13th May 2020 https://nfind.uk/lockdown_exit/index.php/newsletter=7 lockdown_exit

Lockdown Exit

Slate We spoke to journalist Greta Privitera back in midMarch a few weeks after she and her family isolated themselves at home in northern Italy. Now with Italy taking baby steps toward normalcy Greta says shes enjoying her walks outside she still worries about another surge in COVID19 cases. And by the look of things shes not alone. https://slate.com/podcasts/what-next/2020/05/italy-coronavirus-reopening-slowly 12th May 2020

Lockdown Exit

iNews Italians however are not used to spending the majority of their time inside. Which is why I am equally proud and amazed at how well the Romans have been cooperating during this period. Instead of protesting and condemning the restrictions imposed upon them they have shown their will to fight to preserve their country and its culture at all costs. Coming up with mantras like Andr tutto bene Its all going to be okay singing from balconies and rooftops and building neighbourhood support networks for those in need they have shown the world that the communal Italian spirit grows even stronger in the face of adversity. https://inews.co.uk/opinion/comment/coronavirus-rome-italy-lockdown-rules-ease-2850746 12th May 2020

Lockdown Exit

BBC Italy is one of several European countries which has started easing its lockdown. People across the nation were confined to their homes for almost two months. BBC World Service joined one 77yearold grandmother as she ventured out for the first time in many weeks. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-europe-52622014/coronavirus-an-italian-grandmother-s-first-trip-outside-after-lockdown?intlink_from_url=&amplink_location=live-reporting-map 12th May 2020

Lockdown Exit

News.com.au Restaurants cafes and some nonessential shops have reopened in Spain as parts of the country moved into phase 1 of the nations coronavirus reopening plan on May 11. El Pais reported the government announced that more than half of the countrys population will be able to visit loved ones attend funerals go shopping without a prior appointment and have a drink at a street cafe. In some regions according to the report restaurants and cafes can open their terraces at 50 percent capacity with a maximum of 10 people per table. Video taken in Zaragoza in northeastern Spain on May 12 shows local residents sitting at outdoor cafes and restaurants following the guidelines to socially distance from one another. Local news website heraldo.es reported that many terraces did not open from May 11 because some establishments wont make enough money from the tables they would have provided. https://www.news.com.au/national/people-return-to-sidewalk-cafes-in-northeastern-spain-as-lockdown-restrictions-eased/video/a9ca7e0c3639506cf5554324faa9fe0f 12th May 2020

Lockdown Exit

FRANCE 24 English Only half of the avenues shops were open Monday Edouard Lefebvre said reflecting the extensive preparations needed to safely receive customers and the hesitant steps many people took toward prepandemic routines. Clients wont come back on day one. It takes time to get used to coming back to the ChampsElysees to come back to Paris Lefebvre said in an interview with the Associated Press. Still pictures of long lines standing outside luxury stores posted on social media later in the day suggested many shoppers were willing to take the plunge. https://www.france24.com/en/20200512-shop-till-you-drop-luxury-stores-back-in-business-as-france-eases-lockdown 12th May 2020

Lockdown Exit

Reuters Across France primary school pupils on Tuesday sat at least a metre apart in small classes and listened to teachers in masks on their first day back after two months of homeschooling during the coronavirus lockdown. The lessons though did not cover maths or grammar but hygiene amid a public health emergency wash your hands dont touch your face and keep away from each other. That was the new reality as some 1.5 million elementary and primary pupils roughly one in every four returned to class as France tentatively emerges from lockdown. But with less than two months of the academic year left some parents teachers and their unions have questioned the wisdom of reopening schools when the virus continues to circulate especially in the greater Paris region. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-france-schools/french-primary-pupils-trickle-back-to-class-after-eight-week-lockdown-idUSKBN22O1TE 12th May 2020

Lockdown Exit

FRANCE 24 English Thousands of French schools started to reopen this week as the country emerged from an eightweek lockdown to contain Covid19. Teachers prepared for pupils according to a strict protocol with masks hand sanitiser and markings on the ground for social distancing. But some worried that the measures might not be enough to keep staff and children safe. https://www.france24.com/en/20200512-french-teachers-anxious-as-schools-gradually-reopen-after-covid-19-lockdown 12th May 2020

