York Times. To stop receiving these emails, unsubscribe or manage your email preferences. 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