Evolution of epidemic outcomes in Europe

By outlining the times and outcomes in the spread of Covid-19 infection across European countries, and zeroing in on Italy as the territory that recorded the highest number of SARS-CoV-2 infections in Europe between February and June 2020, this contribution lays the premise for investigating the thesis upheld in this volume, namely that territorial features significantly affect the intensity and severity of contagion. Data collation uses official datasets provided on the epidemic and its course both on a European and an Italian scale (World Health Organization, ECDC-European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Ministry of Health, Higher Health Institute). These are cross-referenced to data on population and pollution (Eurostat, ISTAT). Via reflexive mapping, these qualitative and quantitative data are then compared across different countries with a focus on notable features and from a spatial–temporal perspective. It emerges that Covid-19 contagion spread progressively, striking Italy first and all the remaining states in the period from February to June 2020. The epidemic had a sustained growth in Western European countries, and subsequently reached Eastern Europe.