The news article discusses the recent rise in COVID-19 cases in several countries, including the UK, Spain, and Germany. This is attributed to the highly transmissible Delta variant of the virus. Health officials are urging people to get vaccinated and continue practicing safety measures such as wearing masks and social distancing. The UK has seen a particularly sharp increase in cases, prompting concerns about the potential impact on the healthcare system. Additionally, some countries are considering implementing new lockdown measures to control the spread of the virus.