22nd May 2020 https://nfind.uk/lockdown_exit/index.php/newsletter=14 lockdown_exit

Lockdown Exit

The Guardian Another 2.4 million Americans filed for unemployment insurance last week even as states across the US began opening up for business again betting that the coronavirus pandemic is now under control. The latest figures from the Department of Labor mean close to 39 million Americans have lost their jobs in just nine weeks. The rate of weekly losses has slowed sharply from its peak of 6.6m at the start of April but remains at levels unseen since the 1930s Great Depression. https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/may/21/us-unemployment-figures-jobs-lost-coronavirus 21st May 2020

Lockdown Exit

Reuters Germanys private sector recession eased in May as a loosening of lockdown measures in the coronavirus crisis helped services and manufacturers in Europes largest economy gain some ground a survey showed on Thursday. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-germany-economy-pmi/looser-lockdown-helps-germanys-private-sector-gain-some-ground-pmi-idUSKBN22X0PA 21st May 2020

Lockdown Exit

City A.M. The plunge in German business activity eased somewhat in May survey data has shown although Europes biggest economy remained in a dire position even as it eased coronavirus restrictions. IHS Markits composite purchasing managers index PMI which gauges the health of the private sector rose markedly to 31.4 in May from 17.4 in April according to todays early estimate. https://www.cityam.com/germanys-economic-crash-eases-as-it-lifts-coronavirus-lockdown/ 21st May 2020

Lockdown Exit

YAHOO! Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte told parliament on Thursday his government was preparing a raft of reforms to cut red tape improve company governance and encourage investment to revive the coronavirusbattered economy. Conte promised a socalled simplification decree to attract foreign capital by streamlining bureaucratic procedures and said Rome would help the recapitalisation of companies hit by the pandemic. If we do not succeed in simplifying procedures even in a condition of absolute emergency I say this very frankly I doubt that it will be possible to do so in the future he told the Chamber of Deputies. Italys complex bureaucracy has long been blamed as one of the causes of its anaemic economic growth and red tape delayed financial aid promised to business and families during a rigid lockdown to try to curb coronavirus contagion. https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/italys-pm-announces-red-tape-115743839.html 21st May 2020

Lockdown Exit

The Wall Street Journal Few major economies are likely to fall as far or take longer to recoverleaving millions without money for basics like food https://www.wsj.com/articles/as-the-coronavirus-lockdown-eases-italy-confronts-an-epidemic-of-poverty-11590058801 21st May 2020

Lockdown Exit

AlJazeera After months in lockdown as Italy opens up there are queues for fresh haircuts. But can the country bounce back https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/05/italians-hair-coronavirus-restrictions-eased-200520104928014.html 21st May 2020

Lockdown Exit

Daily Mail Sunbathers in La Grande Motte can book out spots cordoned off on the beach. Visitors can swim in the sea and sunbathe in their ropedoff zone for three hours. Officials warn that beaches will be closed again if people do not observe rules https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8344065/Beachgoers-lie-towels-roped-social-distancing-zones-France.html 21st May 2020

Lockdown Exit

The Guardian EasyJet is to resume flights on a small number of routes from 15 June with increased onboard safety measures including mandatory wearing of face masks as it returns to the skies after grounding its fleet on 30 March. The airline will restart domestic routes in the UK and France initially along with flights from four destinations elsewhere in Europe where it says there is sufficient customer demand to support profitable flying. Further routes will be added in the following weeks as and when passenger demand rises and lockdown measures ease further across Europe. https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/may/21/easyjet-to-resume-domestic-flights-across-england-and-france 21st May 2020

Lockdown Exit

Medical Xpress France on May 11 eased its almost twomonth lockdown in a bid to revive an economy clobbered by the epidemic. Health Minister Oliver Veran warned that it was too early to assess the impact of the easing. But he added there was so far no sign that the virus was regaining impetus. It takes at least 10 to 15 days for us to know if there is an impact on the epidemic he told reporters after a cabinet meeting while noting that the numbers in hospitals and intensive care were continuing to fall. So we are not seeing a revival in the circulation of the virus but that does not mean that the virus is not circulating he added. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-france-virus-lockdown-eased.html 21st May 2020

Lockdown Exit

BBC Dr Ibragim Yevtemirov still coughs every so often as he talks. A paediatric trauma surgeon in Dagestan in the Caucasus region of southern Russia his ward had been full of Covid19 cases for a couple of weeks when he got infected himself. He says seven colleagues in his town have now died including nurses orderlies and laboratory staff according to a count kept by local medics themselves. All three doctors on my team got sick. We were replaced by dentists until we recovered Dr Yevtemirov told the BBC by phone from Khasavyurt where hes now back at work in the central hospital. At the peak there were 10 11 patients dying a day here he says. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-52737404 21st May 2020

