24th Jun 2020 https://nfind.uk/lockdown_exit/index.php/newsletter=37 lockdown_exit

Lockdown Exit

The Guardian From 6 July people in England with underlying health issues who have been shielding since March will be allowed to leave their homes. They will be able to meet up outside in groups of up to six people from different households provided they keep 2 metres apart and they will no longer have to remain 2 metres apart from the rest of their household at home. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/23/shielding-in-england-how-do-you-feel-about-coming-out-of-lockdown 23rd Jun 2020

Lockdown Exit

Reuters UK Italy has seen a surge in bicycle sales since the government ended its coronavirus lockdown as people steer clear of public transport and respond to government incentives to help the environment. Some 540000 bikes have been sold nationwide since shops across the country reopened in early May according to sector lobby Ancma a 60 increase in the first month compared to the same period in 2019. To keep people off metros and buses and avoid road congestion the government has offered to contribute up to 500 euros 562.70 for citydwellers who buy traditional or pedalassisted electrical bicycles. The subsidy which kicked in on May 4 and runs to the end of the year has accelerated a trend in place even in small centres where it is not available. https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-italy-bikes/italian-cities-see-bicycle-boom-after-covid-19-lockdown-idUKKBN23U1VG 23rd Jun 2020

Lockdown Exit

iNews Beach parties on the eve of the summer solstice have been cancelled across Spain as authorities tried to avoid crowds to prevent a new outbreak of Covid19. Traditional bonfires and spectacular firework displays next to the sea were also prohibited by health chiefs from Valencia to Barcelona along the Mediterranean coast and in Galicia in the northwest. https://inews.co.uk/news/world/summer-solstice-parties-cancelled-spain-coronavirus-concerns-valencia-barcelona-453875 23rd Jun 2020

Lockdown Exit

Irish Independent Spain reopened its borders to European tourists yesterday in a bid to kickstart its economy while Brazil and South Africa struggled with rising coronavirus infections. The head of the World Health Organisation has warned that the global spread of the virus is accelerating after a daily high of 150000 new cases was reported last week. The new coronavirus has infected more than 8.8 million people and killed more than 464000 according to figures compiled by the USbased Johns Hopkins University. The true number is thought to be much higher because many cases go untested. Spain yesterday ended a national state of emergency after three months of lockdown allowing its 47 million residents to freely travel around the country for the first time since March 14. Spain also dropped a 14day quarantine for visitors from Ireland Britain and other European countries to boost its vital tourism sector. https://www.independent.ie/world-news/coronavirus/spain-reopens-to-tourists-as-lockdown-ends-amid-surge-in-global-spread-39303928.html 23rd Jun 2020

Lockdown Exit

Reuters After a threemonth coronavirus hiatus French movie fans made a comeback on Monday as cinemas across the country reopened in the latest phase of the countrys relaxation of lockdown measures. https://uk.reuters.com/video/watch/cinemas-re-open-in-france-the-birthplace-id714666859?chan=92jv7sln 23rd Jun 2020

Lockdown Exit

The Local France Working from home will cease to be the norm as France lays out new protocols for people returning to work. The French government will this week lay out new protocols that will allow more people to return to work including abolishing the recommendation that everyone should work from home if possible. As France has gradually reopened government advice has remained the same as it was at the height of the lockdown that people who can work from home should continue to do so if possible. The recommendation was intended to avoid large numbers of people in workplaces as well as easing crowding on public transport at peak times in cities. But now a new protocol set to be published in its final form later in the week scraps this recommendation. https://www.thelocal.fr/20200623/end-of-tltravail-frances-new-rules-for-employees-to-return-to-work 23rd Jun 2020

Lockdown Exit

Bloomberg After bringing everything to a screeching halt in an allout war against the coronavirus French President Emmanuel Macron wants to get the economy going again. The dark draconian days of the Covid19 lockdown are over confirmed cases have continued to fall and Monday marks a new rollback of stayathome curbs as cinemas museums and more schools reopen. To do so hes harking back to themes from his 2017 presidential campaign as a projobs candidate who would be judged on his ability to shake up the countrys rigid labor market and complex pensions system.France must fully get back to work he said in a national televised speech on June 14. We must work and produce more. https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2020-06-22/coronavirus-lockdowns-emmanuel-macron-wants-french-back-at-work 23rd Jun 2020

