Another COVID-19 Surge Risks Slowing Europe’s Recovery

Resurgent COVID-19 outbreaks in Europe are unlikely to trigger strict lockdowns, but soft restrictions and persistent uncertainty could still stymie the Continent’s economic recovery, especially in the south. European countries are fighting the simultaneous challenges of persistent vaccination hesitancy and rising COVID-19 infections amid the emergence of the more contagious Delta variant. In recent days, several governments have reintroduced restrictions on nightclubs, restaurants and bars in an attempt to curb cases among young, unvaccinated people. Some governments have also made vaccination mandatory for health workers and have warned that, unless vaccination rates improve, it could become compulsory for the entire population....