Lockdown Exit

News.com.au Workplaces across Australia are simply not ready to return staff to the COVID19 frontline and are risking a second wave of infections. A shocking new poll of workers across Australia commissioned has found just one in 10 workplaces has increased basic preventive measures including purchasing hand sanitiser supplies. Only 4 per cent of those still attending the workplace said there was additional cleaning or disinfection occurring at work. A stunning 90 per cent of workers also said there was no plan in place in case they or a coworker developed symptoms or tested positive. The Australian Council of Trade Unions released the poll on Thursday night to underline its push for paid pandemic leave for workers particularly casuals who may not have access to any sick leave if they become unwell. https://www.news.com.au/finance/work/at-work/coronavirus-australia-aussies-not-ready-for-return-to-work-amid-covid19-pandemic/news-story/78e0a70c750ea3574087ddf3bcbda2c0 21st May 2020

Lockdown Exit

The Guardian Covid19 has killed more than 32000 people in Italy and wreaked havoc on the healthcare system and economy. But as the country creeps out of lockdown the toll on mental health is beginning to become apparent. In a recent survey by Italys order of psychologists CNOP eight in 10 Italians said they needed psychological support to overcome the pandemic a much higher response compared with similar surveys done in the past. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/21/italy-lockdown-mental-health-psychologists-coronavirus 21st May 2020

Lockdown Exit

ABC News Australians are heading back out onto the streets theyre driving their cars again and more people are heading back to the shops schools and offices. Thats a snapshot of a collection of datasets collated by the ABC in order to track how were progressing as the nation rebounds back to life after the easing of coronavirus restrictions. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-21/road-to-recovery-from-the-covid-19-coronavirus-pandemic/12229514?nw=0 21st May 2020

Lockdown Exit

Mail Online The country has so far recorded only 21 deaths due to the coronavirus and has just 1503 confirmed cases. Pubs reopening marks the final phase of the country entering Alert 2 of their coronavirus action plan. The loosening of restrictions on business gatherings and travel were eased in three stages starting on 14 May https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8343507/New-Zealand-goes-pub.html 21st May 2020

Lockdown Exit

The Guardian Last week the prime minister Jacinda Ardern moved the country from coronavirus lockdown level 3 to level 2 meaning most shops and restaurants could reopen as well as schools workplaces and public amenities. However on advice from the Ministry of Health bars and nightclubs remained closed for an additional week because peoples close proximity meant they were deemed particularly high risk. One of the countrys largest outbreaks was spread at a St Patricks Day gathering at a Matamata pub in the North Island. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/21/could-be-a-bit-strange-new-zealand-bars-to-reopen-but-fun-is-kept-at-arms-length 21st May 2020

Lockdown Exit

CNA New Zealand with a population of five million has recorded just 21 coronavirus deaths largely due to its early lockdown. While domestic quarantine has ended bars must limit numbers to fewer than 100 people enforce social distancing and record personal details to help contact tracing if there is a COVID19 outbreak. While pubs catering to older customers such as Hall will be affected McLaughlin said the biggest impact would be on venues catering to a younger latenight party crowd. That business model is totally out the window he said. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/covid-19-new-zealand-bars-reopen-after-lockdown-12756496 21st May 2020

Lockdown Exit

Manila Bulletin The Philippine Embassy in Wellington New Zealand has reopened its doors to the public after the government announced the easing of lockdown restrictions under New Zealands alert level 2. The DFA assured that they are ensuring that their workplace remains safe through sanitation providing protective personal equipment PPE to their employees and setting up contract tracing mechanisms in compliance with the New Zealand Governments safety regulations. The Embassys office hours are currently still limited and only clients who were able to make prior appointments are being served. https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/05/21/ph-embassy-reopens-as-new-zealand-eases-lockdown-restrictions/ 21st May 2020

Lockdown Exit

New Zealand Herald The group who made the video migrants stuck outside New Zealand started from a small WhatsApp group of stranded temporary work visa holders in Brazil who eagerly waited for news from the Government after the border closure announcements. But after a few weeks passed they were disheartened to receive no updates and decided they needed to take things into their own hands and raise awareness. Using the power of social media they were able to connect with other stranded migrants and their group expanded. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&ampobjectid=12333855 21st May 2020

Lockdown Exit

Scoop.co.nz Even in emergencies democratic governments must comply with the law according to a new report The rule of law or the law of rulers by the New Zealand Initiative. As legal challenges emerge to question the lawfulness of the Governments restrictions courts will decide whether the lockdown was illegal. New Zealand Initiative chairman Roger Partridge said it is crucial for the sanctity of the countrys institutions that New Zealand is governed according to the rule of law not the law of rulers. Alert Level 4 deprived Kiwis of many of their fundamental freedoms to visit friends and family including those unwell or dying to undertake everyday recreational activities and to perform paid work. The restrictions caused immeasurable hardship and Kiwis should be able to rely on the Government to restrict their freedoms lawfully he said. https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO2005/S00304/kiwis-should-be-concerned-if-lockdown-broke-the-law-nz-initiative-report-shows.htm 21st May 2020

