‘It's not over until it's over’: List of countries fearing second wave of coronavirus

Ever since South Korea and China reported new cases of coronavirus infections weeks after lifting restrictions, fear of a second wave has been looming large. On May 11, China reported one new coronavirus case and 15 asymptomatic infections prompting Jilin provincial government to reinstate lockdown. South Korea also closed all bars and pubs in Seoul on May 9 after reporting as many as 35 new cases which were primarily related to garings at bars. 

In month of April, while countries were still struggling to contain widespre coronavirus infections, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Robert Redfield h warned that a second wave of coronavirus would be even “more difficult” than original. warning came just a day after World Health Organization’s Director-General, Tedros ham Ghebreyesus said, “ worst is yet ahe of us.” 

On May 11, World Health Organization warned that countries lifting restrictions, including South Korea, saw an increase in new cases over weekend.

Countries fearing second wave of coronavirus

China

Fear of a second wave of coronavirus triggered on May 10 after Wuhan reported new cases of diseases. All of latest confirmed cases were previously classified as asymptomatic. This means that people who test positive for virus are capable of infecting ors but do t show clinical signs such as a fever. 

first case of new outbreak, which was detected Friday, involved a 45-year-old woman who is a laundry worker for a city's public security bureau, Jilin health authorities said.  Shulan, in Jilin province in country's far rast, has been put under lockdown, following 11 newly confirmed cases. Trains and vehicles, except those used by emergency rescuers, have been barred from entering city.

A statement issued by Wuhan Health Authority said: "At present, task of epidemic prevention and control in city is still very heavy. "We must resolutely contain risk of a rebound."

number of asymptomatic cases in China is t kwn yet because y can only be detected when y show up positive during tests. Reportedly, country's overall tally does t include asymptomatic cases until y exhibit signs of infection. wonder, some experts have been suggesting that actual figure could, refore, be much higher.

Mi Feng, spokesman for China's National Health Commission, on May 10 urged people to "stay alert and step up personal protection against virus." He ded that new clusters were a reminder to avoid social garings and seek medical vice or testing should anyone exhibit virus symptoms.

Total infections: 82,919

Death toll: 4,633

New cases: 1 case and 15 asymptomatic infections

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South Korea

Simultaneously, South Korea is also fearing a second wave of coronavirus infections soon after it lifted restrictions. country recorded 35 new infections as of midnight on May 10, highest numbers in more than a month. rise in new cases prompted country to close down more than 2,100 bars and or nightspots on May 9. On May 12, Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon said a total of 101 coronavirus cases were linked to a nightclub cluster in South Korea.

cluster emerged in capital's Itaewon entertainment district over past few days. So far 7,272 people in Seoul have been tested in relation to nightclub cluster, Park said. Park ded that over 36% of cases are asymptomatic and rate of spre is very high. He ded that re h been multiple cases of secondary infection.

"It's t over until it's over," said South Korean President Moon Jae-in, speaking on May 10 after a new cluster of coronavirus cases emerged in country's capital Seoul, sparking fear of a second wave of infections. He furr warned that "we must never lower our guard regarding epidemic prevention." 

However, authorities reportedly cautioned that new cases did t suggest that a second wave of pandemic was beginning. Jung Eun-Kyeong, director-general of South Korea's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reportedly told international media that country was still reserving eugh equipment and encouraging social distancing and or preventive measures as part of preparations for a second wave of virus in autumn or winter.

Total infections: 10,936

Death toll: 258

New cases: 35 cases and over 100 suspected

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Germany

Meanwhile, Germany's reproduction number has increased to above one for past two days in a row, as per its center for disease control, Robert Koch Institute (RKI). This means that one infected person is on aver infecting more than one or person. On May 12,  Disease Control and Prevention centre of Germany confirmed that country reported more than 900 new coronavirus cases. new cases were reported after widespre ease of lockdown restrictions.

Chancellor Angela Merkel told public last week that y could "afford a bit of cour," while cautioning that "we have to watch that this thing does t slip out of our hands."

Total infections: 172,576

Death toll: 7,661

New cases: 933

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Europe

Experts have been warning Europe of a possible second wave of infections as several countries are planning to ease restrictions. Experts argue that easing lockdowns and restarting international travel could trigger next wave. As per reports several countries witnesses an increase in reproduction rate after reopening. Or than Germany, Denmark also recorded an increase in rate, but it remained under 1.

Stefan de Keersmaecker, a spokesperson for European Commission, said in a press conference, "Member states should prepare for eventual second waves of infections by taking any opportunity to enhance existing surveillance systems." Keersmaecker ded, "this is key to ensure that citizens understand that new waves can occur, even if an initial wave is successfully mand."

Singapore

Earlier Singapore was ‘caught off guard’ by a second wave of coronavirus infections in late April after nearly 900 new coronavirus cases were reported. Most of se new cases were work permit holders living in migrant worker dormitories. Ever since n Infections in Singapore have jumped more than a hundredfold in two months from 226 in mid-March to more than 23,000. 

Asian country recorded a low number of infections for weeks and implemented only a partial lockdown. While international arrivals and large public garings were banned, schools and restaurants open remained open. After surge in cases in April, government to impose even stricter measures than before. On April 21, country extended its lockdown measures to June 1.

Total infections: 24,671

Death toll: 21

New cases: 849

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