Europe's headlines are looking a bit different from the rest of the world's as of late, as a "second wave", according to Forbes has threatened to put much of the region under lockdown once again. With the COVID-19 virus following a pattern that experts claim has never been seen before, many are saying now that there was never an end to the first wave - the pandemic has just been one long surge.

What has been complicating the situation even further is the variation in cases from country to country. It's been increasingly challenging to nail down one, wide-spread set of guidelines, as each country has been implementing and lessening their own restrictions. To add to the chaos of this pandemic, while travelers will face consequences for going against restrictions in some places, in others, the backlash of not having these consequences has proven disastrous.

Experts have officially warned that the virus is unlike the flu in the sense that seasons do not matter in regard to its time frame. Unlike the flu, which comes back during the winter and spring seasons, COVID-19 has no rhyme or reason as to who it infects and when - there has been no sign of a seasonal ebb and flow, only adding to the precautions that experts are now urging.

The WHO's Recommendations

Margaret Harris, the spokesperson for the World Health Organization, recommends that people stop viewing this virus as a seasonal infection. Rather, Harris suggests that everyone begin viewing this for what it is - a virus that's transmitted via large gatherings, from person to person, via the nose and the mouth.

The misunderstanding comes from the fact that the world is facing a respiratory virus that doesn't behave like a typical respiratory virus. While the measures in place - face masks, social distancing, and maintaining a six-foot distance between people - are working, these measures must continue to be followed in order to subdue the resurgence of case levels. Harris has cited both the US and Brazil as current examples as to why there are no multiple waves and, rather, just one large surge in cases. The ebb and flow no longer signify the end of one wave and the start of another but rather, one long-lasting wave that's dependent on the general public's commitment to keeping contact with others low.

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The Affected Countries

While the US is still facing a hefty number of cases due to the vigilance of some states and the lax rules of others, the State Department has officially recommended that people avoid international travel. Vice versa, the Department has urged that travelers in other countries arrange flights back to the US as soon as possible, lest they want an extended stay in the country they currently reside in.

Germany, which has had relatively low cases thus far, has begun offering free airport testing to passengers in the wake of a new spike. According to the head of Germany's disease prevention agency, the blame falls on its residents for not taking the necessary precautions to prevent a rise in cases.

The UK has put warnings on non-essential travel to places such as Spain, the Canary Islands, and the Balaeric Islands. Quarantine measures have been put in place as well, as the region is still considering adding to their red list.

Spain, a country that has fought a tense and tragic battle during the pandemic, is now implementing strict restrictions once again - limiting indoor seating at cafes and restaurants, as well as gatherings in a person's home, to ten people or less. Bars in Madrid now have curfews and PCR tests are being administered in the city's airport.

people in madrid wear face masks
via Euronews

Belgium has also imposed heavy restrictions with its sudden rise in cases, including strict social distancing measures for gatherings. Additionally, the country has made masks mandatory.

France remains concerned but isn't currently implementing any new rules or regulations. While the country did see a sharp increase in cases during its peak, the numbers where they stand now, have dropped significantly.

Next: How Travel Is Expected To Look After Summer 2020