Lockdown Exit

Mail Online The government will issue new advice about which stores will be able to open their doors to customers again. Australians are having to adapt to new changes at shopping centres amid reduction in COVID19 restrictions. Temperature checks are a must at makeup giants Sephora and Mecca and anyone with a fever can not enter. Hand sanitiser is readily available and social distancing measures are compulsory resulting in long queues. Apple is also carrying out fever checks as well as handing out compulsory masks which shoppers must wear https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8341253/Is-future-clothes-shopping-UK.html 20th May 2020

Lockdown Exit

Reuters The pub in Tokyos normally bustling Shinjuku district has installed a machine that sprays customers with hypochlorous acid water as they enter. Customers are first greeted by a hostess on a monitor of course who instructs them to disinfect their hands and check their temperature with a thermometer provided. They then step into a machine that looks like an airport security scanner or a carwash for humans to get sprayed with a fine mist of the chlorinebased disinfectant for 30 seconds. Customers then pick up a map that guides them to their seat where they order with smartphones. Throughout the process they have not come into contact with a single person. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-japan-pub/japanese-pub-aims-to-clean-up-with-disinfectant-spray-machine-idUSKBN22W0K4 20th May 2020

Exit Strategies

ITV News Scotlands First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has unveiled a careful relaxation of lockdown measures from Thursday May 28. The gradual easing of restrictions will allow noncontact sports such as golf and tennis and meeting people from one other household outside and while social distancing will be permitted. But schools will not return until August 11 with the start of a new school year. Garden centres and waste and recycling facilities will also be allowed to open as part of phase one of the route map. https://www.itv.com/news/2020-05-21/first-minister-nicola-sturgeon-scotland-coronavirus-lockdown-route-map/ 21st May 2020

Exit Strategies

BBC India is set to resume domestic flights on Monday two months after a lockdown to curb the spread of coronavirus. However the new normal will also see new rules for flyers passengers will need to have downloaded a government contacttracing app and they will also be subject to thermal screening. Flyers will also need to wear masks and gloves while inside airports. Civil aviation minister Hardeep Puri said all airports and airlines had been told to prepare for operations. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-52750255 21st May 2020

Exit Strategies

TIME The choice between protecting lives and economic recovery is complex and difficultnot least because politicians and the public alike disagree on the tradeoff between excess deaths from the pandemic and the economic damages. But our study shows no matter what the priorities are targeted policies bring both publichealth and economic benefits. https://time.com/5840194/targeted-lockdowns-coronavirus/ 21st May 2020

Exit Strategies

Daily Mail Connecticut and Massachusetts both lifted COVID19 restrictions this week. It means all 50 states have now at least partially reopened following weekslong shutdowns to stop the spread of coronavirus. Connecticut on Wednesday allowed the reopening of outdoor dining areas offices retail shops museums and zoos and outdoor recreation businesses. Massachusetts on Monday allowed manufacturing and construction to start. Offices personal care services and retail businesses can start from next week. Currently there are more than 1.5 million infections in the US and over 92000 deaths. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8341879/Massachusetts-Connecticut-join-rest-lifting-COVID-19-lockdowns.html 21st May 2020

Exit Strategies

iNews The Scottish Government has published its route map for exiting the coronavirus lockdown which will be done in four phases. Here is a summary of its main points. https://inews.co.uk/news/health/scotland-lockdown-route-map-scottish-exit-plan-coronavirus-rules-when-end-explained-2860824 21st May 2020

Exit Strategies

BBC Lockdown restrictions in Scotland are likely to be relaxed slightly from 28 May Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed. The first minister made the announcement as she unveiled a fourphase route map aimed at restarting society while suppressing the virus. The first phase will include allowing people to meet outside with people from one other household. Schools will reopen on 11 August meaning many will return a week earlier than planned after the summer holiday. But the first minister said children will return to a blended model where they will do a mix of school and home learning https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-52745643 21st May 2020

Exit Strategies

The Scotsman Transport Secretary Grant Shapps recently said he would certainly not be booking a summer holiday at present. Speaking to BBC Radio 4s Today programme in April Mr Shapps said that clearly people will want to see what the trajectory of this disease is in the next few weeks. I wont be booking a summer holiday at this point lets put it that way. https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/health/will-summer-holidays-go-ahead-2020-when-might-tourism-uk-and-abroad-start-after-lockdown-2853458 21st May 2020

