Europe faces the third wave of COVID-19 as cases surge at the highest level

Europe is currently experiencing a third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic which is forcing governments to bring back the strict restrictions first issued out a year ago. New variants of the coronavirus have been held responsible for the increase in cases in Italy, Germany, Poland, and France. The rising rate of infection in the European Union is now at the peak level in weeks. On Monday the majority of Italy was put on lockdown with people only allowed out of their houses for important errands. 

This restriction will last through Easter Weekend when the entire country is expected to become a red zone. Prime Minister Mario Draghi on Friday said, " More than a year after the start of the health emergency, we are unfortunately facing a new wave of infections. The memory of what happened last spring is vivid and we will do everything to prevent it from happening again." 

French President Emmanuel Macron issued restrictions and curfews for many regions at an almost close shave with a nationwide lockdown. France authorities are being pressured by medical doctors to place more restrictions. The country struggles with a spike in cases that have pushed intensive care units in the Paris region to the brink.