As of March 11 local time, a cumulative total of 23,543 cases of new coronavirus infections had been reported in Europe, making Europe another active area of the epidemic. The battle for protective gear has also intensified, with the French government announcing a nationwide requisition for masks on the 4th, leading to the axing of a multi-million order for masks in the UK. According to French mask makers, "Now we are facing a big question about who should be prioritized."
The Daily Mail reported on June 6 that due to a lack of medical equipment and masks. Angry British doctors have strongly questioned the NHS's ability to respond to the outbreak. The report said that due to the shortage of beds and equipment, hospitals will prioritize patients with a higher likelihood of survival, and that elderly and infirm patients are likely to be denied intensive care. Doctors have also said that masks are more scarce now than during the 2009 swine flu epidemic, with healthcare workers having to **** with them and wash them.