Exit Strategies

EL PAS in English While Italy has reactivated almost all business activity in the country and will open its borders to tourists on June 3 the Spanish government has decided on a more cautious route. Under Spains deescalation plan travel within the country will not be allowed until at least the end of June. Health authorities have indicated that the summer holiday season will start later this year and be focused on domestic not international tourism. Indeed Spain has not set a date to reopen its borders to tourists and just recently introduced a 14day quarantine for international travelers which will be in place until at least June 7 when the current state of alarm is set to end. https://english.elpais.com/society/2020-05-21/as-italy-prepares-to-open-borders-to-tourists-spain-opts-for-caution.html 21st May 2020

Exit Strategies

EL PAS in English The Valencia region has become the first area of Spain to voluntarily slow down its coronavirus deescalation process. The eastern territory will wait one more week before requesting a transition to Phase 2 of the fourphase plan introduced by the central government to slow the spread of Covid19. The decision comes after regional health authorities detected a slight spike in contagion figures. We dont have any outbreaks but we want to wait out this week said the regional health chief Ana Barcel. We will remain in Phase 1 for another seven days. https://english.elpais.com/society/2020-05-21/in-spain-valencia-stands-alone-in-not-requesting-looser-lockdown.html 21st May 2020

Exit Strategies

FRANCE 24 The Cypriot government ended a strict coronavirus lockdown Thursday reopening outdoor restaurants barber shops and beaches but keeping the Mediterranean resort islands vital airports and hotels closed for now. After two months of living in selfisolation Cypriots are allowed to move around freely again. Some 32000 more people went back to work as part of the governments second stage out of lockdown. https://www.france24.com/en/20200521-cyprus-ends-virus-lockdown-but-airports-stay-shut 21st May 2020

Exit Strategies

Independent Maryland governor Larry Hogan said on Tuesday that people who have been exposed to the novel coronavirus but show no symptoms can get tested at staterun sites an expansion that follows complaints from local leaders that a lack of testing has made it more difficult to ease shutdown restrictions. Although hospitalisations and deaths have mostly flattened across Maryland Virginia and the District of Columbia dozens of fatalities are still reported each day including the death over the weekend of a 15yearold girl from Baltimore County. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/coronavirus-testing-us-maryland-lockdown-lifted-larry-hogan-a9524366.html 21st May 2020

Exit Strategies

The Conversation AU If youve already recovered from the coronavirus can you go back to the workplace carefree This is the question governments including in the UK Chile Germany and Italy are trying to answer by considering immunity passports. These would be physical or digital documents given to people whove recovered from COVID19 and are immune from the disease for a period of time. This would enable them to return to the workplace or even travel. But there are serious concerns that immunity passports could create two classes of citizen and provide a perverse incentive to contract the virus deliberately. https://theconversation.com/immunity-passports-could-help-end-lockdown-but-risk-class-divides-and-intentional-infections-138513 21st May 2020

Exit Strategies

HeraldScotland It is hard to fathom given what we know now that as recently as March care home operators were being told that they were very unlikely to experience an outbreak of Covid. The Public Health England guidance first issued on February 25 and adopted UKwide twice states that people receiving care in the community or in residential homes were very unlikely to become infected. The document was finally withdrawn on March 13 coincidentally the same date that Scotlands first Covid patient died though the majority of care home providers in Scotland had already closed their doors to visitors two days earlier as the scale of the potential threat became clear. https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/18463765.coronavirus-hong-kong-south-korea-singapore-no-care-home-covid-deaths---can-teach-us/ 21st May 2020

Exit Strategies

LBC This story from South Korea shows just how far they have to go to get a system which is truly worldbeating. Having thought they had beaten coronavirus completely officials detected a coronavirus outbreak centred on a nightclub in the Itaewon district in Seoul. Their contact tracing system kicked into gear and tracked down and tested a remarkable 65000 people who had been to the clubs in the area or been in contact with those who had. Results came back the next day and 170 tested positive for Covid19 and were put into quarantine. 89 of those had been to the clubs and bars in Itaewon while the rest had caught the disease from these people. https://www.lbc.co.uk/politics/the-news-explained/south-korea-shows-what-world-beating-coronavirus-t/ 21st May 2020

Exit Strategies

CNN Before the coronavirus pandemic hit India and China were positioning themselves as global climate leaders. While virus lockdowns have provided temporary blue skies from Delhi to Beijing and beyond as China and India prepare to resuscitate their economies experts warn doing so without environmental regard could wind back their previous good work on climate. That could have devastating effects on the health on billions of people. Air pollution already kills 7 million of us every year damages our childrens health and development causes serious breathing and lung problems and even affects babies in the womb. https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/20/business/coronavirus-recovery-climate-india-china-intl-hnk/index.html 21st May 2020

