‘Corona, false alarm’: Thousands take to the streets in Berlin to protest against COVID-19 restrictions

Muri Assunção

Thousands took to the streets of Berlin Saturday for a massive protest against coronavirus restrictions.

Police estimated that around 17,000 people showed up for what some were calling “their Day of Freedom.”

According to German public broadcaster DW, protesters — few of whom were wearing face masks, and who largely defied social distancing guidelines — marched around 1.5 miles through downtown Berlin, from the Brandenburg Gate to Tiergarten park, to celebrate “the end of the pandemic.”

Chanting slogans such as, “We’re here and we’re loud, because we are being robbed of our freedom,” and “The biggest conspiracy theory is the corona pandemic,” many carried the country’s flag or homemade signs that displayed a number of anti-vaccination or conspiracy theory messages.

Signs seen during the protest included, “Corona, false alarm,” “Natural defense instead of vaccination,” and “End the corona panic — bring fundamental rights back.”

Some posters, specifically directed at the use of face masks, read: “We are being forced to wear a muzzle,” “The mask is the Nazi Jewish star of the unvaccinated, and “Show me your smile.”

The protest comes despite a spike in new infections in Germany, and fears of a potential second wave of infections, according to DW.

On Saturday, the country’s economy minister, Peter Altmaier, told the German news agency DPA that he wants to impose tougher penalties for people who break coronavirus rules.

Those who “deliberately endanger others” should expect “serious consequences,” Altmaier warned. “We must not jeopardize the recovery that is just beginning by accepting a further increase in infections,” he said.

Germany’s top official for disease control, Lothar Wieler, described the recent increase in cases as “very worrying.”

“What we are currently experiencing in terms of an increase in risk is essentially due to the careless and sometimes irresponsible misconduct of a very small number of people,” Altmaier told DPA.

