Yahoo News The European countries with the highest coronavirus death tolls
The death toll from coronavirus is rising in Europe, with many countries imposing nationwide lockdowns to curb the spread of the disease.
Nations such as Italy, Spain, France and the UK have recorded the highest number of deaths of any nation in the world, according to data released by Johns Hopkins University in the US.
Globally, the number of COVID-19 cases surpassed 1.5 million this week, with over 90,000 deaths recorded in the 100 days since the outbreak began.
Below, we list the ten European countries with the highest death tolls and the measures they are taking to try and curb the spread of the disease.
Italy
Italy has recorded the highest number of deaths in Europe, 17,699, with the country under a nationwide lockdown since 9 March.
The country looking at plans to ease lockdown restrictions. Shops and businesses could reopen on 13 April, and Italians could be allowed to go from 4 May.
But the World Health Organization warned lifting restrictions at this stage would be a “dangerous thing to do”.
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Spain
On Thursday, deaths in Spain rose by 683 to a total of 15,328, while confirmed cases also rose to 152,446 from 146,690.
On Sunday, prime minister Pedro Sanchez announced he would extend the country's nationwide lockdown measures to 26 April.
It is the second time the lockdown has been extended since it originally came into force on 14 March.
France
France has become one of the worst affected countries in the bloc, confirming 1,417 deaths ion Tuesday - considered the biggest daily rise of any country in the world - bringing the total death toll to 10,869.
The nationwide lockdown has been extended for a second time, beyond the original date of 15 April, with the country announcing it had gone into recession on Wednesday.
Paris, the worst affected region int e country, has also banned all outdoor exercise between 10am - 7pm.
United Kingdom
The UK is the fourth worst affected nation in Europe, as the death toll rose by 898 on Thursday, to a total of 7,097 deaths.
Following a COBRA meeting, the government said it is “too early” to lift nationwide lockdown measures first imposed by Boris Johnson on 23 March, as the virus’ peak had still not been reached.
With the weather becoming warmer over Easter weekend, UK police forces will be taking further action to ensure social distancing measures remain in place and that people remain indoors except for essential trips.
The government insists it will not tighten up lockdown measures and urged the public to resist the temptation to congregate in public.
Belgium
The country has so far recorded 2,523 deaths since the outbreak began.
On Wednesday, the number of hospitalised patients dipped for the first time since the pandemic hit Belgium.
Belgium’s National Security Council will meet next Wednesday to discuss the possibility of extending nationwide quarantine measures, originally set to 19 April, to 3 May.
Netherlands
The Netherlands has seen More than 2,396 COVID-19 deaths, with 21,898 confirmed cases. The nation recorded it’s biggest daily increase of 234 deaths on 7 April.
Unlike Italy, Spain and the UK, instead of quarantining residents, the country has opted for a “herd immunity” approach to tackling the virus, in an attempt to soften the blow to the Dutch economy.
Businesses that require touching , such as hairdressers, beauticians and the sex industry have been forced to close, while schools, nurseries and universities have been shut until at least 28 April.
Germany
Germany reported 4,974 new coronavirus cases on Thursday, taking the total number to 108,202 since the start of the pandemic.
According to official data from the Robert Koch Institute in Berlin, the number of Covid-19 deaths rose by 246 to 2,107. Daily fatalities were slightly lower than the previous day, but still notably higher than in previous weeks.
Germany is considering easing restrictions on public life after imposing lockdown three weeks ago, with the first steps might be taken after Easter. Chancellor Angela Merkel and other state leaders are due to review restrictions on 15 April.
Turkey
Turkey has so recorded 812 deaths from COVID-19, with cases rising to 38,226 on Wednesday - the ninth consecutive day of rises.
This week, Turkey imposed stricter measures to control the spread of the virus. Masks are compulsory on public transport, in markets and other communal spaces, while 31 cities are now closed to all but essential traffic.
Health minister Fahrettin Koca urged people to abide by the rules of self-isolation and emphasised the importance of staying home amid the pandemic.
Sweden
Prime minister Stefan Lofven has urged residents to “behave like adults” resisting calls to impose a nationwide quarantine in the country.
Only the most vulnerable in the country have been advised to self-isolate at home, while bars and restaurants are still open along with primary schools and shops.
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