Exit Strategies

9News All 50 American states have now partially emerged from coronavirus lockdowns as President Donald Trump lashed China over global mass killings. Connecticut has become the final state to begin lifting restrictions allowing retail shops and restaurants to reopen their doors. Despite the reopening milestone health officials say Americans remain at risk of catching the highly transmissible and sometimes deadly virus. As of Tuesday at least 17 states had registered an upward trend in average daily cases a rise of at least 10 per cent over the previous seven days according to an analysis of Johns Hopkins University data. https://www.9news.com.au/world/all-us-states-ease-coronavirus-lockdown-trump-in-mass-killings-tweet/55ee3cd5-48e3-45fe-8034-ba31435ee8e6 21st May 2020

Exit Strategies

Kyodo News Plus Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday lifted the state of emergency in the western Japanese prefectures of Osaka Kyoto and Hyogo as the spread of the novel coronavirus has slowed enough to justify the gradual easing of curbs on economic activity. The Tokyo metropolitan area and Hokkaido in northern Japan will remain under the state of emergency but Abe said they may see it lifted as early as Monday after a review by health experts. The coronavirus emergency has ended in 42 of the countrys 47 prefectures. In rejuvenating a recessionhit economy the remaining five prefectures Tokyo Chiba Kanagawa Saitama and Hokkaido play an integral part as they make up about a third of national gross domestic product. https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2020/05/a504e2ad8e15-japan-set-to-ease-coronavirus-emergency-in-osaka-nearby-areas.html 21st May 2020

Exit Strategies

KTTC Japans economy minister says experts have approved a government plan to remove a coronavirus state of emergency in Osaka and two neighboring prefectures in the west where the infection is deemed slowing while keeping the measure in place in the Tokyo region and Hokkaido. Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura told reporters that experts at the meeting approved the plan to lift the measure in Osaka Kyoto and Hyogo. The measure will be kept in place in Tokyo and three neighboring prefectures as well as Hokkaido where the infections have slowed but need further improvement. https://kttc.com/2020/05/21/the-latest-philippine-police-raid-illegal-hospital/ 21st May 2020

Exit Strategies

Sky News Australia Cornerstone Group Senior Director James Cullen says it makes sense for state borders to remain shut in order to avoid a return to strict lockdown measures.He told Sky News it would be a complete disaster for the economy and business if the nation was forced to reenter lockdown but reiterated the national cabinet and leaders were very reluctant to go backwards. https://www.skynews.com.au/details/_6158122323001 21st May 2020

Exit Strategies

Daily Record Nicola Sturgeon has outlined how Scotland will start the gradual process of easing coronavirus lockdown restrictions across the country. The First Ministers government has taken a very measured approach so far compared to England which has already begun to loosen the lockdown. Scots have been forced to stay indoor as much as possible in an attempt to prevent the spread of the deadly virus which has already killed more than 3500 people. The SNP leader announced that restrictions will start to be eased from May 28. Earlier this week the Daily Record exclusively revealed that school in Scotland will start to go back on August 11 under plans drawn up by the Scottish Government. And teachers would return in June to prepare for a new system of blended learning with children spending half their school time in class and half at home. https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/nicola-sturgeon-lockdown-announcement-briefing-21901268 21st May 2020

Exit Strategies

Stuff.co.nz New Zealanders finally have access to the governments new tracing app to help people monitor their movements as lockdown continues to ease. As businesses can now open the NZ COVID Tracer app allows people to keep a register of the places they visit. This digital diary can be used to contact people if it finds they have been in the same place as someone infected with COVID19. But the app has some significant shortcomings. These wont be addressed until at least June which raises questions about whether it has been released too soon. https://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/apps/121582852/new-zealands-covid19-tracer-app-wont-help-open-a-travel-bubble-with-australia-anytime-soon 21st May 2020

Partisan Exits

FRANCE 24 English After mass rallies featuring armed protesters those angry over the restrictive antivirus lockdown in the US state of Michigan launched Operation Haircut Wednesday with barbers using their scissors and clippers outside the state capitol. https://www.france24.com/en/20200521-usa-coronavirus-covid-19-lockdown-michigan-operation-haircut-protest 21st May 2020

Partisan Exits

Belfast Telegraph Sensible risktasking must replace the draconian Covid19 lockdown restrictions Conservative peers have told ministers. Tory Baroness Noakes warned the coronavirus is causing massive damage to the economy as she pressed for the existing risk aversion approach to be replaced to aid the recovery. Party colleague Lord Dobbs also argued lockdown means poverty and workplaces must begin to open up acknowledging there are risks in such an approach but that these fell on both sides of the equation. https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/uk/uks-economic-recovery-requires-move-to-sensible-risk-taking-ministers-told-39224071.html 21st May 2020

Partisan Exits

iNews The Government has been urged to immediately publish a review of how its coronavirus lockdown plan will impact women BAME people and those living with disabilities amid warnings the policies could exacerbate inequalities. There are concerns the strategy of easing lockdown measures while reducing financial support from the Government could have a detrimental impact on the health or financial stability of some groups and communities. https://inews.co.uk/news/politics/coronavirus-uk-lockdown-exit-plan-government-labour-review-inequality-2860331 21st May 2020