Lockdown Exit

Bloomberg The French economys revival from the coronavirus lockdown appears stronger than anticipated with a measure of privatesector activity showing growth for the first time in four months. IHS Markits Purchasing Managers Index jumped to 51.3 in June from 32.1 in May beating economists expectations for 46.8. The individual gauges for both manufacturing and services also climbed above the 50 key level. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-06-23/france-s-revival-sees-economy-unexpectedly-return-to-growth 23rd Jun 2020

Lockdown Exit

The New York Times Russians soaked up the sun on boat cruises on the river Moskva on Tuesday for the first time in three months after authorities lifted many of the citys last remaining restrictions aimed at halting the novel coronavirus. Officials in the city of 12.7 million the epicentre of Russias outbreak say new infections have been falling from a peak in May and stood at just over 1000 on Tuesday. Russias national case load the worlds third highest is nearly 600000. The city which began rapidly relaxing an array of lockdown restrictions earlier this month on Tuesday allowed restaurants cafes libraries playgrounds and gyms to open properly and for river cruises to resume. https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2020/06/23/world/europe/23reuters-health-coronavirus-russia-moscow.html 23rd Jun 2020

Lockdown Exit

Hindustan Times With fragile healthcare systems in poorer countries those governments are now left with few potent tools to combat a virus which has the ability to overwhelm the healthcare systems of these nations. https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/coronavirus-surge-threatens-poor-nations-exiting-lockdown/story-OREDancwGyWc0GvawGIpFP.html 23rd Jun 2020

Lockdown Exit

Hindustan Times With fragile healthcare systems in poorer countries those governments are now left with few potent tools to combat a virus which has the ability to overwhelm the healthcare systems of these nations. https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/coronavirus-surge-threatens-poor-nations-exiting-lockdown/story-OREDancwGyWc0GvawGIpFP.html 23rd Jun 2020

Lockdown Exit

The Himalayan Times People from different walks of life opine that just the easing will not end the hard times or wariness or confinement soon and that they are bracing themselves to tackle the situation. And regarding COV ID19 another said I have got over the fear. But still I take all precautions necessary. Suggesting ways to cope the situation she said Lets not wait for government or any other body to support us. We have nobody and we are nobody. Lets help ourselves and that is the least we can do to survive. https://thehimalayantimes.com/lifestyle/only-lockdown-has-eased-for-many-lifes-looking-more-difficult-now/ 23rd Jun 2020

Lockdown Exit

Forbes But travel abroad will be anything but clearcut with the reimposition of border controls and cancellation of flights possible this summer. For those with concerns about international travel the Belgian government has given them a major incentive to take a Belgian staycation instead free rail journeys for the rest of the year to anywhere in the country. Every Belgian resident aged 12 and over will be entitled to a national tour rail pass giving them 12 free journeys in an attempt to boost the countrys tourism sector which suffered badly from the lockdown. The free journeys can be claimed at a rate of two per month from August 2020 to January 2021 https://www.forbes.com/sites/davekeating/2020/06/22/belgium-gives-free-rail-travel-to-all/ 23rd Jun 2020

Lockdown Exit

Total Slovenia News Slovenia saw a surge in coronavirus cases on Monday when 13 out of 984 tests came back positive. This is the highest number of new daily infections since 24 April when 15 new cases were reported. Six out of 13 infections were imported three from Bosnia and Herzegovina and one each from Serbia Croatia and Kosovo Mario Fafangel the head of the centre for contagious diseases at the National institute for Public health NIJZ told the press today. Five other cases were related to the imported ones one is still being investigated and in one case the source of infection is not known. https://www.total-slovenia-news.com/politics/6485-13-new-coronavirus-cases-reported-highest-number-since-24-april-six-imported 23rd Jun 2020

Exit Strategies

Arab News Sports activities in Kuwait will resume as of June 28 according to a plan announced by the Public Authority for Sport PAS on Monday. Athletes in track and field fencing and shooting have been tested for coronavirus ahead of reopening for training PAS Deputy Director General Saqer AlMulla said. Sport facilities will undergo disinfection and will have to follow coronavirus safety measures set by the Ministry of Health MoH he added. The resumption plan was set by PAS Ministry of Health and Kuwaiti Olympic Committee according to state news agency KUNA. Last week the countrys cabinet decided to eases curfew hours and start from 7 p.m. until 5 a.m. https://www.arabnews.com/node/1694116/sport 24th Jun 2020

