The deadly novel coronavirus infection is still quite rampant in several parts of the world. Where most countries are busy dealing with the first wave of the viral infection and resuscitating their crumbling economies, there are also countries like Spain, France, and the United Kingdom which had thwarted the coronavirus spread several weeks ago, are facing a spike in new daily cases.

This is an alarming but expected development. Most health experts and global health bodies like the World Health Organization and others have repeatedly warned against the second wave of coronavirus. History and past experiences of countries dealing with epidemics and pandemics tell us that the second wave of a virus is almost inescapable. But what we can avoid is the magnitude and severity of the second wave of viral disease.

Country    Total Cases     New Cases (Last 24h)    Total Deaths   New Deaths (Last 24h)

Spain         603,167             +9,437              30,004           +156

France       395,104              +7,852              30,999           +49

UK           374,228              +3,105             41,664        +27

Several countries including Spain, France, and the United Kingdom imposed strict lockdown restrictions when COVID-19 cases started to go up in the first trimester of 2020. The UK was the last among the three countries to impose lockdown as they initially tried to take the 'herd immunity' route, which backfired. Most countries started easing these restrictions as daily cases' tally dropped and the virus curve flattened.

As lockdown was lifted and educational institutions opened in the UK, France, and Spain a spike in new cases was recorded in all these countries. In the past four weeks, these countries have seen a consistent rise in newly confirmed cases. So much so that the governments are pondering on imposing lockdown restrictions again.

France witnessed its worst day yet in the pandemic on September 12 as over 10,000 new cases were reported in a day surpassing the previous record for single-day infections set on May 31. Just yesterday, Spain recorded more than 9,000 new cases. The UK also has been experiencing a rapid rise in new cases as almost 3,000 daily cases have been reported this week.

Epidemiologists say that people have let go of their hygienic measures and are also no longer wearing masks, and following SOPs put in place by the government which has led to the second wave of coronavirus in several countries. So it's important to remember that virus hasn't just vanished, the scare is still pretty much there. So wear masks and avoid social gatherings.