Coronavirus Responses

In light of rising numbers of COVID-19 cases worldwide, we take a look at articles from Ireland, Norway, Romania and Czechia to see how different European countries are viewing and responding to the pandemic.  

Irish approach

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has announced measures to stop the spread of coronavirus in the Irish Republic from Washington DC. The Irish Times has stated that the measures will last until 29 March and be kept under review. Schools, colleges, childcare facilities, and cultural institutions will remain closed. The measures also affect gatherings larger than 100 people that are indoors and those of 500 people that are outdoors. But, they will allow for shops, cafes and restaurants to remain open. They have also recommended that those who can work from home should do so. The Taoiseach is aware that the economy will suffer, but says ‘it will bounce back’. Government officials believe that these measures will save thousands of lives, although unprecedented in their scale and effect.



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Norwegian companies fear layoffs

Aftenpoften takes a closer look at the impact the coronavirus may have on the Norwegian business sector and what steps the Norwegian government has taken in their emergency measures. A survey conducted by the Norwegian Confederation of Norwegian Enterprises (NHO) shows that one in four companies surveyed believes they may have to lay off employees in the short term. Currently, the worst hit sectors include aviation, travel and transport as well as enterprises who rely on Chinese manufacturers such as the electrical industry. Although the NHO feels that Norway is facing an economic crisis, steps taken by the government have assuaged some concerns. The government has outlined three phases to dampen the economic effects, which include measures to counteract bankruptcies and layoffs, immediate measures for hard hit sectors as well as measures to maintain economic activity throughout the crisis.



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Romanian-European views

Digi24 features three opinion pieces authored by Romanian liberal-conservative politicians sitting in the European Parliament. As the first to be published, Dacian Ciolos, Chair of the Renew Europe Group, believes that the authorities in Bucharest will not be able to respond well to COVID-19 if the numbers of cases start rising in Romania. He points out that from a political and economic point of view, the country is in a fragile state and the level of corruption will prevent Romania from taking appropriate measures. Meanwhile, Rareș Bogdan, from the National Liberal Party and an MEP in the EPP group, argues that citizens should put aside ignorant and egoistic views and should trust their governments in the crisis, instead of blaming authorities for taking drastic but necessary measures. Siegfried Muresan, also in the EPP group, concludes that efforts to combat an epidemic are more efficient at the European level and that the EU should use its financial means to support member states in the crisis.



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Czech solutions

The English-language news page Expats.cz runs an article on a possible solution found in Prague that could help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The Czech capital’s public transport company is currently testing two different disinfectants that can kill bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms. Once applied on surfaces in public transport vehicles, the disinfectants can be effective for up to three weeks, whereas conventional disinfectant gels would only last for a couple of minutes or hours at the most. First, however, a series of tests need to be carried out to ensure the disinfectants are not only effective and innovative but also safe for the passengers. They will then be deployed in a limited number of trams and buses and if proven successful can be used in public transport throughout the city.





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