Exit Strategies

Wales Online Key changes to lockdown rules have been announced in England with the announcement that pubs restaurants and cinemas will be allowed to open from July 4. But in Wales the next review is due to be held on Friday July 10. First Minister Mark Drakeford said on Monday June 22 said that the Welsh Government would be assessing the twometre rule themselves. Mr Drakeford said they will follow the advice that Mr Johnson is relying on as well as the advice from Wales chief medical officer and medical networks. We put the health of the public first he said. The Welsh Government says Decisions on the rules for preventing the spread of the virus in Wales are for the Welsh Government. https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/wales-england-lockdown-coronavirus-rules-18470589 23rd Jun 2020

Exit Strategies

BBC Pubs restaurants hotels and hairdressers can open from 4 July in England when social distancing rules will be eased. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said people should remain 2m apart where possible but a one metre plus rule would be introduced. Two households in England will also be able to meet indoors and stay overnight with social distancing. The prime minister warned that all the steps were reversible. The governments chief medical adviser Prof Chris Whitty said the relaxation represented a reasonable balance of risk. Scotlands First Minister Nicola Sturgeon Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford and Northern Irelands Arlene Foster have said the 2m rule will remain in place in their nations for the time being. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-53152416 23rd Jun 2020

Exit Strategies

Daily Mail PM announced key sectors including tourism and hospitality can reopen next week for first time since March. Changes will be reversed if people abuse new rules and Covid19 takes off again Boris Johnson has warned. Comes amid optimism that virus which has killed over 42000 in UK is reducing to manageable proportions Indoor venues including cinemas museums and art galleries are allowed to reopen in England from July 4. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8450895/Two-metre-rule-HALVED-let-people-meet-indoors-stay-OVERNIGHT-July-4.html 23rd Jun 2020

Exit Strategies

iNews After three months of lockdown the UK is on the verge of returning to some sense of normality in the coming weeks. Vulnerable people who have been shielding will be able to leave the house to meet friends and family in groups of six and join support bubbles with other houses from 6 July. https://inews.co.uk/news/politics/lockdown-rules-england-coronavirus-measures-end-changes-countries-comparison-453697 23rd Jun 2020

Exit Strategies

Edinburgh News Despite Frances major recent changes to its lockdown measures arrivals from the UK and some other countries are still being asked to selfisolate for 14 days. The Foreign Commonwealth Office FCO also currently advises British people against all nonessential travel worldwide. This advice took effect on 17 March and while it initially applied for a period of 30 days the travel ban is now listed as indefinite. On top of that a twoweek quarantine period for anyone arriving back in the UK including UK nationals has been in place since 8 June. https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/transport/when-can-i-travel-france-latest-guidance-uk-visitors-and-quarantine-rules-explained-2010564 23rd Jun 2020

Exit Strategies

EWN.co.za The number of coronavirus cases in South Africa breached the 100000 mark with the number of deaths now standing at 1991. https://ewn.co.za/2020/06/23/covid-19-cases-breach-100-000-recoveries-at-52 23rd Jun 2020

Exit Strategies

YAHOO! New Zealands government is considering using campervans on a Navy base in Auckland for its citizens to isolate in after returning from overseas to stop the spread of coronavirus. As hotels reach capacity in the city the most populous in the country an increase in people returning from overseas as coronavirus restrictions relax may cause a lack of accommodation for the mandatory twoweek isolation period. Whangaparaoa military base was already used to isolate New Zealand nationals returning on repatriation flights from Wuhan China then the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak. Dr Ashley Bloomfield the directorgeneral of health and the public face of the countrys battle against the disease was asked if the Whangaparaoa military base in Auckland would once again be used. https://uk.news.yahoo.com/new-zealand-citizens-may-be-quarantined-campervans-185942716.html 23rd Jun 2020

Exit Strategies

The Chronicle Herald Frances statesupported StopCovid contacttracing app has been downloaded by 1.9 million people roughly 2 of the population leading to 1.8 million activations as of June 22 digital affairs minister Cedric O said on Tuesday. The StopCovid smartphone app which was launched on June 2 warns users if they have come into contact with anyone infected with the coronavirus to help to contain the epidemic as France emerges from lockdown. https://www.thechronicleherald.ca/business/reuters/french-stopcovid-app-led-to-18-million-activations-as-of-june-22-465273/ 23rd Jun 2020