People queue in a temporary testing point where the city council has started to test for COVID-19 in Torrejon de Ardoz, Spain, on Friday, May 29, 2020. Spanish authorities are reporting no setbacks in their gradual easing of restrictions on movement over this past month, as some regions prepare to further loosen limits from June 1.
People queue in a temporary testing point where the city council has started to test for COVID-19 in Torrejon de Ardoz, Spain, on Friday, May 29, 2020. Spanish authorities are reporting no setbacks in their gradual easing of restrictions on movement over this past month, as some regions prepare to further loosen limits from June 1.
Cafe owner Francini Osorio sprays air sanitizer where he has installed an air purifier and 35 clear shower curtains, which will divide customers and tables, in the Francini Cafe De Colombia, in Worcester, England, on Thursday May 21, 2020, as he prepares for the re-opening of his business as coronavirus lockdown restrictions are eased.
Cafe owner Francini Osorio sprays air sanitizer where he has installed an air purifier and 35 clear shower curtains, which will divide customers and tables, in the Francini Cafe De Colombia, in Worcester, England, on Thursday May 21, 2020, as he prepares for the re-opening of his business as coronavirus lockdown restrictions are eased.
People hold a minute of silence for the victims of COVID-19 at Sol square in downtown Madrid, Spain, Wednesday, May 27, 2020. Flags are flying at half-mast on more than 14,000 public buildings in Spain as the European nation holds its first of 10 days of national mourning for the victims of the coronavirus.
People hold a minute of silence for the victims of COVID-19 at Sol square in downtown Madrid, Spain, Wednesday, May 27, 2020. Flags are flying at half-mast on more than 14,000 public buildings in Spain as the European nation holds its first of 10 days of national mourning for the victims of the coronavirus.
Families with their children play along the Paseo de la Castellana in Madrid, Spain, on Saturday, May 30, 2020.
Families with their children play along the Paseo de la Castellana in Madrid, Spain, on Saturday, May 30, 2020.
A waiter disinfects a table at a terrace in La Malvarrosa beach in Valencia on May 19, 2020, as some Spanish provinces are allowed to ease lockdown restrictions amid the coronavirus outbreak. Spain began last week a three-phase plan to end lockdowns for half the country by the end of June.
A waiter disinfects a table at a terrace in La Malvarrosa beach in Valencia on May 19, 2020, as some Spanish provinces are allowed to ease lockdown restrictions amid the coronavirus outbreak. Spain began last week a three-phase plan to end lockdowns for half the country by the end of June.
Museum visitors wearing facemasks view a room at the Galleria Borghese museum in Rome on May 19, 2020, as it reopens while the country's coronavirus lockdown is easing after over two months.
Museum visitors wearing facemasks view a room at the Galleria Borghese museum in Rome on May 19, 2020, as it reopens while the country's coronavirus lockdown is easing after over two months.
Chairs bearing the sign "fragile, but determined to go on" are splayed along the Bassin de la Vilette in Paris to protest against the closing of bars and cafes to fight against the spread of coronavirus epidemic on May 19, 2020.
Chairs bearing the sign "fragile, but determined to go on" are splayed along the Bassin de la Vilette in Paris to protest against the closing of bars and cafes to fight against the spread of coronavirus epidemic on May 19, 2020.
A woman poses for a photograph as she and a friend enjoy the afternoon sunshine in Hyde Park, London on May 19, 2020, following the relaxing of lockdown restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A woman poses for a photograph as she and a friend enjoy the afternoon sunshine in Hyde Park, London on May 19, 2020, following the relaxing of lockdown restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
An employee of the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for public health (L) takes a sample for a coronavirus test from Christoph Spieles, mayor of the municipality of Kupferzell in southern Germany, following a press conference to present the study "Corona Monitoring Local" on May 19, 2020. Kupferzell, which was one of the country's novel coronavirus hotspots, is one four places where the Robert Koch Institute will study the spread of the virus.
Volunteers wearing masks are seen putting together meals in a kitchen in an underground carpark run by the Hare Krishna on May 5, 2020, in London, England. The Hare Krishna are preparing and distributing meals to vulnerable people and communities across London in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
Volunteers wearing masks are seen putting together meals in a kitchen in an underground carpark run by the Hare Krishna on May 5, 2020, in London, England. The Hare Krishna are preparing and distributing meals to vulnerable people and communities across London in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
Statues wear masks along Trocadero Square close to the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France on Monday, May 4, 2020. France continues to be under an extended stay-at-home order until May 11 in an attempt to slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Statues wear masks along Trocadero Square close to the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France on Monday, May 4, 2020. France continues to be under an extended stay-at-home order until May 11 in an attempt to slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
An image of a Storm Trooper from "Star Wars," with the words "stay safe," is seen in a window of a house on May 4, 2020, in Aylesbury, England. The country continued quarantine measures intended to curb the spread of COVID-19, but the infection rate is falling, and government officials are discussing the terms under which it would ease the lockdown.
Olympic rower 31-year-old Polly Swann trains at home during week seven of the coronavirus lockdown on May 4, 2020, in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. The silver medallist has recently started working as a junior doctor in a Scottish hospital, having already completed her medical degree.
Olympic rower 31-year-old Polly Swann trains at home during week seven of the coronavirus lockdown on May 4, 2020, in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. The silver medallist has recently started working as a junior doctor in a Scottish hospital, having already completed her medical degree.
A banner painted by children and tied to the school railings of Stamford Park Junior School is seen on May 4, 2020, in Altrincham, United Kingdom. The country continued quarantine measures intended to curb the spread of COVID-19, but the infection rate is falling, and government officials are discussing the terms under which it would ease the lockdown.
Members of the public walk past a sign near Charing Cross on May 4, 2020, in Glasgow, United Kingdom. The country continued quarantine measures intended to curb the spread of COVID-19, but the infection rate is falling, and government officials are discussing the terms under which it would ease the lockdown.
Members of the public walk past a sign near Charing Cross on May 4, 2020, in Glasgow, United Kingdom. The country continued quarantine measures intended to curb the spread of COVID-19, but the infection rate is falling, and government officials are discussing the terms under which it would ease the lockdown.
Austrian soldiers wear protective masks showing the Austrian national flag during a military ceremony on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the re-establishment of the Republic of Austria in Vienna on Monday, April 27, 2020. The Austrian government has moved to restrict freedom of movement for people in an effort to slow the onset of the COVID-19 coronavirus.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson makes a statement, flanked by children's drawings of rainbows supporting the National Health Service (NHS) displayed in windows, on his first day back at work at Downing Street in London, England after recovering from a bout with the coronavirus that put him in intensive care on Monday, April 27, 2020. The highly contagious COVID-19 coronavirus has impacted on nations around the globe, many imposing self isolation and exercising social distancing when people move from their homes.
Nursery S. Schouten created a message of support in times of the coronavirus, reading "#StayStrong," by cutting the flower heads in a field of tulips in Bant, Netherlands on Sunday, April 26, 2020.
