Follow the latest updates as governments in Southeast and Central Europe struggle to tackle the rising number of cases of the coronavirus in the region. After reopening in as early as April, the situation around the COVID-19 pandemic is again worsening.
- While some countries in Southeast and Central Europe seem to have the pandemic under control, the health situation in others risks worsening once again – due to what some fear is the premature lifting of protective measures.
- Governments in the region seem determined not to restore tough restrictions, even though the number of COVID-19 infections is on the rise once again.
- In contrast to the beginning of the health crisis in March, when most countries in the region rushed to impose severe movement restrictions, and despite a new spike in infections and fatalities, authorities and citizens alike now seem more relaxed.
- Medical professionals in most of the region warned that the crisis was not over – and they are now almost exhausted in trying to prevent an even greater disaster.
- In the past week, officials and state leaders have made repeated pleas to citizens to stay away from crowded spaces, maintain social distancing and try to stay at home as much as possible.