Lockdown Exit

BBC France has begun to ease its lockdown and thousands of businesses have started to reopen. Among the businesses reopening are hairdressers. One salon owner in Paris spoke to the BBC about the safety of her staff and the economic challenges she is facing. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-europe-52623495/coronavirus-hairdressers-among-businesses-to-reopen-in-france 12th May 2020

Lockdown Exit

The Guardian Parisians have been banned from drinking alcohol on the banks of the SaintMartin canal and the Seine river after police were forced to disperse crowds just hours after an eightweek coronavirus lockdown was eased. Many city dwellers stuck in flats without balconies terraces or gardens for almost two months turned out on Monday evening to celebrate. Photos quickly circulated of unmasked revellers gathering by the water in the French capital. On the orders of the interior ministry Pariss police prefect issued a ban saying it deplored having to do so in an indignant press release reminding everyone that the success of the dconfinement rested on the principle of each citizens individual responsibility. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/12/france-bans-drinking-by-the-seine-following-coronavirus-lockdown-ease 12th May 2020

Lockdown Exit

YAHOO! Factory and construction workers in Russia were set to return to work on Tuesday after President Vladimir Putin ordered a gradual easing of coronavirus lockdown measures despite a sharp increase in new cases of the novel virus. https://uk.news.yahoo.com/factory-workers-russia-resume-putin-085820513.html 12th May 2020

Lockdown Exit

iNews Across the UK different approaches to lockdown are being adopted so knowing exactly what you can and cannot do as the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread can be confusing. Under government guidance people are allowed to leave their homes for exercise but does this include driving to a beauty spot or park to run or walk your dog Heres what you should know. https://inews.co.uk/read-this/can-i-drive-somewhere-to-exercise-or-walk-my-dog-lockdown-rules-explained-2519621 12th May 2020

Lockdown Exit

ITV News Owners of hotels and hostels across Wales say theyve been inundated with people trying to book accommodation over the coming weeks after it was announced lockdown restrictions would be eased in England. It comes after Wales three National Park Authorities are calling on all UK residents to respect rules and measures in place in Wales to protect everyone. https://www.itv.com/news/wales/2020-05-12/welsh-tourism-hotspots-inundated-with-booking-requests-after-lockdown-easing-in-england/ 12th May 2020

Lockdown Exit

The Guardian New Zealanders will begin easing back to normality this week as almost two months of strict lockdown comes to an end following the countrys successful battle against Covid19. Prime minister Jacinda Ardern announced on Monday that the country would downgrade from Level 3 to Level 2 restrictions on Thursday allowing schools to reopen workers to return to their offices and restaurants and retail stores to resume trade. Recreational and competitive sport could also restart and libraries playgrounds and museums would open. Bars would reopen on 21 May Ardern said as they have been deemed highrisk by the directorgeneral of health and social gatherings would be limited to 10 including at weddings and funerals. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/11/ardern-announces-new-zealand-will-reopen-schools-offices-and-restaurants-this-week 12th May 2020

Lockdown Exit

The Guardian The announcement of moving to Level 2 will bring a sense of relief for many. However for a significant number the return to work and school may bring about a return of worry and anxiety Dr Dougal Sutherland a clinical psychologist at Victoria University of Wellington said. Despite the obvious downsides Levels 3 and 4 did bring a sense of protection and security for some who suffer from anxiety. As we emerge from the shadows of strict lockdown old fears about becoming unwell may reappear. Triggers for anxiety that have lain dormant for weeks such as the fear of social evaluation by others may arise again. With many having lost their jobs or been forced to take pay cuts Level 2 may also drive home the stark reality of the social and economic consequences of the pandemic Sutherland said. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/12/a-return-of-worry-relief-mixes-with-anxiety-as-new-zealand-eases-lockdown 12th May 2020

Lockdown Exit

Stuff.co.nz Kiwis have overwhelmingly backed the Governments moves thus far but that patience is not eternal. As the days with almost no new cases continue to stack up the streets of our major cities already look more and more crowded. The next decision day will be in two weeks time. With the economy mostly back to normal then the lobbying to ease restrictions further will be a lot more muted. But if the Covid19 case numbers are still looking as good as they have for the last week then New Zealand will want to have a party. And well deserve it. https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/300009924/coronavirus-new-zealand-deserves-covid19-level-2-with-all-of-its-confusing-weirdness 12th May 2020