Nursery S. Schouten created a message of support in times of the coronavirus, reading "#StayStrong," by cutting the flower heads in a field of tulips in Bant, Netherlands on Sunday, April 26, 2020.
People wave and chant from their windows with Italian flags draped on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of Italy's Liberation Day in Rome, Italy on Saturday, April 25, 2020. Italy's annual commemoration of its liberation from Nazi occupation is celebrated on April 25, but lockdown measures in the coronavirus-afflicted country mean no marches can be held this year and the National Association of Italian Partisans has invited all to sing “Bella Ciao," the anthem of Italy’s communist resistance, from their windows.
A giant land art painting, entitled "Beyond Crisis," by Swiss French artist Saype can be seen in the alpine resort of Leysin, Switzerland on Friday, April 24, 2020. The artwork covering 3000 square meters was produced with biodegradable paints made from natural pigments such as coal and chalk. The artist aims to send a message of hope and positivity to the world in the difficult times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
City administration helpers hand out face masks in Dresden, eastern Germany, on Monday, April 20, 2020. Saxony becomes first German state to make wearing a face mask mandatory. Starting at Monday, wearing a mouth and nose protection will be mandatory in shops, public transportation and supermarkets.
City administration helpers hand out face masks in Dresden, eastern Germany, on Monday, April 20, 2020. Saxony becomes first German state to make wearing a face mask mandatory. Starting at Monday, wearing a mouth and nose protection will be mandatory in shops, public transportation and supermarkets.
People wearing protective masks queue up to go in a garden store in Munich, Germany, on Monday, April 20, 2020. The German government has moved to restrict freedom of movement for people, in an effort to slow the onset of the COVID-19 coronavirus.
People wearing protective masks queue up to go in a garden store in Munich, Germany, on Monday, April 20, 2020. The German government has moved to restrict freedom of movement for people, in an effort to slow the onset of the COVID-19 coronavirus.
Health workers hold a minute of silence to remember Joaquin Diaz, the hospital's chief of surgery who died of COVID-19, at La Paz hospital in Madrid, Spain, on Monday, April 20, 2020. The Spanish government is starting to relax its confinement measures due to the Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak, trying to re-activate the economy after a two-week freeze and allowing children under 12 years-old to venture out to the streets for brief periods from next week.
Health workers hold a minute of silence to remember Joaquin Diaz, the hospital's chief of surgery who died of COVID-19, at La Paz hospital in Madrid, Spain, on Monday, April 20, 2020.
Health workers hold a minute of silence to remember Joaquin Diaz, the hospital's chief of surgery who died of COVID-19, at La Paz hospital in Madrid, Spain, on Monday, April 20, 2020.
Emergency workers wearing full protective suits transport a patient to an ambulance at the Severo Ochoa Hospital in Leganes, Spain, Saturday, April 18, 2020. Spain has eased this week the conditions of Europe's strictest lockdown, allowing manufacturing, construction and other nonessential activity in an attempt to cushion the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
NHS staff applaud outside the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London during the weekly "Clap for our Carers", Thursday, April 16, 2020. The applause takes place across Britain every Thursday at 8pm local time to show appreciation for healthcare workers, emergency services, armed services, delivery drivers, shop workers, teachers, waste collectors, manufacturers, postal workers, cleaners, vets, engineers and all those helping people with coronavirus and keeping the country functioning while most people stay at home in the lockdown.
Firefighters hold banners thanking the NHS (National Health Service) as they take part in the weekly "clap for our carers" as they stand on Westminster Bridge in London, during the lockdown to try and stop the spread of coronavirus, Thursday, April 16, 2020.
Firefighters hold banners thanking the NHS (National Health Service) as they take part in the weekly "clap for our carers" as they stand on Westminster Bridge in London, during the lockdown to try and stop the spread of coronavirus, Thursday, April 16, 2020.
Men wear protective masks as they walk past a display of tulips in Hyde Park as the country is in lockdown to help curb the spread of the coronavirus in London, England on Monday, April 13, 2020.
Men wear protective masks as they walk past a display of tulips in Hyde Park as the country is in lockdown to help curb the spread of the coronavirus in London, England on Monday, April 13, 2020.
A man wears a mask to protect against the spread of the coronavirus as he walks past the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris on Monday, April 13, 2020. The reconstruction of the fire-devastated Notre Dame Cathedral a year ago on April 15, 2019, was suspended last month due to the coronavirus pandemic.
A man wears a mask to protect against the spread of the coronavirus as he walks past the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris on Monday, April 13, 2020. The reconstruction of the fire-devastated Notre Dame Cathedral a year ago on April 15, 2019, was suspended last month due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The beach is empty in the seaside town of Ostia, near Rome, Italy on Monday, April 13, 2020. Authorities had announced beefed-up patrols to control anti-coronavirus lockdown measures over the long Easter weekend, when Italians generally head to summer homes or to lunches with friends and family.
The beach is empty in the seaside town of Ostia, near Rome, Italy on Monday, April 13, 2020. Authorities had announced beefed-up patrols to control anti-coronavirus lockdown measures over the long Easter weekend, when Italians generally head to summer homes or to lunches with friends and family.
Persons in need eat lunch served at the canteen of lay Catholic Community of Sant'Egidio dedicated to social service in Rome, Italy on April 13, 2020, during the country's lockdown aimed at curbing the spread of the COVID-19 infection, caused by the novel coronavirus.
Persons in need eat lunch served at the canteen of lay Catholic Community of Sant'Egidio dedicated to social service in Rome, Italy on April 13, 2020, during the country's lockdown aimed at curbing the spread of the COVID-19 infection, caused by the novel coronavirus.
A cyclist passes graffiti as the country continues in lockdown to help curb the spread of the coronavirus in London, England on Monday, April 13, 2020.
A cyclist passes graffiti as the country continues in lockdown to help curb the spread of the coronavirus in London, England on Monday, April 13, 2020.
Italian singer Andrea Bocelli performs inside an empty Duomo cathedral on Easter Sunday in Milan, Italy, April 12, 2020. Bocelli was invited by Milan's Mayor Giuseppe Sala to perform an Easter concert inside an empty Duomo due to the lockdown measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Italian singer Andrea Bocelli performs inside an empty Duomo cathedral on Easter Sunday in Milan, Italy, April 12, 2020. Bocelli was invited by Milan's Mayor Giuseppe Sala to perform an Easter concert inside an empty Duomo due to the lockdown measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
A passenger sits next to empty check-in counters at Barcelona airport in Spain on Monday, April 13, 2020. Confronting both a public health emergency and long-term economic injury, Spain is cautiously re-starting some business activity to emerge from the nationwide near-total freeze that helped slow the country's grim coronavirus outbreak.
A passenger sits next to empty check-in counters at Barcelona airport in Spain on Monday, April 13, 2020. Confronting both a public health emergency and long-term economic injury, Spain is cautiously re-starting some business activity to emerge from the nationwide near-total freeze that helped slow the country's grim coronavirus outbreak.
Police officers check documents of passengers on a public bus at a road block, in Rome, Italy on Monday, April 13, 2020.
Police officers check documents of passengers on a public bus at a road block, in Rome, Italy on Monday, April 13, 2020.
The French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle arrives in the bay of Toulon, southern France on Sunday April 12, 2020. The Defense Ministry said in a statement that around 40 sailors showed symptoms compatible with COVID-19.
