Covid 19 coronavirus: European countries scramble as cases surge 5 Apr, 2021 06:53 PM 6 minutes to read Europe is struggling to battle highly infectious mutations of Covid-19 which are changing the game across the continent. Video / AP Europe is struggling to battle highly infectious mutations of Covid-19 which are changing the game across the continent. Video / AP Other By: Rafal Niedzielski & Angela Charlton of AP European countries are scrambling to tamp down a surge in Covid-19 cases and ramp up vaccinations, hoping to spare hospitals from becoming overwhelmed by the pandemic's latest deadly wave of infections. The crush of coronavirus patients has been relentless for hospitals in Poland, where daily new infections hit records of over 35,000 on two recent days and the Government ordered new restrictions to prevent large gatherings over the long Easter weekend. France's health minister warned that the number of intensive care unit patients could match levels from a year ago.