Lockdown Exit

Sky News Commuters have packed some London Underground trains the morning after the prime minister revealed his plan for easing the lockdown in England. Footage showed platforms at Canning Town and Queensbury stations on the Jubilee Line filled with passengers early on Monday morning. A Tube driver who asked to remain anonymous said there was no social distancing going on. https://news.sky.com/story/coronavirus-commuters-pack-london-tube-platforms-after-pms-lockdown-announcement-11986344 11th May 2020

Exit Strategies

BBC A fivestage plan for easing the Covid19 lockdown in Northern Ireland has been published by the executive. Unlike plans announced in England and the Republic of Ireland NIs blueprint does not include a timetable but the first minister said she hoped to reach the final stage by December. Progression will depend on key health criteria being met Arlene Foster said. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-52624048 12th May 2020

Exit Strategies

The Guardian 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. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/11/public-advised-wear-face-masks-coronavirus-lockdown-easing-plan-for-england 12th May 2020

Exit Strategies

The Brussels Times Citizens of Italian cities of more than 50000 inhabitants can get up to 500 in subsidies for buying a bicycle or an escooter Italys Transport Minister Paola De Micheli announced on Monday. The measure is part of a 55 billion support package for the Italian economy and aims to keep people from using their cars and public transport as the country recovers from the crisis surrounding the new coronavirus Covid19. https://www.brusselstimes.com/all-news/world-all-news/111145/lockdown-subsidies-announced-for-cyclists-in-italy/ 12th May 2020

Exit Strategies

Independent Italys bars restaurants hairdressers and salons will be able to reopen next week after the government announced new moves to relax lockdown measures during the coronavirus pandemic. The countrys regional authorities have been granted the power to lift restrictions on bars and other popular leisure businesses from 18 May. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/coronavirus-italy-lockdown-bars-restaurants-hairdressers-open-a9510576.html 12th May 2020

Exit Strategies

Reuters At a meeting between ministers and local government leaders on Monday the coalition agreed however that Italys 20 regions could set their own pace defusing a growing source of strife among political parties. We have always said that if the contagion data were encouraging we would have brought forward the reopening said Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio. The regions will shortly receive guidelines to open bars restaurants hairdressers and beauty clinics from May 18 he added on Twitter. Almost 31000 Italians have died of COVID19 since the outbreak came to light on Feb. 21 the thirdhighest death toll in the world after that of the United States and the UK. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-italy/italy-to-give-regions-powers-to-roll-back-coronavirus-lockdown-idUSKBN22N2UD 12th May 2020

Exit Strategies

The Local Italy The government agreed to demands from regions for an acceleration of phase two of the lockdown at a meeting of regional leaders Italian media reports. These businesses were not set to get the green light to open until at least June 1st under the previous plan. But now theyll be allowed to open on Monday when Italys other shops are set to reopen. This is the start of the phase of regional responsibilty said Francesco Boccia. the minister for autonomy and regional affairs. The governors of ten regions Abruzzo Calabria FriuliVenezia Giulia Liguria Lombardy Molise Piedmont Sardinia Umbria and Veneto as well as the president of Trentino province had warned they would act autonomously if Rome failed to confirm that they can reopen shops restaurants salons and beaches as soon the current decree expires on May 17th. https://www.thelocal.it/20200512/italy-speeds-up-reopening-of-businesses-under-lockdown-phase-two 12th May 2020

Exit Strategies

Travel Weekly The Sun said an official announcement from the EU is expected tomorrow about international travel but it quotes Spains Official State Gazette BOE as saying Travellers who come to Spain from abroad must quarantine themselves for 14 days following their arrival. Quarantine would require visitors to stay in their hotel or apartment and abide by a strict code of conduct limiting leaving accommodation only to buy essential items or in exceptional circumstances. Mask wearing will be mandatory. Spains BEO says the measures are necessary due to the international spread of coronavirus and the need to act with caution to make sure visitors do not cause more outbreaks. https://www.travelweekly.co.uk/articles/370956/spain-set-to-impose-14-day-quarantine-on-visitors 12th May 2020

Exit Strategies

BBC European media have widely described the British prime ministers conditional plan to reopen society as a mixed message driven by extreme caution. Germanys Sddeutsche Zeitung wrote that all clarity has been eliminated after Boris Johnson presented his plan for easing the lockdown. Prime Minister Johnson has presented a roadmap for exiting the coronavirus crisis and confused the British. Discontent is also growing in the cabinet and in parliament the government has not discussed the plan in advance the paper wrote. Newspapers elsewhere wondered whether the British public had understood the message at all. What on earth does it mean to be alert wrote Spanish El Confidencial pointing out that it was the most common question on social media. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-52637234?intlink_from_url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world/europe&amplink_location=live-reporting-story 12th May 2020

