"COVID-19 Lockdown Exit Analysis" 12th May 2020
Millions of people across Europe continue to take the first slow, tentative steps to reopening their economies after months of lockdown. Several countries eased lockdown measures on Monday, including France, Spain and the Netherlands, where leaders have allowed the reopening of shops, schools and salons.
The UK government announced a series of adjustments to its lockdown Sunday night, including allowing unlimited outdoor exercise and encouraging more people to return to work. However, the statement from Boris Johnson was criticised as being vague and confusing, with contradictory instructions and opaqueness on what citizens can and cannot do. This is despite it being set out in a 50-page document called, 'Covid-19 Recovery Strategy,' published by the government, which detailed the tests which needed to be passed for the lockdown to be gradually wound down. Additionally, the government now recommends people wear face masks on public transport,and in stores, and they are allowed to link up to one other household in a 'social bubble.'
Meanwhile, cases around the world continue to rise. Zambia has recorded 100 cases within the past twenty-four hours, a development which comes immediately after the reopening of its economy. More worryingly, a month after lockdown was lifted in Wuhan city, where the global pandemic began late last year, a cluster of new infections has occured, pushing authorities into a fresh wave of mass-testing, sparking fears that a second wave of infection may be inevitable.
COVID-19 Cases Increase After Lockdown Suspension In Zambia
Zambia has recorded 100 cases of the novel coronavirus within the past twenty-four hours a development which comes immediately after that country’s president, Edgar Lungu had reopened the economy.
Wear face coverings, UK says, as lockdown easing mired in confusion
Prime Minister Boris Johnson set out a cautious plan on Monday to get Britain back to work, including advice on wearing home-made face coverings, though his attempt to lift the coronavirus lockdown prompted confusion and even satire. The United Kingdom has one of the world's highest official COVID-19 death tolls and, after criticism that he was slow to impose a lockdown, Johnson is wary of triggering a second wave of infection. "Our challenge now is to find a way forward that preserves our hard-won gains while easing the burden of lockdown," he told the House of Commons. "This is a supremely difficult balance."
Stay away from Lake District despite easing of lockdown, police say
Police in the Lake District have urged people to “take a long hard look at your own conscience” and stay away from the national park – despite the prime minister telling people they can drive to beauty spots for exercise in England from Wednesday. Parts of Cumbria have the highest coronavirus infection rates in the UK, prompting fears that the relaxation of lockdown will lead to a further spike.
Confusion in Italy as it enters 'Phase Two' lockdown
Italy finds itself divided at the beginning of the so-called "Phase Two" of its lockdown. Some like the 'new normal' based on the measures announced by prime minister's Giuseppe Conte's government, while others do not. Experts, lobbies, and citizens consider some of its aspects both arbitrary and unreasonable . From last Monday (4 May), for instance, it is now allowed to visit family members - provided they live in the same region. "The law allows me to visit my second cousin, whom I only meet at Christmas, but not my dearest friend, whom I have known since I was nine-years old", complains Francesca, a 27-years-old Sicilian shop assistant, to EUobserver.
'We cannot afford another lockdown': Italy's cautious return to work
Italy was the first European country to be hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic and it is now one of the first beginning to ease its draconian lockdown measures to lessen the economic damage of the crisis. Last Monday the country began cautiously moving out of its tough lockdown with factories, building sites and offices reopening and citizens allowed to leave their houses for exercise. The government has planned a phased reopening with shops allowed to open from 18 May and restaurants and bars scheduled to re-open fully in June.
Outdoor terraces open as lockdown eases in much of Spain
Spaniards returned to outdoor terraces at cafes and bars on Monday as around half of the country moved to the next phase of a gradual exit from one of Europe's strictest lockdowns.
Gloved and masked, Belgians head back into shops after lockdown
Belgium allowed most of its shops to reopen on Monday with strict hygiene rules for customers, following in the footsteps of Spain in an easing of its eight-week lockdown as the number of COVID-19 cases fall.
