UK's Johnson returns, Dutch pupils sail home: COVID

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson returns to work, facing challenges in uniting public health and economic priorities amid ongoing COVID-19 issues. The European Commission is working on a recovery fund proposal, with Economy Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni suggesting a fund worth over $1.6 trillion. Belgium's government outlines its lockdown exit strategy, while France reports a significant drop in COVID-19 fatalities ahead of Prime Minister Edouard Philippe's presentation of the lockdown easing plan. Dutch students return home after sailing across the Atlantic due to travel restrictions.

Spain 'over toughest phase,' WHO and EU unite: COVID

All 27 EU countries have agreed on a recovery fund set up by the European Commission, marking a significant milestone. Germany's COVID-19 cases have surpassed 150,000, with a death toll of 5,321. The EU faces an economic contraction of 5-10%. The WHO and EU have announced a collaboration to accelerate COVID-19 health technologies. Spain's daily deaths have fallen to the lowest in over a month, while Hungary's Prime Minister expects a quick economic recovery. The UK has increased COVID-19 testing for key workers, and Germany is considering further loosening restrictions. Belgium faces a potential potato surplus due to lockdowns, and Switzerland is conducting multiple COVID-19 research trials.

UK, France and Poland set to extend lockdowns: COVID

The UK, France, and Poland are set to extend their COVID-19 lockdown measures as the pandemic continues to impact Europe. The UK government is expected to prolong its lockdown beyond the initial three-week period, with Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab likely to make an announcement. France has confirmed an extension of its lockdown beyond April 15, with President Emmanuel Macron expected to address the nation soon. Poland will extend business lockdowns until April 19 and maintain other restrictions until early May. The EU is under pressure to finalize a significant economic support package, while the WHO seeks over $1 billion in funding to combat the pandemic. Switzerland and Finland have also extended their lockdown measures, and Spain faces challenges in accurately reporting COVID-19 deaths.

UK deaths up 23% in a day, Russia bans flights: COVID

The global COVID-19 pandemic has surpassed a million confirmed cases with significant death tolls in various countries. The UK experienced its deadliest day with a 23% rise in deaths, while Russia is set to suspend all international flights. Germany's death toll has exceeded 1,000, and Spain's daily death toll has slightly decreased. The WHO warns against lifting quarantine restrictions prematurely. Google is aiding authorities by publishing anonymized public movement data. The European University Hospital Alliance calls for open borders for medical supplies, and various countries are taking measures to manage the crisis, including clinical trials and financial bonuses for essential workers.

How Europe's police are enforcing COVID-19 restrictions

Marie Dinou was fined $818 in the UK for violating new coronavirus laws. Across Europe, police are enforcing COVID-19 restrictions with varying degrees of severity, including fines and arrests. In the UK, fines start at $70, while in France, repeat offenders can face jail time and hefty fines. Germany's fines vary by region, with North Rhine Westphalia imposing penalties for public gatherings. Switzerland has restrictions on gatherings but no total lockdown, and Hungary allows leaving home for broad reasons but enforces social distancing. Each country has specific guidelines and penalties to ensure compliance with public health measures.

UK seeks 100,000 daily tests, Bonn bomb evacuation: COVID

The UK plans to conduct 100,000 daily coronavirus tests by the end of April, with potential 'immunity certificates' for those who have recovered. A hospital in Bonn, Germany, was evacuated due to a WWII bomb discovery. Spain's death toll reached 10,003, with significant aid arriving from Turkey and China. The Portuguese government is voting on extending the state of emergency, while France is implementing strict travel restrictions for Easter. The Netherlands proposed an EU fund for COVID-19 affected nations. Belgium faces police strikes over protective gear shortages, and Switzerland is preparing additional financial aid. Hungary received significant PPE shipments from China, and Germany extended social distancing measures. Spain's lockdown shows signs of reducing infection rates, and new economic aid measures are being introduced.

Pandemic 'accelerating' and UK told to stay at home: COVID

Britons are instructed to stay at home with non-essential shops closed and police empowered to stop public gatherings. The UK mobilizes the army to deliver protective equipment to healthcare workers. The pandemic is accelerating globally, with over 350,000 cases and 15,000 deaths. Cuban doctors arrive in Italy to assist, and Spain's prime minister calls for a coordinated European investment program. FIFA and WHO launch a new awareness campaign. Several European countries, including Greece, Italy, and Switzerland, announce stricter lockdown measures. France reports its first doctor death from COVID-19, and Germany's chancellor self-isolates after exposure. The economic impact in Germany could exceed half a trillion euros, with significant job losses projected.

Vaccine tests, repatriation and Netflix quality cut: COVID

European countries are implementing various measures to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, including lockdowns, repatriation efforts, and economic aid packages. Spain's death toll has risen significantly, prompting the government to close hotels and take special measures in nursing homes. Netflix and YouTube are reducing streaming quality to prevent internet strain. Slovakia received medical supplies from China, while France and Spain are organizing repatriation flights. Finland questions WHO's testing advice, and the UK is developing a ventilator prototype. Russia is testing vaccine prototypes, and Serbia has closed its borders. Mental health professionals anticipate increased demand. The UK is closing schools and seeking retired medical staff to return to work. The EU is considering extending post-Brexit negotiations and issuing 'corona bonds' to mitigate economic impacts. Key figures like Emmanuel Macron, Angela Merkel, and Ursula von der Leyen are actively involved in managing the crisis.

Julia Lyubova reports from the FIFA Final Draw media centre