Exit Strategies

Reuters UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson unveiled a significant easing of Englands coronavirus lockdown on Tuesday saying it had been allowed by a decline in the number of new infections and the belief that currently there is no risk of a second peak. The number of new infections is now declining by between two and four percent every day he told parliament. This pandemic has inflicted permanent scars and we mourn everyone we have lost ... While we remain vigilant we do not believe there is currently a risk of a second peak of infections that might overwhelm the NHS National Health Service https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-britain-johnson/pm-johnson-eases-coronavirus-lockdown-thanks-to-reduced-infections-idUKKBN23U1SI 23rd Jun 2020

Exit Strategies

Reuters UK The United Kingdoms suspected COVID19 death toll has hit 54139 according to a Reuters tally of official data sources that underline the countrys status as one of the worst hit in the world. The Reuters tally comprises fatalities where COVID19 was mentioned on death certificates in England Wales and Northern Ireland up to June 12 and up to June 14 in Scotland. It also includes more recent hospital deaths. Unlike the lower death toll published daily by the government the death certificate figures include suspected cases. The Office for National Statistics ONS which updates the figures on a weekly basis said on Tuesday the number of deaths involving COVID19 in England and Wales up to June 12 rose to 48866. https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-britain-casualties/uk-covid-19-death-toll-tops-54000-including-suspected-cases-reuters-tally-idUKKBN23U16H 23rd Jun 2020

Exit Strategies

Reuters UK The more than 2 million people who are shielding from COVID19 in England because clinically they are extremely vulnerable to the virus will be allowed to spend more time outside their homes from July 6 the health department said on Monday. Bringing the guidance for them into line with rules set for the wider population the health ministry said they will be able to meet outside in a group of up to six people and if single or living alone create a socalled support bubble with one other household of any size. From Aug. 1 the guidance will then be relaxed so clinically extremely vulnerable people will no longer be advised to shield and those who cannot work from home will be able to return to the workplace as long as it is COVIDsecure. https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-britain-shielding/lockdown-to-ease-for-vulnerable-people-in-england-from-next-month-idUKKBN23T2FQ 23rd Jun 2020

Exit Strategies

Reuters UK Toronto Canadas mostpopulous city and financial capital will allow businesses to reopen starting on Wednesday joining other regions in the province of Ontario in ending a threemonth pandemic lockdown Ontario Premier Doug Ford said on Monday. Malls and restaurants in Toronto along with Peel Region which includes some of the citys densely populated suburbs will be able to open their patios according to the governments plan. https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-canada/canadas-biggest-city-toronto-to-reopen-businesses-ending-three-month-lockdown-idUKKBN23T2QN 23rd Jun 2020

Exit Strategies

The Washington Post The decision to limit the hajj which in 2019 drew nearly 2.5 million people to the city of Mecca will probably hit Saudi Arabia economically and deliver a blow to individuals and families who had saved up and planned to perform the pilgrimage. According to an announcement made Monday by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah this years pilgrimage will be available only to very limited numbers of people who are already in the kingdom but that it will include different nationalities not just Saudis. The announcement did not explain how the pilgrims will be chosen. https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/saudi-arabia-announces-drastic-curbs-to-numbers-for-annual-hajj-pilgrimage-to-mecca/2020/06/23/2cd505be-b525-11ea-9a1d-d3db1cbe07ce_story.html 23rd Jun 2020

Exit Strategies

Action News Now California Gov. Gavin Newsom is imploring people to wear face coverings to protect against the coronavirus and allow businesses to safely open. https://www.actionnewsnow.com/content/news/California-governor-urges-mask-use-as-hospitalizations-rise-571441791.html 23rd Jun 2020

Partisan Exits

BBC Nicola Sturgeon has warned Scots against taking holidays in other parts of the UK even as lockdown restrictions are being eased south of the border. The first minister said the Scottish governments fivemile advisory limit on travelling for leisure and recreation remained in place for now. She also said people should still not plan overnight stays away from home. But Ms Sturgeon said she hoped the tourism industry would be back up and running by next month. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced pubs restaurants hotels and hairdressers can open from 4 July in England when social distancing rules will be eased. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-53154138 23rd Jun 2020

