Health

17 newly arrived migrants in Lesbos test Covid-19 positive

Greece has been lucky – 17 migrants, all from Somalia, are safely isolated at Kara Tepe camp in the island of Lesbos, a show-case reception centre on the island. But at the overcrowded Moria camp on the same island the...

EU reserves 400 million doses of US-made virus vaccine

The European Union said Thursday (13 August) it had reserved up to 400 million doses of a potential new coronavirus vaccine being developed by US giant Johnson & Johnson.

France to reciprocate Britain’s quarantine

Britain's decision to impose a 14-day quarantine on all arrivals from France will lead to a reciprocal measure, French junior minister for European affairs Clément Beaune said late on Thursday (13 August).

‘Love is not tourism’: hope for couples kept apart by virus

Coronavirus travel restrictions have kept lovers and unmarried couples apart since the outbreak, but governments around the world are now introducing measures to allow a happy and long-awaited reunion.

Brussels makes face masks compulsory in all public spaces

Wearing a face mask became compulsory on Wednesday (12 August) in all public places in Brussels as the number of COVID-19 infections rose to a government alert level that puts the city among the worst affected in Europe.

Russia vaccine claim faces scepticism as nations renew virus battle

Russia claimed Tuesday (12 August) it has developed the world's first vaccine offering "sustainable immunity" against the coronavirus, despite mounting scepticism about its effectiveness as fears grow over a second wave of infections across the globe.

COVID-19 cases in Spain overtake Britain, EU urges action to curb virus resurgence

Spain's government defended its response to the coronavirus pandemic on Monday (10 August) after official data showed the country had overtaken Britain to register the highest total number of cases in Western Europe.

Britain adds Belgium to travel quarantine list

Passengers arriving into Britain from Belgium, the Bahamas and Andorra will need to quarantine for 14 days due to concerns over rising COVID-19 infection rates, transport minister Grant Shapps said on Thursday (6 August).

Brussels to require face masks if virus uptick continues

Brussels will require people to wear masks in public spaces and in private spaces accessible to the public if the uptick in coronavirus cases continues, the regional government said on Thursday (6 August).

Facebook, Twitter pull Trump posts over coronavirus misinformation

Facebook on Wednesday (5 August) took down a post by US President Donald Trump, which the company said violated its rules against sharing misinformation about the coronavirus.

Italy threatens to ban Ryanair over coronavirus rule-breaking

Italy's national civil aviation authority ENAC threatened on Wednesday to suspend Ryanair's permit to fly in the country over alleged non-compliance with coronavirus safety rules.

Greek PM warns over jump in COVID-19 cases, says new curbs possible

Greeks must stick to rules aimed at containing the coronavirus more closely than ever, the country's prime minister said on Wednesday (5 August), warning of new restrictions if a worrying rise in daily cases does not abate.

Global coronavirus deaths exceed 700,000, one person dies every 15 seconds

The global death toll from the coronavirus surpassed 700,000 on Wednesday (5 August), according to a Reuters tally, with the United States, Brazil, India and Mexico leading the rise in fatalities.

Poland to check virus respect of regulations in shops, following virus pick

Poland's health minister said police health authorities would start checks in shops this week to see if people are following regulations to keep their mouths and noses covered after the country hit daily cases record. 

In southern Spain, fruit pickers ditched as virus spreads

Lamine Diakite has been on the street for two weeks since the Spanish shantytown he was staying in burnt down, one of the hundreds of fruit pickers abandoned as coronavirus cases soar.

Look-back: Best of the news made in 2020 so far

As the EU institutions - and the EURACTIV newsroom - wind down for the summer break, take a look at some of the biggest, most popular and unusual stories published so far in 2020, as well as the catalogue of our best videos this year.

Autumn challenges ahead as COVID rates rise amid European travel season

Several European countries are experiencing a surge in coronavirus cases as holidaymakers set out to enjoy the last month of summer but experts are more concerned about a potential increase in COVID-19 infections in autumn, when it may coincide with the regular flu season.

After backlash, Madrid rows back on COVID ‘immunity card’

Authorities in the Spanish capital Madrid backtracked on Wednesday (29 July) over a highly-criticised plan to give an "immunity card" to people testing positive for coronavirus antibodies so they can enjoy higher-risk areas like gyms, bars and museums.

UK unveils cycling and walking stimulus plan

Prime Minister Boris Johnson launched a £2 billion package on Monday (27 July) aimed at incentivising walking and cycling as the UK lockdown eases. EURACTIV's partner edie.net reports.

Austrian health minister wants to ‘repair’ coronavirus measures following court ruling

Austria's anti-coronavirus measures were partly illegal, as the country's Constitutional Court confirmed last week. On Tuesday (28 July), Health Minister Rudolf Anschober (Greens) acknowledged the mistakes and announced plans to reorganise his ministry and amend the Epidemic Law. EURACTIV Germany reports.

New coronavirus cluster in an Austrian village brings fears of a ‘second Ischgl’

In the picturesque village of St. Wolfgang in Upper Austria, a new coronavirus cluster was identified last week, with 53 new infections confirmed over the weekend, mostly in workers in the tourism sector. This fuels fears of a "second Ischgl." EURACTIV Germany reports.

COVID-19: Why did the ‘good pupil’ Bulgaria lag behind?

Bulgaria was among the EU countries with the less cases of COVID-19 until mid-June, when measures were relaxed. Now Bulgarians are shocked that other EU nations introduce conditions to admit their compatriots on their soil.

The Brief – Breaking (for) summer

This summer will be different. Travelling in the time of COVID-19 is not a pleasure, even inside Europe, and especially if you live in the EU and want to go to another continent. Intercontinental travel has almost completely stopped, only...