Spanish regions poised to exit lockdown
Spain is finally ready to begin lifting its strict lockdown restrictions after being forced into quarantine for the last couple of months in the wake of the spread of COVID-19. Late last week, the Spanish government unveiled a detailed map revealing which parts of the country will be allowed to advance to the first stage of the government’s plans for lifting the restrictions.
Uncertainty looms as more businesses open in Spain under Phase 1
Spanish restaurants, cafés and stores were preparing to reopen or expand business on Monday as parts of the country moved into Phase 1 of the coronavirus deescalation plan. The move comes with a series of conditions to prevent a spike in transmission after Covid-19 deaths and infections declined from their peak in early April.
Coronavirus: Midnight opening for hair salon to mark France’s emergence from lockdown
So eager was Marc Mauny to reopen his hair salon after nearly two months of lockdown that he threw open its doors at the stroke of midnight on Monday and promptly received his first customer. As France battled to contain the spread of the new coronavirus, Mr Mauny's salon in Mayenne, about 167 miles west of Paris, had to close under a government order that allowed only food stores, tobacconists and pharmacies to keep trading. A scheme to gradually relax the restrictions means that starting from 11 May, other business can now reopen, providing they put in place safety precautions.
France School Reopening Offers Dystopian Window Into Post-Lockdown Lessons
Teachers and parents in France have voiced concerns about president Emmanuel Macron’s controversial decision to reopen schools on Monday. Under strict protocols imposed by the government, parents will need to take the temperature of their children before arriving at school, lesson times will be staggered to avoid student contact, and class sizes will be limited to allow for a metre (3.2ft) spacing between desks. Despite being one of the countries hardest hit by coronavirus, France is one of a handful of western European nations to restart lessons, with Italy and Spain both delaying the return of students until at least September, while the UK is yet to give a date on the resumption of classes.
Shops and salons return as France eases its coronavirus lockdown
France took its first steps out of lockdown today as shops, factories and hair salons reopened amid alarm over scenes of overcrowding on public transport. People were also being allowed to travel up to 60 miles from their homes and some schools and nurseries were permitted to reopen. The relaxation of one of Europe’s strictest lockdowns is due to be followed by further measures over the coming weeks to take the country closer to normality after recording 26,383 deaths and 177,094 cases.
'I'm a little frightened': Parisians edge their way out of lockdown
It nearly did not happen at all. According to local media, the government hesitated until the last minute before finally confirming last week it would lift the lockdown in the French capital and its surrounding area, the country’s most densely populated region and the hardest hit by Covid-19. Unlike most of the rest of France, classified green, and to a much greater extent than the three other regions coloured red for high-risk – broadly the country’s north-east quarter – the coronavirus is still circulating in and around Paris, where Covid-19 patients currently account for more than 10% of admissions to emergency care wards.
Outdoor terraces open as lockdown eases in much of Spain
Fearing a resurgence in cases if restrictions imposed in mid-March are lifted too quickly, the authorities decided that neither the capital Madrid nor Barcelona -- the two worst affected regions -- would be included on Monday in this first phase. A region can progress to the next phase depending on the evolution of the pandemic -- which has claimed nearly 27,000 lives in Spain -- as well as the capacity of its health care system to respond to a fresh wave of infections. One of the worst-hit countries, Spain plans a phased transition through to end-June to the end of its lockdown measures.
Live: Millions cautiously emerge from eight-week lockdown in France
France cautiously emerged from one of Europe's strictest coronavirus lockdowns on Monday, allowing non-essential shops, factories and other businesses to reopen for the first time in eight weeks. Schools in France will be re-opened in phases and people can now leave home without government paperwork, although documentation is still needed for rush-hour travel around Paris. Although some trains and stations in the wider Paris region have been worryingly crowded, France's first day post-lockdown is "going as it should", the country's transport secretary, Jean-Baptiste Djebbari said. The government has called for caution to avoid a sudden spike in cases amid the lifting of restrictions.