Exit Strategies

BBC Russian President Vladimir Putin says that from Tuesday the nationwide coronavirus lockdown will be eased and businesses will go back to work. He said the countrys nonworking period imposed to curb the virus had lasted six weeks. The easing of restrictions will affect all sectors of the economy Mr Putin said but some regions may keep tighter controls if necessary. Russia now has the thirdhighest number of confirmed infections worldwide. In the last 24 hours it reported a record daily rise of 11656 cases bringing the official total to 221344. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-52620015 12th May 2020

Exit Strategies

The Moscow Times Despite reporting more than 10000 new cases a day for over a week President Vladimir Putin on Monday announced that a nonworking period in place for six weeks would be lifted from Tuesday. A lockdown in Moscow the epicenter of the crisis in Russia remains in place until the end of May but even in the capital some restrictions were being lifted. Some 500000 employees of companies involved in industry and construction were allowed to resume work though authorities made it mandatory to wear masks and gloves in shops and on public transport. https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2020/05/12/russias-coronavirus-cases-surge-past-230k-as-putin-eases-national-lockdown-a69710 12th May 2020

Exit Strategies

The Associated Press Singaporeans were able to get a haircut at the barber or pop in to their favorite bakery Tuesday as the government loosened restrictions three weeks before a partial lockdown ends. Despite an upsurge in cases due to an outbreak among foreign workers staying in crowded dormitories the government says transmission in the local community has dropped and plans a phased reopening of the economy. Barbers and hairdressers food manufacturers and outlets as well as laundry shops are among selected businesses that can open with strict health measures Tuesday after five weeks of shutdown. Barbers can operate by appointment only and notices outside shops call for face masks before entry. Officials reminded citizens not to rush out or loiter outside to keep the city safe. https://apnews.com/f36ba379f557a531d506ea8f9f260e47 12th May 2020

Exit Strategies

The Japan Times Authorities have cautioned that the scourge could come back with a vengeance without widespread testing and tracing of infected peoples contacts with others. Fears of infection spikes in countries that have loosened up came true in recent days in Germany where new clusters were linked to three slaughterhouses in Wuhan the Chinese city where the crisis started and in South Korea where a single nightclub customer was linked to 85 new cases. The World Health Organizations emergencies chief Dr. Michael Ryan said that robust contact tracing measures adopted by Germany and South Korea provide hope that those countries can detect and stop virus clusters before they get out of control. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/05/12/world/nations-reopen-warning-emerges-coronavirus-tracing-voids/ 12th May 2020

Exit Strategies

Yahoo Canada Finance Singaporeans will be able to get a haircut at the barber or pop in to their favourite bakery Tuesday as the government loosens coronavirus restrictions three weeks before a partial lockdown ends. Despite an upsurge in cases due to an outbreak among foreign workers staying in crowded dormitories the government says transmission in the local community has dropped and it plans a phased reopening of the economy. Barbers and hairdressers food manufacturers and outlets and laundry shops are among selected businesses that can open with strict health measures in place Tuesday after five weeks of shutdown. Barbers are open by appointment only and notices outside shops call for face masks before entry. Officials reminded citizens not to rush out or loiter outside. https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/latest-belgium-relaxes-virus-lockdown-073229933.html 12th May 2020

Exit Strategies

YAHOO! Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Friday said the transitions would happen gradually over the next three months. But the health authorities would continue to monitor the newly infected cases. The individual states will take the final decision on the exact changes. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews on Monday lifted few restrictions by allowing five visitors of family and friends and gathering of 10 outside as of Wednesday. On Sunday Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan announced a plan to allow cafes bars restaurants and pubs to reopen with a maximum of 20 people with one every four square metres effective May 18. In New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Sunday confirmed several COVID19 restrictions to be relaxed from Friday including the opening of cafes and restaurants for up to 10 patrons while in Queensland families of up to five people have also been allowed to visit another home. Other states of Northern Territory South Australia and Australian Capital Territory ACT also announced relaxing few restrictions including the limited number of indoors or outdoors gatherings within social distancing norm noncontact outdoor sport fishing and open house inspections and auctions. https://in.news.yahoo.com/australian-states-ease-coronavirus-lockdown-104221755.html 12th May 2020

