The COVID-19 pandemic advanced rapidly across Europe in early March 2020. France edged closer to stage 3 containment measures, while neighboring Italy imposed quarantine on nearly 15 million residents in its northern regions.
According to France Info, as of the evening of March 7, 2020, France had recorded 943 cases and 16 deaths, making it the fifth-most affected country globally. A defense council convened at the Élysée Palace that Sunday at 6 p.m. Sources close to President Emmanuel Macron indicated no immediate shift to stage 3, though Health Minister Olivier Véran stated, “we will evolve toward stage 3 in a progressive, inevitable way.”
Of the 16 fatalities, 11 were men and 5 were women, with 12 over age 70. Jérôme Salomon, director general of health, noted, “it is less than in classic flu epidemics.” A third case emerged at the National Assembly, where one deputy, two MEPs, and one staff member tested positive.
Italy faced a dire situation with 5,883 confirmed cases and 233 deaths. On March 8, the government enacted quarantine across 11 areas, including Milan, Venice, and parts of Emilia-Romagna such as Parma—impacting nearly 15 million people.
These zones saw complete lockdowns: no entry or exit permitted except for exceptional circumstances. Schools, universities, cultural centers, museums, pools, and gyms closed entirely. Hospital and funeral staff had vacations deferred to manage the crisis.
Germany reported 799 cases with no deaths. Spain had 500 cases and 10 deaths. Neighbors Switzerland (268 cases, 1 death) and Belgium (169 cases) were also affected. Other Western European nations included the UK (206 cases, 2 deaths), Netherlands (188 cases, 1 death), Sweden (161), and Norway (147).
In the Americas, the US led with 424 cases and 15 deaths, followed by Canada (54) and Mexico (6). Cases emerged in Ecuador and Argentina (around 10 each).
Iran dominated the Middle East with 5,823 cases and 145 deaths; others included Bahrain (85), Kuwait (65), and UAE (45).
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