Partisan Exits

The Financial Times Boris Johnson will on Tuesday reject misgivings from some leading scientists and press ahead with a plan to cut Englands contentious twometre socialdistancing rule as he adds cinemas galleries and museums to the list of premises able to reopen on July 4. Pubs restaurants hotels and hairdressers will also be given approval to reopen their doors with coronavirus precautions in place on July 4 to the relief of Conservative MPs who have been urging the prime minister to press ahead with further lockdown easing. In a sign of increasing efforts to boost the economy amid the Covid19 crisis Mr Johnson is hoping to announce in the next few days the lifting of the UKs 14day quarantine arrangements for travellers arriving from countries including Belgium France Germany Greece and Spain. https://www.ft.com/content/4db0e676-072a-4dd1-878c-fd9e51d1b06c 23rd Jun 2020

Partisan Exits

Daily Mail Nicola Sturgeon tore into Boris Johnson today over his plans to ease the lockdown still further in England branding him reckless. Scotlands First Minister said it was tempting to try to rush to get the nation back to normal but suggested that the move should not be rushed amid new spikes in cases in some countries. She made the waning as the UKs death toll fell to just 15 the lowest level since midMarch. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8446987/Boris-Johnson-set-expand-social-bubbles-allow-family-reunions.html?ITO=1490&ampns_mchannel=rss&ampns_campaign=1490 23rd Jun 2020

Partisan Exits

Metro Boris Johnson is set to announce new lockdown easing plans today that will allow pubs restaurants museums and cinemas to begin reopening in England from July 4. The Prime Minister is also expected to review the twometre social distancing rule amid widespread predictions it will be cut to one metre. He will brief the Cabinet on the proposals before outlining them in the House of Commons later today. Some Tory MPs have put pressure on the PM to ease the twometre requirement in order to get the hospitality sector back up and running. Many pubs and restaurants have warned that it would be impossible for them to operate as long as the rule remains in place with others saying their businesses may never reopen if they are not given the green light this week. https://metro.co.uk/2020/06/23/pubs-museums-cinemas-open-amid-concerns-uk-leaving-lockdown-quickly-12889299/ 23rd Jun 2020

Partisan Exits

The Guardian A Brazilian judge has ordered Jair Bolsonaro to rectify his at best disrespectful behaviour by wearing a face mask when circulating in the capital Braslia. The president has sparked outrage by repeatedly flouting measures designed to slow the advance of a coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 50000 Brazilians. The rightwing populist has made a succession of public appearances at protests shops and even a floating barbecue wearing a mask incorrectly or not at all. On Monday a federal judge ruled Bolsonaro was not above the laws of the federal district which contains Brazils capital and would face a daily fine of 2000 reais 310 if he continued to break the rules. The use of masks has been compulsory there since late April. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/23/brazilian-judge-tells-bolsonaro-to-behave-and-wear-a-face-mask 23rd Jun 2020

Partisan Exits

The New York Times European Union officials are racing to agree on who can visit the bloc as of July 1 based on how countries of origin are faring with new coronavirus cases. Americans so far are excluded according to draft lists seen by The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/23/world/europe/coronavirus-EU-American-travel-ban.html 23rd Jun 2020

Continued Lockdown

Hindustan Times An analysis of countries with the highest Covid19 cases shows most of them have not relaxed lockdowns without a decline in daily cases. In fact some continue with the strictest measures even after several days of fall in cases or have only reduced the stringency marginally. Those who havent followed these two paths seem to find it difficult to continue reducing daily cases. To be sure this could also mean that a lockdown although necessary isnt a sufficient enough measure to contain the infection. On June 18 15 countries with the most Covid19 cases in descending order were United States Brazil Russia India United Kingdom Spain Peru Italy Chile Iran Germany Turkey Pakistan Mexico and France. Most of these 15 countries can be categorised into two groups based on the daily number of cases we consider a sevenday rolling average to smooth out daily fluctuations those with a rising number of cases and those that have seen a decline in daily cases. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/how-the-world-s-strictest-lockdown-affected-india/story-hi96OxJcyZe53JHb5f6gwN.html 23rd Jun 2020

Continued Lockdown

The News, Portsmouth Figures obtained exclusively by The News have today revealed the countys force has responded to a massive surge in domestic incidents during the coronavirus lockdown. Hampshire police have attended 7950 reports since stayathome measures were announced in March an increase of almost 500 compared to the same period last year. The worrying spike comes amid calls from abuse charities for the government to accelerate plans to create a new national strategy to combat the violence during the pandemic https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/crime/domestic-abuse-reports-soar-hampshire-police-called-7950-incidents-coronavirus-lockdown-began-2891737 23rd Jun 2020