Partisan Exits

Sky News The 50page strategy he published on the same day was meant to be our route map towards a new normal. But so far the public dont seem to have much confidence in the manual or the message. A YouGov poll over the weekend showed support for the governments handling of the virus dropping sharply. Over half of those polled thought the changes went too far and nearly three out of four wanted clearer guidance from the government about what they can and cannot do as they come out of lockdown. https://news.sky.com/story/coronavirus-easing-the-uk-out-of-lockdown-is-a-confidence-game-and-the-pm-is-losing-11991899 21st May 2020

Partisan Exits

Yahoo News UK Protesters bang pots and wave Spanish flags in the streets of Madrid to demand freedom and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchezs resignation. Sanchez won parliamentary backing to extend the coronavirus lockdown for another two weeks. https://uk.news.yahoo.com/protesters-demand-freedom-lockdown-extended-033022908.html 21st May 2020

Partisan Exits

FRANCE 24 English Spains Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez won parliamentary backing to extend the lockdown for another two weeks Wednesday despite opposition from his rightwing opponents and protests against his minority coalition government. https://www.france24.com/en/20200521-spain-coronavirus-lockdown-pedro-sanchez-covid-19 21st May 2020

Partisan Exits

Daily Mail PM said a 25000strong army of trackers had been recruited to identify the contacts of infected victims. Governments scientific advisers insist the system must be in place before any more restrictions are lifted. Rules limiting social contact could also be relaxed at that point with a decision due at the end of next week. Ministers have admitted a tracking app being tested on the Isle of Wight will not be ready at the start. Security minister James Brokenshire said tracing system for 10000 people can be launched before the app. Fears are mounting that the lockdown is eroding after thousands of sunseekers flocked to beaches and parks https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8342951/NHS-leaders-warn-time-running-establish-track-trace-strategy.html 21st May 2020

Partisan Exits

Metro.co.uk The Shadow Chancellor has suggested a second lockdown is inevitable unless the UK can sort out its test track and trace strategy. Anneliese Dodds claimed the Government is a very very long way away from having the right infrastructure branding the issue a major problem amid an easing of coronavirus restrictions. Speaking exclusively to Metro.co.uk Ms Dodds also warned that the UK is facing an unemployment problem bigger than anything seen in many hundreds of years. She said The absolutely critical issue to us returning to at least approaching normal levels of economic activity is to get test track and trace right. Until we have that infrastructure we will inevitably see reimpositions of lockdowns and or a longer lockdown. https://metro.co.uk/2020/05/20/another-lockdown-inevitable-unless-test-track-trace-place-12733753/ 21st May 2020

Partisan Exits

AlJazeera Most Americans fear a second wave of coronavirus cases as US begins efforts to reopen and kickstart a stalled economy. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/05/poll-public-support-lockdowns-wavers-party-lines-200520203842158.html 20th May 2020

Continued Lockdown

Wales Online More than half of young adults are no longer sticking strictly to the lockdown rules according to a new survey. Researchers who questioned over 90000 adults have found that complete compliance with Government safety measures such as social distancing and staying at home has dropped in the past two weeks from an average of 70 of people to under 60 who said they act this way. Less than 50 of younger adults are completely complying with lockdown rules according to the University College London UCL study which looked at how adults are feeling about a range of issues during the pandemic. These include the lockdown Government advice their overall wellbeing and mental health. https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/uk-news/compliance-uk-lockdown-rules-dropped-18286491 21st May 2020

Continued Lockdown

BBC Stormont ministers have decided there will not be any further changes yet to lockdown measures in Northern Ireland. The executive met on Thursday to discuss its response to easing restrictions. Earlier this week Arlene Foster said ministers would revisit whether relatives who do not live together could meet indoors. It is included in step one of the recovery plan but the executive has not agreed to allow it to go ahead. Their decision comes as a further seven Covid19 related deaths have been recorded by Northern Irelands Department of Health bringing its total to 501 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-52757184 21st May 2020

Continued Lockdown

The Independent The UK has recorded its hottest day of the year so far with people across the country journeying to jampacked beaches and beauty spots to make the most of the sunshine for the first time since social distancing rules were eased. Temperatures hit a peak of 27.8C near Heathrow up from the previous 2020 high set the day before when the mercury rose to 26.2C. And with the government having eased rules on trips outside including those that once barred people looking to drive to far flung areas of natural beauty thousands took to the nations shores with many of Englands top coastal areas appearing rammed with sunbathers. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/uk-weather-hottest-day-beaches-coronavirus-lockdown-social-distancing-a9525126.html 21st May 2020

