A new winter Covid wave is threatening to engulf Europe, as UK rates continue to decline.
A three-week partial lockdown began in the Netherlands on Saturday as cases surge across the continent.
Experts say the UK appears to be avoiding a similar peak because it eased lockdown restrictions in the summer.
Europe currently accounts for more than half of the average 7-day infections globally and about half of latest deaths.
They are the highest levels since April last year when the virus was at its initial peak in Italy.
Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic are taking or planning measures to curb the spread.
The fresh concerns come as successful inoculation campaigns have plateaued ahead of the winter months and flu season.
Germany, France and the Netherlands are also experiencing a surge in infections.
Lockdown measures in Holland include restaurants and shops ordered to close early and spectators barred from sporting events.
Germany will reintroduce free COVID-19 tests and a draft law would allow for measures such as compulsory face masks and social distancing in public spaces to continue to be enforced until next March.
Austria’s government is expected to impose a lockdown on people who are not vaccinated.