The French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle arrives in the bay of Toulon, southern France on Sunday April 12, 2020. The Defense Ministry said in a statement that around 40 sailors showed symptoms compatible with COVID-19.
Police wait outside Chequers, the country residence of Britain's Prime Minister, on April 12, 2020, in Aylesbury, England. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was discharged from hospital today a week after being admitted for treatment for coronavirus, COVID-19 and spending three days in intensive care. A spokesman said that "on the advice of his medical team, the PM will not be immediately returning to work" and will now head to his official country residence to rest and recuperate.
A woman walks past coronavirus-related graffiti in Edinburgh, Scotland as the UK continues in lockdown to help curb the spread of COVID-19 on Sunday, April 12, 2020. The highly contagious virus has impacted nations around the globe, many imposing self isolation and exercising social distancing when people move from their homes.
A woman walks past coronavirus-related graffiti in Edinburgh, Scotland as the UK continues in lockdown to help curb the spread of COVID-19 on Sunday, April 12, 2020. The highly contagious virus has impacted nations around the globe, many imposing self isolation and exercising social distancing when people move from their homes.
In this handout photo issued by 10 Downing Street, Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaks praising NHS staff in a video message after he was discharged from hospital a week after being admitted with persistent coronavirus symptoms in London on Sunday, April 12, 2020. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he did not have the words to properly thank the staff at NHS for “saving my life.” He lauded two nurses Johnson said stood by his bedside for 48 hours “when things could have gone either way.”
People stand in long lines waiting to enter at the Esselunga supermarket in San Donato, in the outskirts of Milan, Italy, on Saturday, April 11.
People stand in long lines waiting to enter at the Esselunga supermarket in San Donato, in the outskirts of Milan, Italy, on Saturday, April 11.
Police officers on horses check documents as they patrol the street during a nationwide confinement to counter COVID-19 in the coastal town of Cancale, western France on Saturday, April 11, 2020.
Police officers on horses check documents as they patrol the street during a nationwide confinement to counter COVID-19 in the coastal town of Cancale, western France on Saturday, April 11, 2020.
A police officer asks members of the public to leave the beach on April 10, 2020, in Brighton, United Kingdom. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has spread to many countries across the world, claiming almost 97,000 lives and infecting over 1 million people.
A police officer asks members of the public to leave the beach on April 10, 2020, in Brighton, United Kingdom. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has spread to many countries across the world, claiming almost 97,000 lives and infecting over 1 million people.
A few people walk on a street nearly empty of traffic in downtown Lisbon, Portugal on Friday, April 10, 2020.
A few people walk on a street nearly empty of traffic in downtown Lisbon, Portugal on Friday, April 10, 2020.
People watch from a balcony as Carlos Carvalho, a worker with the municipal urban hygiene department, sprays disinfectant against new coronavirus on a recycling point in Lisbon, Portugal on Thursday night, April 9, 2020.
People watch from a balcony as Carlos Carvalho, a worker with the municipal urban hygiene department, sprays disinfectant against new coronavirus on a recycling point in Lisbon, Portugal on Thursday night, April 9, 2020.
A sign thanking NHS staff and key workers is displayed outside The Westbourne pub in Bournemouth, south England as the UK continues in lockdown to help curb the spread of the coronavirus Wednesday April 1, 2020.
A sign thanking NHS staff and key workers is displayed outside The Westbourne pub in Bournemouth, south England as the UK continues in lockdown to help curb the spread of the coronavirus Wednesday April 1, 2020.
A police officer patrolling on a motorbike telling people who were sitting or laying in the sun to go home, passes people wearing face masks on Primrose Hill in London, to stop the spread of coronavirus and keep the park open for people observing the British government's guidance of social distancing, only using parks for dog walking, one form of exercise a day, like a run, walk, or cycle alone or with members of the same household, Sunday, April 5, 2020.
A medical technician administers a nasal swab to a driver at a coronavirus drive-thru testing site in Paris, Monday, April 6, 2020.
A medical technician administers a nasal swab to a driver at a coronavirus drive-thru testing site in Paris, Monday, April 6, 2020.
A policewoman wears a mask to protect herself against the spread of the new coronavirus, left, checks the special permission of a residence at the garden of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Monday, April 6, 2020.
A policewoman wears a mask to protect herself against the spread of the new coronavirus, left, checks the special permission of a residence at the garden of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Monday, April 6, 2020.
A commuter wears a mask to protect against the spread of the coronavirus reads a book as she sits in a train in Saint Cloud, west of Paris, Tuesday, April 7, 2020.
A commuter wears a mask to protect against the spread of the coronavirus reads a book as she sits in a train in Saint Cloud, west of Paris, Tuesday, April 7, 2020.
Aid workers from the Spanish NGO Open Arms carry out coronavirus detection tests on the elderly at a nursing home in Barcelona, Spain on Wednesday April 1, 2020.The initiative is part of a clinical trial led by doctors Oriol Mitja and Bonaventura Clotet, from the Lluita Foundation against AIDS and the Germans Trias Hospital, focused on cutting down virus transmission. Spain has seen Thursday a new record in virus-related fatalities that came as the country is seeing the growth of contagion waning, health ministry data showed placing Spain neck to neck with Italy, the country that saw the worst outbreak in Europe.
Ambulance staff at the ExCel Center in London, Thursday, April 2, 2020, that is being turned into a 4000 bed temporary hospital know as NHS Nightingale to help deal with some of the coronavirus outbreak victims in London.
Ambulance staff at the ExCel Center in London, Thursday, April 2, 2020, that is being turned into a 4000 bed temporary hospital know as NHS Nightingale to help deal with some of the coronavirus outbreak victims in London.
Two employees of CHAO coffins work at the company warehouse in Valdemoro, outskirts of Madrid, Spain, Friday, April 3, 2020.
Two employees of CHAO coffins work at the company warehouse in Valdemoro, outskirts of Madrid, Spain, Friday, April 3, 2020.
An ambulance pars in front of the Signal Iduna Park, Germany's biggest stadium of Bundesliga soccer club Borussia Dortmund, where a temporary coronavirus treatment center opened today in Dortmund, Germany, Saturday, April 4, 2020. Instead of the originally scheduled today football clash between Dortmund and Bayern, parts of the stadium were turned into a medical center for outpatient treatment and consultation.
Messages in support of the NHS are seen at the windows of the DDL College, in front of St Thomas' Hospital, one of the many hospitals dealing with Coronavirus patients in London, Wednesday, April 1, 2020.
Messages in support of the NHS are seen at the windows of the DDL College, in front of St Thomas' Hospital, one of the many hospitals dealing with Coronavirus patients in London, Wednesday, April 1, 2020.
Workers wearing protective outfits sanitize a neighborhood to contain the spread of Covid-19 virus, in Rome on Saturday, March 28, 2020.
Workers wearing protective outfits sanitize a neighborhood to contain the spread of Covid-19 virus, in Rome on Saturday, March 28, 2020.
A worker wearing protective gear as a precautionary measure against coronavirus, sprays disinfectant, during a nationwide confinement to control the spread of the virus, in Aubagne, southern France, on Tuesday, March 31, 2020.
A worker wearing protective gear as a precautionary measure against coronavirus, sprays disinfectant, during a nationwide confinement to control the spread of the virus, in Aubagne, southern France, on Tuesday, March 31, 2020.