Coronavirus live: France takes first tentative steps out of lockdown
Coronavirus infection rates will rise after lockdown rules relaxed, says French MP. Boris Johnson under fire for 'confused' lockdown strategy speech. Spain loosens restrictions further but prime minister warns of danger that virus could spread
Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Greece, Norway, Switzerland and Ukraine also easing lockdowns to various degrees
More than 130 detained after protests against coronavirus restrictions in Germany
Coronavirus: Relief and fury as France comes out of lockdown
France took its first tentative steps out of lockdown today amid widespread criticism of President Macron’s handling of the pandemic. Restrictions were eased to allow the opening of businesses, shops and primary schools, but many employees stayed at home amid concern that a return to work could provoke a new wave of infections. Fears that the end of the lockdown would lead to congestion on roads around Paris proved unfounded at rush hour, a clear sign that people had continued to work from home.
In the press - ‘Return to abnormal’: French newspapers mark the end of lockdown
As France ends this nearly two-month lockdown period, many papers are taking a moment to recognise the essential workers that made it possible for us to get through it. "Thank you for everything" is the front-page headline from 20 Minutes.
Papers are saluting healthcare workers, but also cashiers, custodians, delivery drivers and volunteers. "If we’re starting up again it’s thanks to them," writes Le Parisien. The paper is being sold along with a single-use mask today for readers in the Paris area.
Germany: Infection R-rate still above 1, but restrictions still lifted
Germany's coronavirus reproduction rate has remained above 1 for the third day in a row. The news comes as lockdown measures are being relaxed across the country.
Can I visit my family and friends? Australia’s coronavirus lockdown rules and restrictions explained
Can you get takeaway coffee with a friend? What about visiting your family or parents, or going fishing? Laws to stop spread of Covid-19 seem to change daily and in some states carry a big fine. Untangle them with our guide
Australians less ideological about COVID lockdown than Americans
Voters in Australia are far less partisan in their support of lockdown measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 than their American counterparts. Research led by the United States Study Centre at the University of Sydney has found that Republican Party voters in the US are more likely to oppose lockdowns than their Democrat counterparts. In Australia, the measures have received far greater bipartisan support. Researchers attributed the united support in Australia to the bipartisan backing and trust in advice from medical experts.
Coronavirus in Scotland: Germany's variable exit from lockdown could suit us, hints Nicola Sturgeon
Nicola Sturgeon has signalled plans to lift lockdown restrictions at different speeds in the regions of Scotland. The first minister said that regional variation was not unusual in Europe, citing Germany, which has a relatively low death rate and one of the most decentralised healthcare systems in Europe. German experts say the federal system has allowed its states — called lander — to act decisively to control the outbreak. Boris Johnson was criticised for making a UK-wide broadcast advising citizens to return to work and relax in parks, without making it clear that this does not apply in Scotland where Covid-19 is spreading more widely. Ms Sturgeon said: “If you look across Europe, the different lander in Germany are doing things at different speeds.
Coronavirus: New Zealand to reopen shopping malls, cinemas and cafes from Thursday
Prime minister Jacinda Ardern thanks ‘team of five million’ ahead of relaxation of lockdown rules, but warns: ‘The battle is won, but the war is not over’ as New Zealand prepares for a partial opening up of the economy
People south of border could be mixing in social 'bubbles' as UK Govt reveals roadmap to easing lockdown curbs
People in England have been told to stay away from Scotland and respect the stricter health guidance in place north of the border. The guidance comes in the UK Government’s new 50-page roadmap, Our Plan to Rebuild, which lays out an easing of some restrictions in England and Wales, allowing people to engage in more leisure activities like golf and tennis, provided the social distancing rules are applied. The wearing of face masks on public transport and in restricted public settings like small shops is recommended as a complement to and not a substitute for social distancing.
Scots urged not to get distracted by lockdown messages from elsewhere in UK
Nicola Sturgeon has urged people to “try not to get distracted” by messages from other parts of the UK as she stressed the message in Scotland is to stay at home. The First Minister said Scots “shouldn’t be going out except for essential purposes”, with the only change the removal of the once-a-day limit on exercise, as she announced the death toll among people who have tested positive for coronavirus in Scotland has risen by five to 1,862.
