Virus death toll in hard-hit Europe passes 80,000

ANKARA

The coronavirus pandemic keeps taking its toll across Europe, one of the worst-hit regions in the world, as the total number of lives lost has crossed the grim threshold of 80,000.

Although Italy and Spain have suffered the most, a slowing of new cases and deaths brings hope.

The two countries are discussing a gradual return to normal. For example, Spain is planning to reopen schools at the end of May.

However, France and the U.K. are expected to be the new epicenters of the outbreak in Europe with their high daily tallies.

Italy

While Italy still has the