Exit Strategies

Yahoo News Australia A public health expert has described Australias move into relaxed restrictions as an experiment and warns the nation may be subjected to more stringent rules if the strategy backfires and coronavirus cases spike. Stephen Leeder a Professor in Public Health and Community Medicine at the University of Sydney said while NSWs first day of zero cases in over two months on Monday was good news lifting restrictions is a matter of seeing what works and what doesnt. NSW Health said Tuesday was the first time since February 29 there had been no new coronavirus cases in the state https://au.news.yahoo.com/what-will-happen-if-cases-spike-after-pubs-cafes-reopen-102852417.html 12th May 2020

Exit Strategies

Your Valley Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said the massive lockdown that has restricted millions to their homes will be eased but he warned that people who want to return to work must follow safeguards to avoid more deaths and a second wave of COVID19 outbreaks. The Philippine economy contracted in the first quarter and the finance secretary reported that up to 1.5 million jobs have been lost during the lockdown on Luzon island the countrys most populous region and which includes the capital Manila. Duterte made the announcement in videotaped remarks shown on nationwide TV on Tuesday. He said his spokesman will later disclose which regions will remain under lockdown and which areas would be released from it based on the scale and speed of infections. The twomonth lockdown was supposed to last until May 15. https://yourvalley.net/stories/asia-today-philippine-lockdown-to-be-eased-with-caution,158207 12th May 2020

Exit Strategies

The Guardian The World Health Organization has called on countries to show extreme vigilance when loosening Covid19 restrictions as the top US infectious diseases expert Anthony Fauci warned that prematurely reopening the American economy would cause needless suffering and death. The WHOs emergencies chief Michael Ryan has hailed the gradual lifting of coronavirus lockdowns in some countries whose death and infection rates were dropping as a sign of hope but he cautioned that extreme vigilance is required. He urged countries to boost their public health responses ensuring they could identify fresh cases and trace and isolate all contacts which he said could help avoid a major second wave. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/12/who-calls-for-extreme-vigilance-as-antony-fauci-warns-of-needless-suffering-and-death-coronavirus-covid-19 12th May 2020

Exit Strategies

BBC President Vladimir Putins decision comes after Russia registered a record number of daily cases on Monday. Also The British Prime Minister Boris Johnson defends his plan to relax restrictions in England and White House staff told to wear masks at work after highprofile infections. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p08cx1zk 11th May 2020

Partisan Exits

Sky News This is what transparency looks like said Sir David King as he launched a critical report of the governments handling of the coronavirus epidemic. Hes a former government chief scientist and the report was the first from a panel of experts assembled to rival the official Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies SAGE. The 12strong group livestreamed their twohour meeting on YouTube last week and have just produced what they say is a constructive report which theyve sent to the government and parliament. Its worth saying that the news briefing to launch the report wasnt open to the public. We were told the membership of SAGE was secret. Why on Earth would you want to be secret said Sir David. https://news.sky.com/story/coronavirus-sage-report-fails-to-consider-strategy-for-easing-lockdown-11987153 12th May 2020

Partisan Exits

Belfast Telegraph SDLP leader Colum Eastwood has urged the Northern Ireland Executive to reconsider its decision not to include a timescale as part of its coronavirus lockdown exit plan. The Executive published its five step plan on Tuesday but unlike plans from England and the Republic of Ireland it does not include potential dates for lifting restrictions. https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/health/coronavirus/sdlps-eastwood-urges-executive-to-reconsider-timeline-for-exiting-covid-19-lockdown-39200116.html 12th May 2020

Partisan Exits

AlJazeera In his first statement to Parliament on the coronavirus pandemic months after the beginning of the outbreak in the United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday issued a lengthy clarification to his governments advice over the lifting of lockdown measures. He had addressed citizens on Sunday evening in a recorded televised address but his statement was criticised for prompting more questions than it had answered. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/05/pm-boris-johnson-forced-clarify-uk-lockdown-advice-200511215621327.html 12th May 2020

Partisan Exits

The Independent Health secretary Matt Hancock has denied that the government is confusing the public with its messaging over the coronavirus lockdown. Englands latest Covid19 guidelines announced by Boris Johnson on Sunday night have been met with confusion and anger as people have questioned what they can and cannot do. Over the past 24 hours the government has been forced to correct senior ministers over when people should return to work and whether they can meet relatives and friends in parks. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/uk-lockdown-matt-hancock-coronavirus-boris-johnson-bbc-interview-a9509616.html 12th May 2020

