EU: Lockdown restrictions have improved air quality in European cities

European Commissioner for Environment and Oceans Virginijus Sinkevicius speaks during a media conference on the air quality in Europe (Kenzo Tribouillard, Pool via AP)

Air quality significantly improved in European cities such as Milan and Madrid because of lockdown restrictions imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus, European Union officials said.

The improvements were particularly notable for the pollutant nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and fine particulate matter, which can both have a serious impact on people’s health.