Plan to lift Britain out of lockdown revealed in 50-page 'roadmap'
A 50-page document setting out how the UK’s lockdown will gradually be wound down has been published by the Government. The ‘Covid-19 Recovery Strategy’ says people should wear face coverings on public transport and in some stores while people may be able to link up with one other household in a ‘bubble’. Non-essential retail could open no earlier than June 1 if businesses are proven to be safe enough for shoppers. Cultural and sporting events including the Premier League will be able to take place behind closed doors for broadcast from next month, avoiding the risk of large-scale social contact. Businesses like hairdressers, beauty salons, restaurants, pubs, cinemas and places of worship could open from July 4 if they meet ‘Covid secure’ requirements.
Coronavirus lockdown: what are the new rules announced by Boris Johnson?
The most significant immediate change is Johnson formally urging people who cannot work at home - for example in construction - to return to their jobs from Monday. Johnson said such people “should be actively encouraged to go to work”, while trying to avoid public transport and maintaining physical distancing. While the PM says every workplace should be “Covid-secure”, the plan for more people returning to work will bring fresh warnings from unions about the predicament of staff who feel they are not being kept safe.
Coronavirus: How lockdown rules now differ between Scotland and England
Boris Johnson's changes to lockdown in England and plans to restart the economy have opened up differences with Scotland. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon says her key approach remains the "stay at home" message, but she has given an indication of what might happen in her "Looking beyond lockdown" document. The prime minister has also outlined what the future holds in his "Our plan to rebuild" strategy. So how do the approaches differ?
UK lockdown: Can I see my family and friends under new coronavirus rules?
There was no mention of people being allowed to see those outside of their own households - friends and family - despite people being allowed to go back to work.
And, as weeks without any contact with relatives shift into months, concerns over mental health and loneliness are growing with many people desperate for the restrictions to ease. So, what do the new rules mean for seeing family and friends?
Public advised to wear face coverings under lockdown easing plan
People should “wear a face covering in enclosed spaces where social distancing is not always possible and they come into contact with others that they do not normally meet, for example on public transport or in some shops”, the government document says. Children under the age of two should not have their faces covered, and nor should any of primary age who do not have somebody with them who is supervising them. This is aimed at preventing people who have the virus but are not experiencing symptoms from passing it on to others.
Merkel: We must stick to basic rules even as coronavirus lockdown eases
Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday stressed that people needed to continue keeping their distance from one another and covering their mouths and noses even as Germany eases some of the restrictions it had imposed to slow the spread of the coronavirus. “It’s very important to me to again draw attention to the fact that we’re entering a new phase of the pandemic and that it will now be necessary, with all the easing of measures, to be sure that people stick to the basic rules i.e. keeping their distance, wearing mouth and nose protection and showing consideration for each other,” Merkel told reporters
When will hairdressers open? Date salons could reopen in UK as government issues new lockdown guidelines
The leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are not replacing the “stay home” message with Johnson’s new “stay alert” slogan. The First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, has instead ordered those in Scotland to follow different advice on outdoors exercise. Although this will now be unlimited, Sturgeon said there must be “no sunbathing, picnics or barbecues”, which is in contrast to Johnson’s new advice.
Sport after lockdown: what does the future of sport look like?
On Sunday evening, the Government announced a slight easing of the lockdown, permitting an increase in daily exercise. Some recreational sports can resume, so long as it is with members of your own household or one person from outside your household. That rules out team sports. Taking new guidelines and the most recent updates into account, we look at what the future may have in hold for sport and how it may have to be adapted to a variety of challenges, in the next few months.
No quarantine for people travelling between UK and France
Officials yesterday confirmed anyone flying into the UK will have to go into isolation for 14 days to help minimise the spread of coronavirus. But Boris Johnson and French President Emmanuel Macron issued a statement after speaking on the phone on Sunday setting out a mutual exemption between their two countries. While the announcement raises the prospect of holidays in France this summer becoming viable, they said the agreement could be revised in the coming weeks.
