Roundup: record Covid-19 infection rates reported in Europe

(Update: adds details of Madrid restrictions)

Madrid Desk, Sep 18 (efe-epa).- Several European countries on Friday reported their highest infection rates since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, one day after the World Health Organisation warned of a “very serious” situation on the continent.

The Czech Republic and Hungary saw the biggest surge in cases since the outbreak began while others including Spain, France, Germany and Russia also faced rising infection rates.

CZECH REPUBLIC

A total of 3,130 cases were detected in the past 24 hours, the highest figure in the country since the start of the pandemic, a jump of more than 1,000 from the previous day.

There are almost 23,300 active infections in the Czech Republic, of which around 400 are being treated in hospital, including 90 in a serious condition, according to health officials.

A total of 489 deaths have been recorded in a country, which is home to 10.6 million people.

The Czech Republic has been the third worst European country in the last 14 days, with an average of 143 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, behind only Spain and France, according to data from the European Commission.

Fresh restrictions have been imposed including capping indoor events at 10 people and mandatory masks in schools.

HUNGARY