A patient is taken from an ambulance outside St Thomas Hospital in London, Wednesday, April 1, 2020, the hospital is one of many treating Coronavirus patients.
A patient is taken from an ambulance outside St Thomas Hospital in London, Wednesday, April 1, 2020, the hospital is one of many treating Coronavirus patients.
A worker sprays disinfectant to sanitize Duomo square in downtown Milan, Italy, on Tuesday, March 31, 2020.
A worker sprays disinfectant to sanitize Duomo square in downtown Milan, Italy, on Tuesday, March 31, 2020.
People walk on the main shopping street on a sunny day in Dortmund, Germany, when the government asks for social distance to avoid infection with the coronavirus on Saturday, April 4, 2020.
People walk on the main shopping street on a sunny day in Dortmund, Germany, when the government asks for social distance to avoid infection with the coronavirus on Saturday, April 4, 2020.
Health workers applaud as people react from their houses in support of the medical staff that are working on the COVID-19 virus outbreak at the Gregorio Maranon hospital in Madrid, Spain, on Wednesday, April 1, 2020.
Health workers applaud as people react from their houses in support of the medical staff that are working on the COVID-19 virus outbreak at the Gregorio Maranon hospital in Madrid, Spain, on Wednesday, April 1, 2020.
Members of the Military Emergency Unit block the access to a nursing home while disinfecting areas to prevent the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19, in Pamplona, northern Spain, on Tuesday, March 31, 2020.
Members of the Military Emergency Unit block the access to a nursing home while disinfecting areas to prevent the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19, in Pamplona, northern Spain, on Tuesday, March 31, 2020.
A member of the UME (Emergency Army Unit) wearing a protective suit to protect from the coronavirus stands next to a bus carrying patients infected with the COVID-19 waiting to be transported from Gregorio Maranon hospital to a temporary hospital set up at the IFEMA convention centre in Madrid, Spain, on Wednesday, April 1, 2020. Facing intense surges in the need for hospital ICU beds, European nations are on a hospital-building and medical worker-hiring spree. They are throwing together makeshift hospitals and shipping coronavirus patients out of overwhelmed cities.
A view of Monastiraki square, usually the most crowded area in central Athens on Wednesday, April 1, 2020. Deserted squares, padlocked parks, empty avenues where cars were once jammed bumper-to-bumper in heavy traffic. The Greek capital, like so many cities across the world, has seen its streets empty as part of a lockdown designed to stem the spread of the new coronavirus.
Large advertising displays on the main road heading west out of central London, Wednesday, April 1, 2020, showing support of the National Health Service staff as they fight the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.
Large advertising displays on the main road heading west out of central London, Wednesday, April 1, 2020, showing support of the National Health Service staff as they fight the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.
A worker puts on protective gear to spray disinfectant as a precautionary measure against coronavirus, during a nationwide confinement to control the spread of the virus, in Aubagne, southern France, on Tuesday, March 31, 2020.
A worker puts on protective gear to spray disinfectant as a precautionary measure against coronavirus, during a nationwide confinement to control the spread of the virus, in Aubagne, southern France, on Tuesday, March 31, 2020.
Coffins are lined up on the floor in the San Giuseppe church in Seriate, one of the areas worst hit by coronavirus, near Bergamo, Italy, waiting to be taken to a crematory, on Thursday, March 26, 2020.
Coffins are lined up on the floor in the San Giuseppe church in Seriate, one of the areas worst hit by coronavirus, near Bergamo, Italy, waiting to be taken to a crematory, on Thursday, March 26, 2020.
Coffins arriving from the Bergamo area, where the coronavirus infections caused many victims, are being unloaded from a military truck that transported them in the cemetery of Cinisello Balsamo, near Milan in Northern Italy, on Friday, March 27, 2020.
Coffins arriving from the Bergamo area, where the coronavirus infections caused many victims, are being unloaded from a military truck that transported them in the cemetery of Cinisello Balsamo, near Milan in Northern Italy, on Friday, March 27, 2020.
Hospital workers applaud those on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic from a balcony at the Marseille Timone hospital, in Marseille, southern France, on Tuesday, March 31, 2020.
Hospital workers applaud those on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic from a balcony at the Marseille Timone hospital, in Marseille, southern France, on Tuesday, March 31, 2020.
A policeman check a runner for valid documents during a lockdown order by the Greek government to control the spread of the new coronavirus in the northern city of Thessaloniki, Greece, Tuesday, March 31, 2020. Greek authorities are banning access to a popular pedestrian waterfront area in Thessaloniki, after good weather saw people congregating despite the country's lockdown measures to prevent the spread the COVID-19.
A member of the Military Emergency Unit disinfects bins at a nursing home to prevent the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19, in Pamplona, northern Spain, on Tuesday, March 31, 2020.
A member of the Military Emergency Unit disinfects bins at a nursing home to prevent the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19, in Pamplona, northern Spain, on Tuesday, March 31, 2020.
Spanish soldiers unload Personal Protection Equipment donated by Turkey to help the country combat the new coronavirus outbreak, in Madrid, Spain, on Wednesday, April 1, 2020.
Spanish soldiers unload Personal Protection Equipment donated by Turkey to help the country combat the new coronavirus outbreak, in Madrid, Spain, on Wednesday, April 1, 2020.
Medical staffers wearing protective gear, part of a special unit performing house calls, work in Bergamo, northern Italy, one of the areas worse-affected by coronavirus, on Wednesday, March 25, 2020.
Medical staffers wearing protective gear, part of a special unit performing house calls, work in Bergamo, northern Italy, one of the areas worse-affected by coronavirus, on Wednesday, March 25, 2020.
A member of the UME (Emergency Army Unit) wearing a protective suit to protect against coronavirus disinfects handrails at a nursing home in Madrid, Spain, on Tuesday, March 31, 2020.
A member of the UME (Emergency Army Unit) wearing a protective suit to protect against coronavirus disinfects handrails at a nursing home in Madrid, Spain, on Tuesday, March 31, 2020.
A worker wearing protective gears sprays disinfectant as a precautionary measure against COVID-19 during a nationwide confinement to counter the virus, in Suresnes, outside Paris, on Tuesday, March 31, 2020.
A worker wearing protective gears sprays disinfectant as a precautionary measure against COVID-19 during a nationwide confinement to counter the virus, in Suresnes, outside Paris, on Tuesday, March 31, 2020.
Healthcare workers assist a COVID-19 patient at one of the intensive care units (ICU) at German Trias i Pujol hospital in Badalona, Barcelona province, Spain, on Wednesday, April 1, 2020.
Healthcare workers assist a COVID-19 patient at one of the intensive care units (ICU) at German Trias i Pujol hospital in Badalona, Barcelona province, Spain, on Wednesday, April 1, 2020.
An empty street as the lockdown to combat the spread of coronavirus in downtown Madrid, Spain, on Wednesday, April 1, 2020.
An empty street as the lockdown to combat the spread of coronavirus in downtown Madrid, Spain, on Wednesday, April 1, 2020.
People applaud from their houses in support of the medical staff that are working on the COVID-19 virus outbreak in Barcelona, Spain, on Sunday, March 29, 2020.
People applaud from their houses in support of the medical staff that are working on the COVID-19 virus outbreak in Barcelona, Spain, on Sunday, March 29, 2020.
Empty parking at the deserted international airport of Orly, the day of its closure due to a drop in traffic, in Orly, south of Paris, Wednesday, April 1, 2020 as the government announced an extension of the initial 15-day home confinement period that came into force on March 17 in a bid to brake the spread of the Covid-19.
Empty parking at the deserted international airport of Orly, the day of its closure due to a drop in traffic, in Orly, south of Paris, Wednesday, April 1, 2020 as the government announced an extension of the initial 15-day home confinement period that came into force on March 17 in a bid to brake the spread of the Covid-19.
