France is now the worst coronavirus affected country in Europe, overtaking Russia. The country reported 35,879 new cases on Wednesday, taking the national total to 1,865,538 million. The country is almost two weeks into a new lockdown.
Germany has recorded 21,866 new cases in 24 hours, while 215 people died in that time. Health Minister Jens Spahn said he expects restrictions to continue through winter and that he does not expect life to return to normal in December or January even if infections fall. “I don’t see events with more than 10 or 15 people happening this winter,” Spahn told RBB broadcaster.
Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven said his government is planning to present a law proposal that would ban nationwide the sale of alcohol after 10pm in bars, restaurants and night clubs. It is expected to take effect on November 20. Earlier Wednesday, Stockholm reintroduced a ban on visiting elderly care homes after a coronavirus spike was reported in retirement homes in the capital.Sweden has recorded 166,707 COVID-19 casesand 6,082 deaths since the start of the pandemic.
US infections hit a new record for a second day running, nothing up 142,279 infections in 24 hours. The number of people hospitalized due to the virus hit at least 64,939 by late Wednesday, the highest ever during the pandemic. At least 1,464 people died in that time. New York is the latest state to impose new social distancing restrictions.