France's emergency law is delayed despite relaxing of coronavirus lockdown
In the absence of clarity, the government instead appealed to French people “to be responsible” to prevent them exploiting the gap in legislation and gallivanting hundreds of kilometres across the country. However, the confusion created queues in some meto stations in the Paris region, where commuters are obliged to show a work certificate for travel between 06:30 to 09:30 and 16:00 to 19:00 local time.
Those rules will now be enforced from Wednesday and anyone failing to show a valid work certificate will be fined, according to Valérie Pécresse, the Ile de France regional president.
Europe eases lockdown: Which countries are lifting coronavirus restrictions today?
Millions of people across Europe woke up to a relaxation of lockdown measures on Monday, with several countries taking their first steps this week towards a return to normality. The UK government announced a series of adjustments to its lockdown on Sunday night, including allowing unlimited outdoor exercise and encouraging more people to return to work, in a statement from Boris Johnson which was criticised as vague and confusing. Meanwhile in countries such as France, Spain and the Netherlands, leaders have gone further and allowed the reopening of shops and schools.
French Health Minister warns lockdown easing could be reversed
France could reverse the relaxation of its nationwide lockdown if there was a resurgence of the new coronavirus outbreak, Health Minister Olivier Veran warned on Monday. “If the virus were to resume its wild race, we would again take lockdown measures,” Veran told BFM television. France, with the world’s fifth-highest death toll, has enforced an eight-week lockdown since March 17 to slow the spread of the new coronavirus. It is gradually lifting those restrictions from Monday. Commenting on the recent discovery of new clusters of infection in the country, Veran said: “I am not surprised. It shows we are going to have to live with the virus. The more vigilant we are collectively, the fewer clusters we will have.
Global report: Covid-19 lockdown rules relax in European nations amid confusion in UK
In France, from Monday members of the public were able to walk outside without filling in a permit for the first time in nearly eight weeks, teachers will start to return to primary schools, and some shops – including hair salons – will reopen. Bars, restaurants, theatres and cinemas will, however, remain closed. In Spain, urban hotspots such as Madrid and Barcelona remain under lockdown – but elsewhere people made plans to meet friends and family in bars and restaurants that have outdoor spaces.
New Zealand to end coronavirus lockdown
New Zealand will phase out its coronavirus lockdown over the next 10 days after successfully containing the virus, although some restrictions will remain, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced Monday. Ardern said that from Thursday shopping malls, restaurants, cinemas and playgrounds will reopen -- with the country moving to Level Two on its four-tier system. The 39-year-old leader warned "none of us can assume COVID is not with us" but said New Zealand currently had only 90 active cases after a seven-week lockdown.
France, Spain ease virus lockdowns but UK wary
In France, people from Monday morning were able to walk outside without filling in a permit for the first time in nearly eight weeks, teachers will start to return to primary schools, and some shops—including hair salons—will reopen. Bars, restaurants, theatres and cinemas will, however, remain closed. Spaniards outside of urban hotspots such as Madrid and Barcelona—which remain under lockdown—made plans to meet friends and family in bars and restaurants that have outdoor spaces.
British Medical Association - Government’s ‘road map out of lockdown’ is too fast, too confusing and too risky, says BMA
“The Westminster Government’s plan to ease certain aspects of lockdown in England is too fast, too confusing and too risky. “As the Prime Minister said in his address to the nation tonight, the death toll in this country has indeed been tragic, and it would be irresponsible to allow any chance of a second spike of this virus, however, these measures risk doing just that. “There is no detail of how those being asked to return to work will be protected from the infection or prevented from infecting others and there are mixed messages about returning workers not using public transport when many will not own cars. These pose serious risks of further spread of the infection.
New Zealand deserves level 2, with all of its confusing weirdness
At 11.59pm on Wednesday our long national nightmare comes to an end. Sort of.