Partisan Exits

Euronews Scotlands First Minister Nicola Sturgeon outlined her governments strategy concerning the lockdown on Monday and it contrasts sharply with Boris Johnsons plan for the UK. She told a daily briefing it was too risky to change restrictions and the message to people remains stay home. People are not being encouraged to go to work she said. Johnsons stay alert instruction in his TV address on Sunday night applied to England and Wales the first minister explained. https://www.euronews.com/2020/05/11/coronavirus-live-france-and-spain-take-tentative-steps-to-ease-lockdowns 12th May 2020

Partisan Exits

The Guardian There are no silver bullets clever models or easy answers for how to control the coronavirus. But neither is it rocket science. Governments have three choices in how they respond. The first and most difficult path is to contain the virus through a programme of mass testing contact tracing and isolating. This requires a huge effort building a large infrastructure to monitor cases of the virus and identify hotspots ensuring this system runs efficiently providing adequate PPE to everyone who needs it and deploying border controls to vet who is entering the country. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/may/12/tories-lockdown-social-distancing-testing-second-wave-coronavirus 12th May 2020

Partisan Exits

The Guardian Boris Johnson has been heavily criticised for failing to show Britain a clear route out of lockdown. Easing a nation out of two months of confinement is a complicated business and some degree of confusion is almost inevitable. Here Guardian correspondents look at how other European leaders have managed the process. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/11/lockdown-easing-have-other-leaders-fared-better-than-boris-johnson 11th May 2020

Partisan Exits

The Guardian In a speech from Downing Street Johnson said if the circumstances were right schools in England and some shops might be able to open next month and the government was actively encouraging people to return to work if they cannot do so from home. But he stressed that this was not the time simply to end the lockdown and that he intended to take a cautious approach guided by the science otherwise a second deadly wave of the devilish virus would take hold. But his remarks drew criticism and concern from across the political spectrum and his decision to drop the stay at home message in favour of advice to stay alert was met with a chorus of disapproval from the leaders of Scotland Northern Ireland and Wales. https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/may/10/boris-johnson-coronavirus-lockdown-shops-schools-june-reopening 10th May 2020

Continued Lockdown

BBC We are now over six weeks into what remains one of the toughest lockdowns on earth the governments health experts are predicting that the peak of the epidemic may still be two or three months away infection numbers are surging in some regions and the shocked silence and prompt conformity that greeted Mr Ramaphosas early diktats has been replaced by an increasingly sceptical angry and politicised debate. A return to business as usual in this famously fractious nation Perhaps. But South Africa is entering a long and difficult period in its fight against Covid19. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-52619308 12th May 2020

Continued Lockdown

China.org.cn Several of Brazils regional capitals on Monday stepped up lockdown measures in a bid to fight the novel coronavirus which has claimed more than 11000 lives. In Rio de Janeiro Brazils secondlargest city and the one with the secondhighest number of COVID19 deaths after Sao Paulo Mayor Marcelo Crivella announced a measure to restrict traffic in 10 districts starting Tuesday and banned the reopening of shops in the favelas. We had an increase in cases at the start of May. Some people think that it was due to May 1 celebrations. It is very important to remember that we are only protected if everyone is using a face mask Crivella said at a press conference. http://www.china.org.cn/world/Off_the_Wire/2020-05/12/content_76034337.htm 12th May 2020

Continued Lockdown

iNews Since we were in that courtroom together Pinto an experienced corporate crime barrister who works as a judge parttime has become chair of the Bar Council. She is a member of the working group of senior legal figures who have been meeting once a week to discuss how trials can resume. The latest announcement is very encouraging she says. But there was already a backlog of 37500 cases from last year for English and Welsh courts to deal with because of very very grave reductions in the budget over a decade or so and a complete lack of investment in the system Pinto tells i. Scottish courts could soon have another 1600 and the backlogs are growing longer potentially worsening victims traumas and leaving peoples lives in limbo. https://inews.co.uk/news/long-reads/coronavirus-lockdown-jury-trials-courts-backlog-bar-council-barristers-2850073 12th May 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

iNews I think we should be considerably more cautious about undoing the lockdown the Governments former chief scientific officer said https://inews.co.uk/news/uk-coronavirus-lockdown-scientist-sir-david-king-foolhardy-back-to-work-now-2850114 12th May 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

