European countries were speeding up and adjusting their vaccine programs in hopes of stemming the spread of the new Delta variant of the coronavirus and preventing a new wave of infections.
Most European countries starting easing coronavirus health restrictions in April and May, as infection rates and other key pandemic indicators improved. Now, in the midst of the continent's main summer holiday period, plans to jump-start the tourism economy may be cast in new doubt due to the Delta variant.
The highly transmissible variant, which was first found in India, is unnerving European health leaders who have been through months of lockdowns, travel restrictions, and other health measures.