After 49 days in some form of lockdown things will suddenly get a lot more normal. You can go shopping, go to the movies, go out for dinner, go out for a haircut, go out to play sport, fly around the country, and best of all - go out to see friends and family. But some large restrictions remain, some of them jarringly out of step with each other. Those gatherings will be limited to 10 people, down from an initial limit of 100 - meaning anyone who has put off their wedding until now will probably not be happy. Schools won't fully open until Monday, and bars will remain closed for another week.
Four 'Avatar' sequels start filming at the same time as New Zealand lifts lockdown restrictions
The coronavirus locdown is over in New Zealand, with government approving new health and safety measures. With the resumption of business activities in the country, The "Avatar" sequels are also likely to resume production. The government has allowed TV and movie productions and other activities after successfully handling the situation created by the coronavirus pandemic.
White House requires masks for staff, Western states ask for $1 trillion in aid
As more foreign and state governments outline the early stages of reopening, World Health Organization officials say countries that have already lifted lockdowns saw a jump in Covid-19 cases. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said some of the state’s restrictions will lift on Friday, and LA County beaches were set to reopen Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration continues to fast-track coronavirus-related treatments and tests: A faster, cheaper Abbott Labs test was granted emergency use approval.
Dominic Raab adds to confusion over changes to UK lockdown rules
The confusion over Boris Johnson’s request for people to return to work if they can has continued, as the foreign secretary said changes would be introduced on Wednesday, not Monday as initially stated. The prime minister made a televised address to the nation on Sunday evening setting out his roadmap out of the coronavirus lockdown. He said that those who could not work from home were being “actively encouraged” to return to work, prompting a backlash from unions who said there was insufficient guidance in place to keep people safe. “How can the prime minister – with 12 hours’ notice – tell people they should be going back to sites and factories? It’s a recipe for chaos,” said the TUC’s general secretary, Frances O’Grady.
Anti-lockdown protests threaten Germany's coronavirus battle: politicians
Chancellor Angela Merkel appealed to Germans on Monday to stick to social-distancing rules to slow down the coronavirus pandemic after data suggested the disease was spreading faster again.
The UK’s new lockdown rules are another coronavirus comms mess
The government’s coronavirus communication strategy has been a mess of dodgy briefings, reversals and corrections galore. Yesterday’s performance was the worst yet
What Kent made of Prime Minister Boris Johnson's lockdown easing announcement including new rules on working and suggestion on schools reopening
It would be fair to say Boris Johnson's lockdown announcement on Sunday left a lot of people scratching their heads. Delivered 49 days since he implemented the measures for many it raised more questions than it answered - questions KentOnline has helped with here.
Spike in China and South Korea figures while Germany feels lockdown tensions
China and South Korea reported new spikes in coronavirus cases, setting off fresh concerns in countries where outbreaks had been in dramatic decline, and new protests against pandemic restrictions erupted in Germany despite the easing of many lockdowns in Europe. In the United States, former President Barack Obama harshly criticised his successor Donald Trump’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic as an “absolute chaotic disaster”. The United States has seen 1.3 million infections and nearly 80,000 deaths in the pandemic, the most in the world by far, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University. Worldwide, health officials are anxiously watching to see just how much infection rates rise in a second wave as nations and states emerge from varying degrees of lockdown. China reported 14 new cases on Sunday, its first double-digit rise in 10 days.
Germany: Politicians worry about radicalization at anti-lockdown protests
After a weekend of demonstrations across Germany, lawmakers worry that they are being used to spread far-right and anti-vaccine ideologies. Attacks on journalists and police have also been on the rise.
The UK reacts to new coronavirus lockdown rules: 'I live in Wales, I can't visit my family in England but if I lived in France I could'
Little Britain star Matt Lucas summed up the mood of the nation with an impersonation of Boris Johnson following his controversial speech to the nation last night about the lifting of some coronavirus lockdown rules. In a video posted on Twitter he said: "So we are saying don't go to work, go to work, don't take public transport, don't go to work. Stay indoors, if you can work from home go to work, don't go to work. Go outside, don't go outside. And then we will or won't something or other."