Financial Times The mass testing that is central to lockdown exit plans in many countries is unrealistic because of high costs and lack of production capacity according to the boss of an Italian biotech company that supplies tests around the world. Carlo Rosa chief executive of DiaSorin which sells Covid19 diagnostic and antibody tests said demand far exceeded supply and the percentage of people who had contracted the virus globally was too low to hope for mass immunity as another way out of restrictive lockdown measures. https://www.ft.com/content/7c312d8a-fcfe-4ce7-94d5-f681221e6042 12th May 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

Business Insider A summer of heatwaves is expected to hit many European cities according to the World Health Organization. Every year high temperatures affect the health of many people particularly older people infants people who work outdoors and the chronically ill the WHO said. With the coronavirus in play the extreme heat can be even more dangerous as it can aggravate existing conditions. Experts have previously dismissed the idea that warmer weather can automatically stop or slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. https://www.businessinsider.com/who-warns-heatwaves-especially-dangerous-for-vulnerable-in-lockdown-2020-5?r=US&ampIR=T 12th May 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

The Japan Times The CDC said it is expecting a drop in the number of STIs being diagnosed in the short term but an increase in the long term once restrictions lift and more people are screened and tested again. It said that for HIV the decrease in the availability of testing and limited access to treatment and prevention services may result in more infections and poor health outcomes in the long run. In San Francisco Dr. Matthew Spinelli worries about the homeless or those who lack the connectivity to take part in the videoconferences that have replaced inperson visits to health centers. People are just scared of a hospital right now so Im pretty worried said Spinelli who practices at the citys largest hospital. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/05/12/world/science-health-world/coronavirus-lockdowns-hiv/ 12th May 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

Sky News South Korean officials are scrambling to contain a new outbreak of coronavirus after a cluster of more than 100 cases was linked one man who visited several nightclubs in Seoul. Bars and discos across South Koreas capital have now been closed after the sudden outbreak raised fears of a second wave of COVID19 in a city that has been seen as a model for how to contain the disease. https://news.sky.com/story/coronavirus-rush-to-contain-second-wave-in-south-korea-as-101-cases-linked-to-clubs-11986832 12th May 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

YAHOO! South Korea announced its biggest spike in coronavirus infections in more than a month Monday driven by a cluster at Seoul nightclubs and forcing authorities to delay this weeks planned reopening of schools. The country has been held up as a global model in how to curb the virus but over the weekend its capital as well as neighbouring Gyeonggi province and the nearby city of Incheon ordered the closure of all clubs and bars after a burst of new cases sparked fears of a second wave. https://uk.news.yahoo.com/nightlife-cluster-gives-korea-largest-case-rise-month-014621508.html 12th May 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

NEWS.com.au it took just one unwitting party animal to wreck it all. The virus behind the global pandemic is highly contagious. A dramatic superspreader event in Seoul has reminded us of that. And its a warning of what lies ahead as Australia begins to relax its lockdown. Just days after reopening its 2100 nightclubs and bars the capital of South Korea has ordered them to close once again. Almost 6000 venues in the surrounding province also are shuttered. At the weekend the countrys health system reported the sudden appearance of more than 40 new coronavirus cases. It was the first time in a month the figure had spiked so high. Contact tracers immediately went to work. What had caused this disturbing turnaround Turns out it was mostly due to just one 29yearold man. He was desperate to let his hair down after long weeks confined to his home. He went on an epic pub crawl to make up for the lost time. In the process he infected at least a dozen fellow partygoers. Some 30 infections are linked to the five nightclubs he visited. A further 7200 people may have been exposed. https://www.news.com.au/world/asia/ominous-warning-for-world-governments-as-south-korea-hit-by-super-spreader-after-lockdowns-lifted/news-story/9f22fda0855c14721e5a46943cf751fc 12th May 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

CNBC Several countries that have lifted coronavirus restrictions and reopened businesses have seen jumps in coronavirus cases underscoring the challenges that may lie ahead the World Health Organization warned Monday. WHO DirectorGeneral Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged caution as more countries seek to ease such restrictions and jumpstart the economy. Before any country begins to lift restrictions it should have necessary testing tracing and isolating infrastructure in place Tedros said. https://www.cnbc.com/2020/05/11/who-warns-that-coronavirus-cases-have-jumped-in-countries-that-eased-lockdowns.html 12th May 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