Continued Lockdown

BBC Inspectors have been called out to 20 incidents of water pollution caused by lockdown DIY in recent weeks. Staff from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency have investigated incidents caused by waste water linked to painting and decorating being disposed of incorrectly. It is believed the bulk of the problems occur when people use the wrong drain to get rid of material. There have been a number affecting the River Lagan at Dromore County Down. The plumes of pollution are particularly hard to trace back to their origin as they are shortlived in nature. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-52747943 21st May 2020

Continued Lockdown

BBC South East Wales Maximum penalties in Wales for breaching lockdown will rise to 1920 the Welsh Government has confirmed. First Minister Mark Drakeford has faced calls to raise the penalties to deter breaches. Initial fixed penalties will stay the same at 60 but will double for each time someone is caught. But the police and crime commissioner PCC for DyfedPowys Police said the changes to penalties do not go far enough. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-52737374 21st May 2020

Continued Lockdown

BBC Search interest in online casinos has hit an alltime high in the UK since lockdown began data show. Google Trends shows gambling has moved online amid the closure of physical gambling venues and cancellation of sports events. Problem gamblers told the BBC lockdown measures were a recipe for disaster. Watchdog the Gambling Commission said there had been a rise in some online gambling but there was no evidence yet of a rise in problem gambling. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-52633355 21st May 2020

Continued Lockdown

The Guardian More than half of young adults are no longer sticking strictly to UK lockdown rules according to a survey. Researchers who questioned more than 90000 adults found complete compliance with government safety measures such as physical distancing and staying at home had dropped in the past two weeks from an average of 70 of people to less than 60. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/21/fewer-young-adults-sticking-uk-lockdown-rules-study-coronavirus 21st May 2020

Continued Lockdown

The Guardian After Scotland Wales and Northern Ireland refused to adopt the British governments new stay alert slogan instead opting to continue the original advice to stay home the four nations approaches to coronavirus has begun to fracture. For those living on the UKs borders this division has left them grappling with conflicting guidelines. Wed like to hear from those living on the borders about what the differing advice has meant for them. https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2020/may/21/what-is-it-like-to-live-on-uk-borders-during-lockdown 21st May 2020

Continued Lockdown

The Guardian As an intensive care doctor Usman Ahmed is spending much of Ramadan looking after patients. But working night shifts with other Muslim colleagues makes the experience easier he says. At the start of each shift Ahmed and his colleagues break their fasts together with food brought from home or donated by charities. Just before sunrise they take another break to have breakfast and prepare for another day of fasting. This Ramadan has been an emotional time for me and I have had to observe unwell patients in intensive care and an increased number of deaths in hospital says Ahmed 34 who works at Whittington hospital in Archway London. This has an emotional strain and I have been reflecting upon this during Ramadan. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/21/its-been-life-changing-ramadan-during-uk-lockdown 21st May 2020

Continued Lockdown

YAHOO! Spains Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez won parliamentary backing to extend the lockdown for another two weeks Wednesday despite opposition from his rightwing opponents and protests against his minority coalition government. It was the fifth time the state of emergency has been renewed meaning the restrictions will remain in force until June 6 in a measure passed by 177 votes in favour 162 against and 11 abstentions. The measure has allowed the government to impose a strict lockdown on Spains nearly 47 million population significantly limiting the freedom of movement to fight the epidemic which has now claimed 27888 lives. But the governments management of the crisis has drawn a barrage of criticism from righwing parties who have denounced its brutal confinement while several hundred protesters have hit the streets demanding freedom and Sanchezs resignation. https://uk.news.yahoo.com/spain-mps-vote-extend-lockdown-until-june-6-175921727.html 21st May 2020

Continued Lockdown

Euro Weekly News Spains children are suffering increased levels of depression caused by the coronavirus lockdown according to a leading childrens charity. Statistics have been published which say that 17 per cent of youngsters in Spain have felt low during the Covid19 pandemic with a larger percentage in economicallystruggling families. The stark figures come from a survey conducted by Save the Children in April at the height of Spains State of Alarm lockdown. https://www.euroweeklynews.com/2020/05/21/scandal-of-spains-children-suffering-from-depression-especially-in-struggling-lockdown-families/ 21st May 2020

Continued Lockdown

New Europe Spains government extended the countrys state of emergency for two more weeks despite criticism from opposition parties. The countrys lockdown which started on March 14 will now last at least until June 7. The government argued that at least one more twoweek extension will be needed to complete a cautious return of centralized control over health policy to the governors of its 17 regions. The parliament on Wednesday approved the extension request by 177 votes to 161 with 11 abstentions. The main opposition conservative Popular Party and the farright Vox party voted against an extension to the state of emergency which gives the government the power to restrict constitutional rights such as free movement and assembly. The path we are on is the only one that can possibly beat the virus. Thanks to all the parliament members who have supported the state of emergency because with their vote they have saved thousands of lives prime minister Pedro Snchez told parliament. https://www.neweurope.eu/article/spains-pm-asks-parliament-for-2-more-weeks-of-lockdown/ 21st May 2020