Continued Lockdown

Reuters UK Out of 31 pupils in one of Madrid teacher Clara Mijares online classes last month eight were missing. Two had not been seen for some time she said adding that this is a fairly typical ratio these days for her lockdown sessions for 12 to 16yearolds. Some of those who had made it to that pastoral meeting of El Espinillo secondary school in Madrid kept their webcams disabled. They were in no rush to answer when she asked how they were doing. Dont just say good she coaxed the screen of 13yearolds. Use another word. Eventually more considered responses trickled through her speaker Tired. Bored. Havent left home for exercise. Prefer to stay indoors. The charm of being in a class has been lost Mijares said. https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-spain-education-in/generation-covid-the-spanish-learners-lost-to-lockdown-idUKKBN23U1FJ 23rd Jun 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

Manila Bulletin South Africa will roll out the continents first coronavirus vaccine trial this week the university leading the pilot said Tuesday as the country grapples with the highest number of cases in Africa. The vaccine developed by the Oxford Jenner Institute is already being evaluated in Britain where 4000 participants have signed up for the trial. South Africa has set out to vaccinate 2000 people with the vaccine known as ChAdOx1 nCoV19. Fifty of the candidates have HIV. We began screening participants for the South African Oxford 1 Covid19 vaccine trial last week and the first participants will be vaccinated this week University of Witwatersrand Wits vaccinology professor Shabir Madhi told a virtual press conference. https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/06/24/s-africa-to-start-africas-first-coronavirus-vaccine-pilot/ 24th Jun 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

The Guardian The easing of multiple lockdown measures in England at once risks Covid19 gaining a fresh foothold scientists advising the government have warned. They raised concerns over the halving of the 2metre physical distancing rule at the same time as reopening venues saying the country was currently experiencing up to 4300 Covid19 infections a day and had no effective digital trackandtrace system while highlighting research that showed transmission of the virus was more likely to happen indoors. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/23/easing-several-lockdown-rules-at-once-could-boost-virus-say-uk-scientists 23rd Jun 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

Medical Xpress The lockdown measures introduced in Italy to deal with COVID19 have produced a mobility contraction which is not homogeneously distributed across Italian municipalities and regions. An examination of the steep fall on the Italian mobility network during the pandemic reveals some counterintuitive results calling for further analysis. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-06-economic-social-consequences-human-mobility.html 23rd Jun 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

Herald Scotland The ratio of positive to negative test results indicates that Scotland is on the safe side in terms of controlling the pandemic according to a scientific briefing paper that draws comparisons with the performance in New Zealand and South Korea. It has also plunged since April when more than one in five tests were coming back positive. It came as Nicola Sturgeon confirmed that no deaths from Covid had been reported in Scotland for a second day in a row with just 15 confirmed or suspected Covid patients in intensive care. https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/18534355.coronavirus-one-covid-case-detected-every-200-tests-scotland/ 23rd Jun 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

Balkan Insight Data from the Serbian states COVID19 information system shows that more than twice as many infected patients have died than the authorities announced and hundreds more people tested positive for the virus in recent days than admitted BIRN can reveal. https://balkaninsight.com/2020/06/22/serbia-under-reported-covid-19-deaths-and-infections-data-shows/ 23rd Jun 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

Reuters Inovio Pharmaceuticals Inc said on Tuesday it has received 71 million from the U.S. Department of Defense DoD to scale up production of the companys devices that are used to administer its experimental COVID19 vaccine into the skin. The drug developers shares rose nearly 13 to 17.27 before the opening bell. The funding from the DoD will be used to expand the manufacturing of a nextgeneration version of the companys Cellectra devices. The company began developing the devices in 2019 and has already begun initial production. Cellectra is a small handheld device that can be stockpiled in large quantities without maintenance. Inovio said a previous version of the device has been used in clinical trials to safely dose more than 2000 patients https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-inovio-pharma/inovio-gets-71-million-from-us-defense-department-for-covid-19-vaccine-device-idUKKBN23U1SQ 23rd Jun 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

Foreign Policy Many countries have criticized the Swedish governments lax lockdown but the deadly mistakes of defunding elder care and decentralizing public health oversight were made before anyone had heard of COVID19. https://foreignpolicy.com/2020/06/23/sweden-coronavirus-failure-anders-tegnell-started-long-before-the-pandemic/ 23rd Jun 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