Hindustan Times Wuhan where the global coronavirus epidemic first started reported its first new infections since the Chinese city ended its 76day lockdown on April 8. The six locally transmitted cases reported on May 10 and 11 were found in people already under quarantine who were asymptomatic before testing positive according to the local government. All six cases emerged from a single residential compound. Although the new cases are few and appear under control they serve as a reminder of the risks China faces as it tries to reopen an economy that has seen its worst contraction since 1992. Seven provinces reported new infections over the past 14 days and clustered cases were continuing to increase Mi Feng spokesman for the National Health Commission said on Monday. China reported only one confirmed case on Tuesday with no new infections in Wuhan. https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/china-s-wuhan-sees-first-new-virus-cases-since-lockdown-lifted/story-W1BWkEtWxyjH4Fgi6p1iYK.html 12th May 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

Mint Wuhan plans to conduct coronavirus tests on the Chinese citys entire population after new cases emerged for the first time in weeks in the cradle of the global pandemic state media reported today. Officials had been ordered to submit by noon on Tuesday plans to administer nucleic acid tests on all residents in the city of 11 million people according to an official notice carried by news outlets. Each district should make plans and arrangements to conduct nucleic acid tests on the entire population in its jurisdiction within a 10day time limit the notice said although it was unclear when testing would begin. https://www.livemint.com/news/world/china-s-wuhan-to-test-entire-population-for-coronavirus-after-new-cases-emerge-11589279102648.html 12th May 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

Yahoo News Shulan a small city in Jilin province which neighbors North Korea and Russia has been put under a partial lockdown since Saturday with all nonessential transportation banned for its over 630000 citizens. The city has reported 13 locally transmitted cases as of today ending Jilins more than twomonth streak of reporting no new cases according to Shulans mayor link in Chinese who said the city is in wartime mode. The source of the infections are still under investigation according to the Shulan government. https://qz.com/1855154/china-re-imposes-strict-lockdowns-as-cases-re-emerge-in-northeast/?utm_source=YPL&ampyptr=yahoo 11th May 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

AlJazeera Coronavirus infection rates are rising in Germany and France as lockdown rules are relaxed new data revealed on Monday. Germany is being closely watched worldwide as the most successful large European country in curbing the spread of the virus partly thanks to a massive programme of testing which has prompted a partial reopening of the economy. Merkel has frequently said the reproduction rate of the new coronavirus must be held below one to prevent the health system from being overwhelmed. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/05/france-germany-infection-uptick-lockdown-eased-200511193542574.html 11th May 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

YAHOO! Wuhan reported its first cluster of coronavirus infections since a lockdown on the city the epicentre of the outbreak in China was lifted a month ago stoking concerns of a wider resurgence. The five new confirmed cases all from the same residential compound come amid efforts to ease restrictions across China as businesses restart and individuals get back to work. We must resolutely contain the risk of a rebound the health authority in Wuhan a city with a population of about 11 million said in a statement on Monday. New confirmed cases reported in China since April have been low compared with the thousands every day in February thanks to a nationwide regime of screening testing and quarantine https://uk.news.yahoo.com/china-reports-17-more-covid-010012837.html 11th May 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

CNBC Public health experts including those at the World Health Organization have warned countries against lifting containment measures too early which could cause a rebound in new coronavirus cases. In Asia where the coronavirus first hit several countries including China and South Korea have experienced an uptick in cases after restrictions were eased. In some instances authorities have had to reimpose measures that restrict interactions between people to once again fight the virus spread. Meanwhile investors and analysts said another round of lockdowns would exacerbate the damage already inflicted on the global economy. https://www.cnbc.com/2020/05/12/coronavirus-some-asian-countries-see-second-wave-resurgence-in-cases.html 11th May 2020

New Lockdown

9News Treasurer Josh Frydenberg says the economy will expand by nearly 10 billion a month once COVID19 restrictions are lifted but hes warned Australians of the huge cost if a second lockdown is needed. Mr Frydenberg was originally scheduled to deliver his second budget tonight but instead outlined the massive impact to the economy of the coronavirus pandemic. Calling it a one in a hundred year event that has put the Australian way of life on hold the treasurer said COVID19 was a health and economic shock the likes of which the world has never seen. https://www.9news.com.au/national/coronavirus-josh-frydenberg-economic-cost-of-second-lockdown-unemployment-figures/e077a42b-d032-4fa8-9c04-457dd291cc66 12th May 2020