Coronavirus: French arrivals exempt from UK quarantine plans
Passengers arriving from France will be exempt from forthcoming UK coronavirus quarantine measures. Boris Johnson said on Sunday the rules would be imposed on people coming into the UK, to prevent Covid-19 being brought in from overseas.
As yet, no start or end date for the measures has been announced. The government has already indicated that people arriving from the Republic of Ireland will not be made to go into quarantine. However, the measures will apply to UK holidaymakers returning from other destinations
Coronavirus: 'Do not drive from England to Wales to exercise'
People have been warned they are not allowed to drive from England into Wales for exercise as the two countries move to different lockdown rules. Rules have been relaxed in England, meaning people can "drive to other destinations". In Wales, people cannot travel "a significant distance" from home. Police forces in Wales have the power to fine people for making non-essential journeys and that includes those travelling from England into Wales.
Mexican border town uses ‘sanitizing tunnels’ to disinfect US visitors from Covid-19
The Mexican border city of Nogales, Sonora, has set up ‘sanitizing tunnels’ to disinfect people leaving the US through Nogales, Arizona. On the Mexican side of two major border crossings, drivers coming from Arizona must exit their vehicles and step into an inflatable tunnel that sprays them with a cleansing solution. The border city’s mayor has told Mexican news outlets that a majority of the people who have tested positive for Covid-19 in Nogales, Sonora, had recently returned from the US
Doctors and police warn of new coronavirus wave as UK lockdown weakens
John Apter, national chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said: “Police officers will continue to do their best, but their work must be based on crystal clear guidance, not loose rules that are left open to interpretation – because that will be grossly unfair on officers whose job is already challenging. If the message of what is expected of the public is not clear then it will make the job of policing this legislation almost impossible.”
Coronavirus: Wuhan in first virus cluster since end of lockdown
New coronavirus clusters have been reported in Wuhan city - where the virus first emerged - and the north-eastern province of Jilin in China. Wuhan reported five new cases on Monday, after confirming its first case since 3 April on Sunday. Authorities said the small cluster of cases were all from the same residential compound. China has been easing restrictions in recent weeks and cases had been declining. Health authorities and experts have warned that as countries emerge from strict lockdowns and people move around more freely, a rise in infections is likely.
Germany eases lockdown, but renewed virus spread leaves government concern
Germany is moving ahead to ease restrictions on its lockdown, though fears remain for a second wave. Correspondent Nick Spicer reports that while the country has recorded the smallest number of new Covid-19 infections in six days, its leading tracking agency reported over the weekend an increase in the virus reproduction rate to above 1.
France urges vigilance in easing lockdown after clusters detected in low-infection 'green' areas
France has called for “vigilance” after uncovering two coronavirus "clusters" in supposedly low-infection "green" areas a day before easing lockdown nationwide.
The first cluster in was detected in Dordogne, southwestern France, after throngs attended a funeral, and another in the Vienne, western France, among school staff who had met to prepare re-opening a lower secondary school. After two months of draconian confinement, France is on Monday due to begin easing confinement restrictions, with 400,000 businesses re-opening along with most shops and nursery and primary schools. The maximum distance people can move from home will rise to 100km up from one.
Germany's infection rate rises above one after they ease lockdown
Fears that Germany might have begun to open up its economy too soon as reproduction rate rises quickly in just three days
Germany’s coronavirus infections rise again just days after lockdown eased
Coronavirus infections are on the rise in Germany again days after lockdown restrictions were eased, official data suggests. The virus’ spread cannot be accurately tracked in real-time, so available data is used to estimate the number of people each confirmed patient infects, known as the reproduction rate. A new report indicated the rate in Germany is now above 1, meaning the number of infections could be growing once more. The news will fuel fears that the pandemic could slip out of control again just days after Germany began lifting restrictions.