Healthcare workers assist a patience at one of the intensive care units (ICU) at German Trias i Pujol hospital in Badalona, in the Barcelona province, Spain on Friday, March 27, 2020.
Healthcare workers assist a patience at one of the intensive care units (ICU) at German Trias i Pujol hospital in Badalona, in the Barcelona province, Spain on Friday, March 27, 2020.
Undertakers wearing protection masks to protect from the coronavirus, carry a coffin to a burial at Salvador cemetery during the coronavirus outbreak, near to Vitoria, northern Spain, on Monday, March 30, 2020.
Undertakers wearing protection masks to protect from the coronavirus, carry a coffin to a burial at Salvador cemetery during the coronavirus outbreak, near to Vitoria, northern Spain, on Monday, March 30, 2020.
Volunteer workers in a clothing factory manufacturing firefighting gear, make hospital gowns for medical staff to protect them from the coronavirus, in Arnedo, northern Spain, on Monday, March 30, 2020.
Volunteer workers in a clothing factory manufacturing firefighting gear, make hospital gowns for medical staff to protect them from the coronavirus, in Arnedo, northern Spain, on Monday, March 30, 2020.
Volunteer workers in a clothing factory manufacturing firefighting gear, make hospital gowns for medical staff to protect them from the coronavirus, in Arnedo, northern Spain, on Monday, March 30, 2020.
Volunteer workers in a clothing factory manufacturing firefighting gear, make hospital gowns for medical staff to protect them from the coronavirus, in Arnedo, northern Spain, on Monday, March 30, 2020.
Health workers react as people applaud from their houses in support of the medical staff that are working on the COVID-19 virus outbreak at the main gate of the Hospital Clinic in Barcelona, Spain, on Thursday, March 26, 2020.
Health workers react as people applaud from their houses in support of the medical staff that are working on the COVID-19 virus outbreak at the main gate of the Hospital Clinic in Barcelona, Spain, on Thursday, March 26, 2020.
People line up to buy supplies from a supermarket during the coronavirus outbreak in Madrid, Spain, on Saturday, March 28, 2020.
People line up to buy supplies from a supermarket during the coronavirus outbreak in Madrid, Spain, on Saturday, March 28, 2020.
A sign that reads in spanish: "Thank you #IstayAtHome" hangs on the facade of the Madrid city hall, Spain, on Sunday March 22, 2020.
A sign that reads in spanish: "Thank you #IstayAtHome" hangs on the facade of the Madrid city hall, Spain, on Sunday March 22, 2020.
An employee test customers' body temperature at the entrance of the Esselunga supermarket, in Milan, Italy, on Wednesday, March 25, 2020.
An employee test customers' body temperature at the entrance of the Esselunga supermarket, in Milan, Italy, on Wednesday, March 25, 2020.
The streets are deserted along Plaza del Castillo square during lockdown against the spread of coronavirus COVID-19, in Pamplona, northern Spain, on Saturday, March 28, 2020.
The streets are deserted along Plaza del Castillo square during lockdown against the spread of coronavirus COVID-19, in Pamplona, northern Spain, on Saturday, March 28, 2020.
Ambulance employees wear special equipment to prevent the spread of coronavirus COVID-19 arriving with a patient at San Pedro hospital, in Logrono, northern Spain, on Saturday, March 28, 2020.
Ambulance employees wear special equipment to prevent the spread of coronavirus COVID-19 arriving with a patient at San Pedro hospital, in Logrono, northern Spain, on Saturday, March 28, 2020.
A health worker tests a person for the COVID-19 coronavirus at the Casa de Campo in Madrid, Spain, on Friday, March 27, 2020.
A health worker tests a person for the COVID-19 coronavirus at the Casa de Campo in Madrid, Spain, on Friday, March 27, 2020.
A worker cleans the microphones in a nearly empty parliament while the majority of lawmakers follow the session online before a vote to approve the extension of the national lockdown in Madrid, Spain, on Wednesday, March 25, 2020. Spain has released new figures of the official death toll in Spain because of the coronavirus, surpassing China's death toll.
Spanish Civil Guard officers at a checkpoint to stop drivers from trying to leave the city, in Pamplona, northern Spain, Saturday, March 21, 2020.
Spanish Civil Guard officers at a checkpoint to stop drivers from trying to leave the city, in Pamplona, northern Spain, Saturday, March 21, 2020.
A view of Passeig de Sant Joan street as authorities control public movements in Barcelona, Spain, on Sunday, March 22, 2020. Spanish health authorities say intensive care units in the hardest-hit areas are close to their limit. The army was building a field hospital with 5,500 beds in a convention center in Madrid, where hotels are also being turned into wards for virus patients without serious breathing problems.
A woman wearing a protective face mask feeds birds in Las Ramblas of Barcelona, Spain, Saturday, March 21, 2020.
A woman wearing a protective face mask feeds birds in Las Ramblas of Barcelona, Spain, Saturday, March 21, 2020.
In this photo released on Tuesday, March 31, 2020, Automobili Lamborghini workers produce sanitary masks, at the Sant'Agata Bolognese factory, Italy. Lamborghini converted part of its St. Agata Bolognese plant to produce medical face masks to be delivered to the Bologna's St. Orsola hospital.
In this photo released on Tuesday, March 31, 2020, Automobili Lamborghini workers produce sanitary masks, at the Sant'Agata Bolognese factory, Italy. Lamborghini converted part of its St. Agata Bolognese plant to produce medical face masks to be delivered to the Bologna's St. Orsola hospital.
Shoppers exercise social distancing in a queue, waiting outside of a market, in Pamplona, northern Spain on Saturday, March 21, 2020.
Shoppers exercise social distancing in a queue, waiting outside of a market, in Pamplona, northern Spain on Saturday, March 21, 2020.
Vueling Airlines planes sit parked in a line at the Seville, Spain airport on Saturday, March 21, 2020, idled due to the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak.
Vueling Airlines planes sit parked in a line at the Seville, Spain airport on Saturday, March 21, 2020, idled due to the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak.
Paramedics carry an hazardous medical waste box as patients lie on camping beds, in one of the emergency structures that were set up to ease procedures at the Brescia hospital, northern Italy, on Thursday, March 12, 2020.
Paramedics carry an hazardous medical waste box as patients lie on camping beds, in one of the emergency structures that were set up to ease procedures at the Brescia hospital, northern Italy, on Thursday, March 12, 2020.
Health workers react as people applaud from their nearby houses in support of the medical staff that are working on the COVID-19 virus outbreak at the Jimenez Diaz Foundation University hospital in Madrid, Spain, on Saturday, March 21, 2020.
Health workers react as people applaud from their nearby houses in support of the medical staff that are working on the COVID-19 virus outbreak at the Jimenez Diaz Foundation University hospital in Madrid, Spain, on Saturday, March 21, 2020.
Volunteer worker of Search and Rescue (SAR) with special equipment, disinfects a police car at Local Police station to prevent the spread of coronavirus COVID-19, in Pamplona, northern Spain, on Sunday, March 22, 2020.
Volunteer worker of Search and Rescue (SAR) with special equipment, disinfects a police car at Local Police station to prevent the spread of coronavirus COVID-19, in Pamplona, northern Spain, on Sunday, March 22, 2020.
Local and tourists walk along a nearly empty St. Mark's square in Venice, Italy, on Tuesday, March 3, 2020. G-7 countries say they are ready to take action to cushion the economic impacts of the new coronavirus outbreak, a statement that comes after a few days of wild market swings.
Local and tourists walk along a nearly empty St. Mark's square in Venice, Italy, on Tuesday, March 3, 2020. G-7 countries say they are ready to take action to cushion the economic impacts of the new coronavirus outbreak, a statement that comes after a few days of wild market swings.
An undertaker disinfects tools with a homemade sanitiser during the coronavirus outbreak at a cemetery in Madrid, Spain, on Thursday, March 25, 2020.
An undertaker disinfects tools with a homemade sanitiser during the coronavirus outbreak at a cemetery in Madrid, Spain, on Thursday, March 25, 2020.
