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European countries are strengthening their measures to curb the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, as more than 7,500 confirmed cases have been reported on the continent by far.
Italy, the hardest-hit country in Europe, has introduced the most comprehensive and strict containment measures, including the closure of all schools and universities across the country until March 15 at least.
Another containment measure concerned all sporting events, including many matches of the Serie A football League, which will be held behind closed doors until April 3.
Earlier this week, French government spokeswoman Sibeth Ndiaye said that officials would probably have to raise the country's epidemic alert to the maximum of level three, potentially leading to travel restrictions and clampdowns on public activities.
France, with 716 confirmed cases and 11 deaths by far, has called off all mass gatherings of more than 5,000 attendants. In areas with a high number of cases, all public gatherings -- including markets and Sunday Mass -- were banned and schools were closed.
Even in the Czech Republic, which now reports 19 confirmed cases, is tightening up its policies. On Friday, the Ministry of Health released a new measure, asking all 16,500 Czechs now touring in Italy to undergo a mandatory two-week home quarantine after they come back.
The measure, to be taken into effect on Saturday, is due to the spread of coronavirus in Italy and the fact that most of the confirmed cases in the Czech Republic were infected during their stay in Italy, said the ministry. Before this, Czech Republic has already banned direct flights to affected countries.
With less choices to travel, gathering, school and all others, daily lifestyle of Europeans is also undergoing changes under the circumstance, such as the way of greetings.
A recent video featuring an Italian granny's advice on COVID-19 prevention went viral on social media.
In the video, the granny, in her 80s, uses witty language to tell people to change some habits and pay attention to personal protection amid the epidemic. For example, she advocates replacing "kiss" and "hug" with "giving a wink" in greetings.
The bisous, or cheek kissing, which is kissing one or both cheeks when meeting or saying goodbye, is common in France and other European countries. But recently the French Health minister Olivier Veran recommended the public not to give such a ritual during the epidemic.
Also recently in TV debates in France, the hottest topic is how to keep the balance between policies containing the spread of virus and measures calling on people to maintain normal life and economic activities.
Meanwhile, experts also warned that European epidemic prevention work still faces some unfavorable factors.
The Schengen Agreement makes it hard for countries in the area to limit the cross-border movement of personnel, which brings great difficulties to epidemic prevention and control.
The weak awareness of ordinary people has also, according to analysts, made it harder for prevention measures truly effective in Europe. Many people still consider the novel coronavirus no worse than ordinary flu as its mortality rate is not high.
(by Xinhua Writer Yang Xiaohong, Xinhua reporters Zhai Wei in Brussels, Liu Fang in Paris, Chen Zhanjie in Roma, Wen Xinnian in Lisbon, Tian Ying in Berlin, Guo Mingfang in Vilnius, Shi Zhongyu in Belgrade, and Zhu Haochen in Helsinki also contributed to the story.)
