Prognosis

Europe Sees Early Signs Latest Virus Surge Is Leveling Off

  • Austrian contagion rates have halved, Germany’s are sliding
  • Authorities are on alert and pushing vaccines as omicron looms

Shoppers pass a closed Christmas market in central Vienna, on Nov. 22.

Photographer: Akos Stiller/Bloomberg
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Europe’s virus surge appears to be leveling off after governments across the continent clamped down with another round of tough measures, including lockdowns and restrictions on the unvaccinated.

While the trend varies across countries, overall European Union numbers look to have hit a plateau. Austria and Germany have seen a dramatic shift, with the former’s seven-day case rate plunging by more than half since late last month.