EU virus concerns rise

Here's the latest news from the global pandemic. Lawmakers to unveil $908 billion pandemic relief plan on Monday EU's Michel sees first Covid vaccines approved 'in coming weeks' Emerging markets look to vaccine rollout, stimulus for next spur As Covid shot nears, EU concerns rise Europe is tightening curbs on people and businesses to slow the rapid spread of the coronavirus even as the rollout of a vaccine that could help revive battered economies draws closer. Following record daily cases and deaths on Friday, Germany is urging employers to close workplaces as it starts a hard lockdown on Wednesday. Italy and the Netherlands are expected to sharpen restrictions as well. Concern is mounting that imminent European approval of the Covid-19 vaccine that's already been cleared in the U.K. and the U.S. could prompt complacency with adhering to contact and hygiene rules. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has called for one more effort to protect loved ones as authorities warn that it will take months before a vaccine can have a tangible impact. "The infection numbers are so high because the measures we took so far were inadequate," Helge Braun, Merkel's chief of staff, said Monday in an interview with n-tv. Europe's largest economy will have to endure "difficult days" as long as a vaccine isn't widely available, added Braun, a qualified medical doctor. Over the weekend, Italy passed the U.K. as the European country with the highest number of Covid-19 deaths, adding to pressure on Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte's administration. Officials are considering new curbs, effectively walking back recent moves to allow more activity during the period, Corriere della Sera reported on Monday.  The Dutch government is expected to decide later on Monday on tougher measures, with local media reports saying the country may follow Germany in closing non-essential stores. While the U.K. is already rolling out the shot developed by Pfizer and BioNTech, and the U.S. could begin as early as Monday, the European Union though is lagging behind. European Council President Charles Michel said Sunday he expects the first Covid vaccines to be approved "in the coming weeks, maybe even before the end of the year." Hard-pressed governments are keen to begin administering shots as soon as possible. German Health Minister Jens Spahn noted Sunday that "all the necessary data are available" and said the nation is ready to start vaccinating citizens immediately after approval is granted by the European Medicines Agency. "It's also about the trust of citizens in the ability of the European Union to act," Spahn said on Twitter. "Every day that we can start vaccinating earlier reduces suffering and protects the most vulnerable."—Jerrold Colten, Dara Doyle and Joost Akkermans   Get in touch What Do You Want to Know About Covid-19? The last nine months have been really confusing. We've all had to become amateur epidemiologists, learning things like how far viruses can travel in airborne droplets or what type of masks to wear. We'd like to hear from you: What are your questions or concerns about Covid-19? Each week we'll pick one, track down the experts, and post it in next week's newsletter. Submit your questions here or via CovidQs@bloomberg.net   What you should read Virus Brings U.S.-Style Gig Economy to Korea Even when employed, workers need a second job to generate extra income. Italy Overtakes U.K. in Europe Covid Deaths It adds to pressure as Italy seeks to prevent flare-up during holiday season. Australia-New Zealand Quarantine-Free Travel? The travel bubble could begin in early 2021 once details are worked out. Hospitals Await First Shipments of Virus Vaccine Hospitals ensure they are ready for the final payoff from months of planning. Pandemic Took His Business. So He Started Over Some travel entrepreneurs look to other options as business disappears. Know someone else who would like this newsletter? Have them sign up here. Have any questions, concerns, or news tips on Covid-19 news? Get in touch or help us cover the story. Like this newsletter? Subscribe for unlimited access to trusted, data-based journalism in 120 countries around the world and gain expert analysis from exclusive daily newsletters, The Bloomberg Open and The Bloomberg Close. Follow Us Get the newsletter You received this message because you are subscribed to Bloomberg's Coronavirus Daily newsletter. Unsubscribe | Bloomberg.com | Contact Us Bloomberg L.P. 731 Lexington, New York, NY, 10022