Continued Lockdown

LBC 973 FM Switzerland shares a border with Germany France Austria and Italy reporter Harriet Hadman told Iain that the southern part that borders with Italy was very badly hit and the virus was spreading over the border from midFebruary. Many of the hospitals along the border are staffed by hospitals that have to commute over every single day so thats made it incredibly difficult to close those borders completely. Theyve had to keep those healthcare workers going across Ms Harman said. There has been a high rate of cases in Switzerland and the country has been hit quite hard the top 10 country in the world for cases though way behind the neighbouring countries. There have been over 1300 cases out of eight million people fortunately there are a high number of ICU beds good hospitals and extremely good healthcare. https://www.lbc.co.uk/radio/presenters/iain-dale/what-does-switzerlands-lockdown-look-like-iain-dal/ 21st May 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

Forbes Around 54000 coronaviruslinked deaths in the U.S. could have been avoided by early May if states issued coronavirus restrictions on March 1 2020 according to a new Columbia University model that starkly demonstrates how early action might have curtailed the growth of the virus. https://www.forbes.com/sites/isabeltogoh/2020/05/21/at-least-54000-us-deaths-could-have-been-avoided-if-lockdown-came-two-weeks-earlier/ 21st May 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

BBC South East Wales Tackling harmful drinking during the lockdown will be an integral part of the nations recovery an editorial in the BMJ says. With supermarket sales of alcohol having risen it warns cases of alcoholic liver disease could increase too. And the writers fear drinking could be fuelling a rise in calls to domestic violence charities. They say greater investment in alcohol treatment services is needed. Many people reacted to the closure of pubs and restaurants by stocking up to drink at home in isolation says the article by Prof Sir Ian Gilmore who chairs Alcohol Health Alliance UK and Ilora Finlay who chairs the House of Lords Commission on Alcohol Harms. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-52743849 21st May 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

NBC Connecticut Thousands upon thousands of lives lost to the coronavirus could have been saved had the United States implemented a lockdown just a week before it did according to new data by Columbia University researchers. As of Wednesday May 20 more than 91000 Americans died from COVID19 but researchers estimate that nearly 36000 fewer people would have died by early May if social distancing rules had been announced a week earlier. Some 54000 people wouldve been saved if measures were taken two weeks earlier the New York Times first reported. https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/coronavirus/36k-lives-could-have-been-saved-if-us-implemented-lockdown-earlier-researchers/2274883/ 21st May 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

New Scientist It is unlikely that any country exiting lockdown will return to how things were before the outbreak. Social distancing regular handwashing and in some places face masks may become a new normal. Theres an assumption that we can get to a point and then relax says Paul Hunter at the University of East Anglia UK. Thats a false assumption. https://www.newscientist.com/article/2244056-how-can-countries-know-when-its-safe-to-ease-coronavirus-lockdowns/ 21st May 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

The New York Times And if the country had begun locking down cities and limiting social contact on March 1 two weeks earlier than most people started staying home the vast majority of the nations deaths about 83 percent would have been avoided the researchers estimated. Under that scenario about 54000 fewer people would have died by early May. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/20/us/coronavirus-distancing-deaths.html 21st May 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

Daily Mail on MSN.com Brits with obesity lung disease and hypertension have increased their risk of suffering from chronic conditions by cutting down on exercise during lockdown. UK scientists fear people who are already vulnerable to COVID19 due to preexisting conditions are in a no win situation as they cut down on vital exercise and stay indoors. People with medical conditions who perceived themselves or others in their home to be at risk had more frequently changed towards a more inactive lifestyle they found. https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/science/inactivity-due-to-the-coronavirus-lockdown-is-putting-vulnerable-people-with-obesity-hypertension-and-lung-disease-at-risk-of-further-health-complications-study-shows/ar-BB14o7VK 21st May 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

Daily Mail Two new cases in NSW and four new cases in Victoria recorded on Wednesday. Northern Territory became the second jurisdiction to become coronavirusfree. Several premiers announced or hinted at easing restrictions in coming weeks https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8342961/Australia-records-six-new-coronavirus-cases-week-lockdown-measures-eased.html 21st May 2020

New Lockdown

The Wall Street Journal The emergence of dozens of new coronavirus cases around a northeastern Chinese city has prompted authorities to lock down the area and replace some officials a limited return to strict controls at a time when the government is trying to spur economic activity. https://www.wsj.com/articles/new-coronavirus-outbreak-in-china-prompts-limited-lockdown-11590009192 21st May 2020

New Lockdown

The New York Times Infections in the northeast have led officials to sequester hundreds of thousands at home. China doesnt want to take any chances one expert said. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/21/world/asia/coronavirus-china-lockdown.html 21st May 2020