A priest wearing a face masks to protect against coronavirus performs funeral rites at a Madrid cemetery during the coronavirus outbreak in Madrid, Spain, on Friday, March 27, 2020.
A priest wearing a face masks to protect against coronavirus performs funeral rites at a Madrid cemetery during the coronavirus outbreak in Madrid, Spain, on Friday, March 27, 2020.
Police officers stand in front of Madrid's ice rink turned into a temporary morgue due the COVID-19 crisis in Madrid, Spain, on Tuesday, March 24, 2020. Madrid's ice-skating rink is now being used as a makeshift morgue given the rapid increase in deaths in the Spanish capital.
Police officers stand in front of Madrid's ice rink turned into a temporary morgue due the COVID-19 crisis in Madrid, Spain, on Tuesday, March 24, 2020. Madrid's ice-skating rink is now being used as a makeshift morgue given the rapid increase in deaths in the Spanish capital.
Personnel of a special ambulance for the transportation of the new Coronavirus patients, finish dressing up before intervening in Rome on Tuesday, March 10, 2020.
Personnel of a special ambulance for the transportation of the new Coronavirus patients, finish dressing up before intervening in Rome on Tuesday, March 10, 2020.
Relatives watch as the coffin containing the remains of a victim of the COVID-19 is taken for cremation at the Almudena cemetery in Madrid, Spain, on Saturday March 28, 2020. In Spain, where stay-at-home restrictions have been in place for nearly two weeks, the official number of deaths is increasing daily.
Relatives watch as the coffin containing the remains of a victim of the COVID-19 is taken for cremation at the Almudena cemetery in Madrid, Spain, on Saturday March 28, 2020. In Spain, where stay-at-home restrictions have been in place for nearly two weeks, the official number of deaths is increasing daily.
Bulgarian soccer team Ludogorets wearing protective face masks sit on a coach bus heading to the San Siro stadium, in Milan, Italy. on Feb. 27, 2020. Ludogorets is playing Italian club Inter Milan in a Europa League soccer match on Thursday that is scheduled to go ahead in an empty stadium due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Bulgarian soccer team Ludogorets wearing protective face masks sit on a coach bus heading to the San Siro stadium, in Milan, Italy. on Feb. 27, 2020. Ludogorets is playing Italian club Inter Milan in a Europa League soccer match on Thursday that is scheduled to go ahead in an empty stadium due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Spanish Royal guard soldiers disinfect a hospital to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus in Madrid, Spain, on Sunday, March 29, 2020. Spain and Italy demanded more European help as they fight still-surging coronavirus infections amid the continent's worst crisis since World War II.
Spanish Royal guard soldiers disinfect a hospital to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus in Madrid, Spain, on Sunday, March 29, 2020. Spain and Italy demanded more European help as they fight still-surging coronavirus infections amid the continent's worst crisis since World War II.
A closed shop in Rome, on Thursday, March 12, 2020.
A closed shop in Rome, on Thursday, March 12, 2020.
Volunteer workers of a regional search and rescue disinfect a stretcher with special equipment, close to Navarra Hospital, in Pamplona, northern Spain, on Thursday, March 26, 2020.
Volunteer workers of a regional search and rescue disinfect a stretcher with special equipment, close to Navarra Hospital, in Pamplona, northern Spain, on Thursday, March 26, 2020.
Inmates unfold banners reading in Italian Pardon, top, and Freedom, as they stage a protest against new rules to cope with coronavirus emergency, including the suspension of relatives' visits, on the roof of the San Vittore prison in Milan, Italy, on Monday, March 9, 2020.
Inmates unfold banners reading in Italian Pardon, top, and Freedom, as they stage a protest against new rules to cope with coronavirus emergency, including the suspension of relatives' visits, on the roof of the San Vittore prison in Milan, Italy, on Monday, March 9, 2020.
A sign advises that Colosseum will be closed, following the government's new prevention measures on public gatherings, in Rome, on Sunday, March 8, 2020.
A sign advises that Colosseum will be closed, following the government's new prevention measures on public gatherings, in Rome, on Sunday, March 8, 2020.
Undertakers carry a coffin for a burial at a Barcelona cemetery during the coronavirus outbreak, Spain, on Friday, March 27, 2020.
Undertakers carry a coffin for a burial at a Barcelona cemetery during the coronavirus outbreak, Spain, on Friday, March 27, 2020.
Tourists wearing protective masks walk along an arcade at the St. Mark's Square in Venice, Italy, on Friday, Feb. 28, 2020.
Tourists wearing protective masks walk along an arcade at the St. Mark's Square in Venice, Italy, on Friday, Feb. 28, 2020.
Police officers and soldiers check passengers leaving from Milan main train station, Italy, on Monday, March 9, 2020.
Police officers and soldiers check passengers leaving from Milan main train station, Italy, on Monday, March 9, 2020.
Red Cross personnel prepare for the transport of a Coronavirus patient during a simulation, in Rome, on Friday, March 6, 2020.
Red Cross personnel prepare for the transport of a Coronavirus patient during a simulation, in Rome, on Friday, March 6, 2020.
A traveler wears a mask as she fills out a form at a check point set up by border police inside Rome's Termini train station, on Tuesday, March 10, 2020.
A traveler wears a mask as she fills out a form at a check point set up by border police inside Rome's Termini train station, on Tuesday, March 10, 2020.
Faithful wear surgical masks as they wait for the arrival of Pope Francis outside the Santa Sabina Basilica on the occasion of the Ash Wednesday Mass opening Lent, the forty-day period of abstinence and deprivation for Christians before Holy Week and Easter, in Rome on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020. Pope Francis celebrated the Ash Wednesday ritual kicking off the Catholic Church's Lenten season in traditional fashion, while other Masses in northern Italy were canceled over fears of the new coronavirus.
A man and a girl on a scooter are backdropped by a Lombardy region campaign advertising reading in Italian ' Coronavirus let's stop it together ', at the Porta Nuova business district in Milan, Wednesday, March 11, 2020. Italy is mulling even tighter restrictions on daily life and has announced billions in financial relief to cushion economic shocks from the coronavirus. For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
A notice on the entrance doors, written in Italian and English, advises that La Scala theater performances are suspended due to the spread of coronavirus, in Milan, Italy, on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020.
A notice on the entrance doors, written in Italian and English, advises that La Scala theater performances are suspended due to the spread of coronavirus, in Milan, Italy, on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020.
Medical staff at work at one of the emergency structures that were set up to ease procedures at the Brescia hospital, northern Italy, on Thursday, March 12, 2020.
Medical staff at work at one of the emergency structures that were set up to ease procedures at the Brescia hospital, northern Italy, on Thursday, March 12, 2020.
Nurses wait for patients at the main entrance of the Brescia hospital, northern Italy, on Thursday, March 12, 2020.
Nurses wait for patients at the main entrance of the Brescia hospital, northern Italy, on Thursday, March 12, 2020.
People stand apart as they line up to enter a supermarket in Milan, Italy, on Friday, March 20, 2020.
People stand apart as they line up to enter a supermarket in Milan, Italy, on Friday, March 20, 2020.
Staffers sanitize the Samaritan’s Purse field hospital that is being set up in Cremona, northern Italy, on Friday, March 20, 2020.
Staffers sanitize the Samaritan’s Purse field hospital that is being set up in Cremona, northern Italy, on Friday, March 20, 2020.
A view of the corridor outside the intensive care unit of the hospital of Brescia, Italy, on Thursday, March 19, 2020.
A view of the corridor outside the intensive care unit of the hospital of Brescia, Italy, on Thursday, March 19, 2020.
People wave and clap their hands as a banner reading everything will be alright is displayed at right, at the Garbatella neighborhood, in Rome, on Saturday, March 14, 2020.
People wave and clap their hands as a banner reading everything will be alright is displayed at right, at the Garbatella neighborhood, in Rome, on Saturday, March 14, 2020.
Police officers checks their phones as they walk on Trocadero plaza during a nationwide confinement to counter the new coronavirus, in Paris, on Thursday, April 2,
Police officers checks their phones as they walk on Trocadero plaza during a nationwide confinement to counter the new coronavirus, in Paris, on Thursday, April 2,
Italian soldiers carry equipment at the Samaritan’s Purse field hospital that is being set up in Cremona, northern Italy, on Friday, March 20, 2020. A Christian evangelical group headed by the son of the late televangelist Billy Graham has sent a field hospital to northern Italy to tend to coronavirus patients, joining China in offering aid to Italy’s overwhelmed health care system.
Robbiano Church parson, Don Giuseppe Corbari, poses next to selfies sent by his parishioners and pasted on the pews of the Robbiano church, as Masses for the faithful have been suspended following Italy's coronavirus emergency, in Giussano, northern Italy, on Sunday, March 15, 2020.
Robbiano Church parson, Don Giuseppe Corbari, poses next to selfies sent by his parishioners and pasted on the pews of the Robbiano church, as Masses for the faithful have been suspended following Italy's coronavirus emergency, in Giussano, northern Italy, on Sunday, March 15, 2020.
Dani Beiluri, of Colombia, prays in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, on Sunday March 15, 2020 as Masses for the faithful have been suspended following Italy's coronavirus emergency.
Dani Beiluri, of Colombia, prays in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, on Sunday March 15, 2020 as Masses for the faithful have been suspended following Italy's coronavirus emergency.
A convoy of Italian Army trucks is unloaded upon arrival from Bergamo carrying bodies of coronavirus victims to the cemetery of Ferrara, Italy, where they will be cremated, on Saturday, March 21, 2020. The transfer was made necessary since Bergamo mortuary reached maximum capacity.
A convoy of Italian Army trucks is unloaded upon arrival from Bergamo carrying bodies of coronavirus victims to the cemetery of Ferrara, Italy, where they will be cremated, on Saturday, March 21, 2020. The transfer was made necessary since Bergamo mortuary reached maximum capacity.
Medical staff assist a patient in the Intensive Care Unit of the Bergamo Papa Giovanni XXIII hospital, Italy, on Tuesday, March 17, 2020.
Medical staff assist a patient in the Intensive Care Unit of the Bergamo Papa Giovanni XXIII hospital, Italy, on Tuesday, March 17, 2020.
A patient in a biocontainment unit is carried on a stretcher at the Columbus Covid 2 Hospital in Rome, on Monday, March 16, 2020. The new Columbus Covid 2 Hospital, an area fully dedicated to the COVID-19 cases at the Gemelli university polyclinic, opened today with 21 new ICU units and 32 new beds, in order to support the regional health authorities in trying to contain the pandemic. Sign at top in Italian reads "Admission COVID 19".
Medical staff take care pull a patient infected with the COVID-19 virus at the Gare d'Austerlitz train station on Wednesday April 1, 2020 in Paris.
Medical staff take care pull a patient infected with the COVID-19 virus at the Gare d'Austerlitz train station on Wednesday April 1, 2020 in Paris.
In this photo provided by the French Army Thursday, April 2, 2020, medical staffs evacuate a patient infected with the Covid-19 virus, on Wednesday April 1, 2020 at Orly airport, south of Paris. The operation aims at relieving hospitals in the Paris region, hardly hit by the coronavirus.
In this photo provided by the French Army Thursday, April 2, 2020, medical staffs evacuate a patient infected with the Covid-19 virus, on Wednesday April 1, 2020 at Orly airport, south of Paris. The operation aims at relieving hospitals in the Paris region, hardly hit by the coronavirus.
A man wrapped in a survival blanket is assisted by medical staff upon his arrival at one of the emergency structures that were set up to ease procedures at the Brescia hospital, Italy, on Monday, March 16, 2020.
A man wrapped in a survival blanket is assisted by medical staff upon his arrival at one of the emergency structures that were set up to ease procedures at the Brescia hospital, Italy, on Monday, March 16, 2020.
A medical staff looks through a door in an hospital on Wednesday April 1, 2020 in Rennes, western France. France is evacuating 36 patients infected with the coronavirus from the Paris region onboard two medicalized high-speed TGV trains. The patients, all treated in intensive care units (ICU), are being transferred to several hospitals in Britany, as western France is less impacted by the epidemic.
A convoy of Italian Army trucks arrives from Bergamo carrying bodies of coronavirus victims to the cemetery of Ferrara, Italy, where they will be cremated, on Saturday, March 21, 2020. The transfer was made necessary since Bergamo mortuary reached maximum capacity. For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms.
A convoy of Italian Army trucks arrives from Bergamo carrying bodies of coronavirus victims to the cemetery of Ferrara, Italy, where they will be cremated, on Saturday, March 21, 2020. The transfer was made necessary since Bergamo mortuary reached maximum capacity. For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms.
Staff talk at the Samaritan's Purse field hospital that is being set up in Cremona, Italy, on Saturday, March 21, 2020. A Christian evangelical group headed by the son of the late televangelist Billy Graham has sent a field hospital to northern Italy to tend to coronavirus patients, joining China in offering aid to Italy's overwhelmed health care system.
Roberto Cusimano, owner of San Giuseppe funeral home, left, is flanked by an employee as they prepare documents for transportation of the coffin of Concetta, 73 years old, who died with Coronavirus, at the Multimedica hospital morgue, in Milan, Italy, on Saturday, March 21, 2020.
Roberto Cusimano, owner of San Giuseppe funeral home, left, is flanked by an employee as they prepare documents for transportation of the coffin of Concetta, 73 years old, who died with Coronavirus, at the Multimedica hospital morgue, in Milan, Italy, on Saturday, March 21, 2020.
Coffins are placed on scaffolding in the Crematorium Temple of Piacenza, northern Italy, awaiting cremation due to the coronavirus emergency on March 23, 2020
Coffins are placed on scaffolding in the Crematorium Temple of Piacenza, northern Italy, awaiting cremation due to the coronavirus emergency on March 23, 2020
This GoPro image provided Saturday March 28, 2020 by the French Army shows evacuated patients infected with the Covid-19 disease aboard a military plane from Mulhouse, eastern France to Bordeaux, southwestern France, on Friday March 27, 2020.
This GoPro image provided Saturday March 28, 2020 by the French Army shows evacuated patients infected with the Covid-19 disease aboard a military plane from Mulhouse, eastern France to Bordeaux, southwestern France, on Friday March 27, 2020.
Medical staff of the Intensive Care Unit of the Casalpalocco COVID-19 Clinic in the outskirts of Rome tend to patients, on Wednesday, March 25, 2020.
Medical staff of the Intensive Care Unit of the Casalpalocco COVID-19 Clinic in the outskirts of Rome tend to patients, on Wednesday, March 25, 2020.
Medical staff take care of patients infected with the COVID-19 virus in a train at the Gare d'Austerlitz train station on Wednesday April 1, 2020 in Paris. France is evacuating 36 patients infected with the coronavirus from the Paris region onboard two medicalized high-speed TGV trains. The patients, all treated in intensive care units (ICU), are being transferred to several hospitals in Britany, as western France is less impacted by the epidemic.
Public information signs urging people to stay at home are seen by the promenade in Blackpool, northwest England, Sunday, April 5, 2020 as a bout of warm weather has raised fears that the public may not observe the British government guidelines that include two metres social distancing from people that don't live in the same household, to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

“We have to prevent this more effectively than before and act effectively in cases where there are infections and outbreaks: This includes fines and penalties if it is a matter of intent or gross negligence,” he added.

The Western European nation of 83 million has been largely praised for its handling of the pandemic. With just over 211,000 cases, its death toll of 9,224 is about five times less than the U.K., which has a population of 66.7 million.

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