FiercePharma Sanofi CEO Paul Hudson doesnt share the need for speed driving so many other big pharmas in the COVID19 vaccine race instead his company will focus on older proven tech to bring a shot to market sometime next summer. Still Sanofi doubled down on a 2018 pact with Translate Bio currently at work on an mRNA vaccine candidate. A private equity firm nabbed a former Bristol Myers Squibb plant where it hopes to entice drugmakers to ramp up production on U.S. shores. Plus Indian CDMO Piramal Pharma Solutions continued its U.S. expansion when it snared a former GW Laboratories site on Monday. Plus Merck Co. is expanding its partnership with Katie Couric in a new web series tackling the hurdles cancer patients face during the COVID19 pandemic https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/coronavirus-tracker-hydroxychloroquine-fails-va-study-fda-approves-at-home-sample-collection 23rd Jun 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

BBC Health leaders are calling for an urgent review to determine whether the UK is properly prepared for the real risk of a second wave of coronavirus. In an open letter published in the British Medical Journal ministers were warned that urgent action would be needed to prevent further loss of life. The presidents of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons Nursing Physicians and GPs all signed the letter. It comes after Boris Johnson announced sweeping changes to Englands lockdown. On Tuesday the prime minister said pubs restaurants cinemas and hairdressers will be able to reopen from 4 July. The 2m socialdistancing rule will be replaced with a onemetre plus rule meaning people should stay at least 2m apart where possible but otherwise should remain at least 1m apart while taking steps to reduce the risk of transmission such as wearing face coverings. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-53159918 23rd Jun 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

Physician's Weekly A very early study of patients with Covid19 in Wuhan and Shenzhen China was among the first to suggest an association between blood type and SARSCoV2 susceptibility and disease severity. In that study published ahead of peer review the type A blood group appeared to be associated with a greater risk for acquiring Covid19 and the type O blood group was linked to lower risk. Another early study involving cases in New York City also published ahead of peer review found a higher prevalence of group A blood type in patients who were SARSCoV2 positive and a lower prevalence of infection with group O blood type. And preliminary data recently reported by the commercial genetic testing site 23andMe also suggested a protective role for type O blood type against the novel coronavirus when compared to other blood types. Blood specialist Parameswaran Hari MD of the Medical College of Wisconsin said while the research suggesting a role for blood type in Covid19 remains preliminary the findings appear to be consistent. Hari was not involved with the newly published study but he talked to BreakingMED about the findings. The studies are all pointing in the same direction and that is really intriguing he said. https://www.physiciansweekly.com/blood-type-may-play-a-role-in-covid-19-severity/ 23rd Jun 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

EL PAS in English Spains Deputy Prime Minister Carmen Calvo said on Tuesday that the government could reimpose emergency measures in all or parts of the country if there are any coronavirus outbreaks that spiral out of control. If there is ever a time when we have a serious situation the government could easily decree a state of alarm in part of the territory if not in all of it she said in an interview on Spanish television channel Antena 3. Hopefully we wont have to do that. But we are categorical about protecting health. If the moment comes the government will show responsibility. But soon after government spokesperson Mara Jess Montero insisted that there are no shortterm or midterm plans to reintroduce a state of alarm in Spain again. https://english.elpais.com/society/2020-06-23/spain-has-no-plans-for-new-lockdown-despite-fresh-covid-19-outbreaks.html 23rd Jun 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

Metro Officials in South Korea have confirmed the country is suffering a second wave of Covid19 following a surge in confirmed cases since May. Despite the country being one of the first in the world to get the virus under control and avoided a lockdown experts said a holiday weekend in early May sparked a fresh wave of infections in the capital Seoul. Numerous outbreaks have recently been confirmed at nightclubs in the city which had previously not experienced many cases. Officials said on Monday that 17 new cases had been recorded over the last 24 hours including clusters in warehouses and large offices. https://metro.co.uk/2020/06/22/south-korea-confirms-second-coronavirus-wave-linked-nightclubs-offices-12885391/ 23rd Jun 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

IBTimes UK South Korea reported 46 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday after health authorities declared the country was battling a second wave of infections that had been circulating for weeks. The South endured one of the worst early outbreaks of the disease outside China but appears to have brought it broadly under control thanks to an extensive trace test and treat programme while never imposing a compulsory lockdown. Social distancing rules were relaxed after a public holiday in early May and the country has since been returning largely to normal. But in the last month the South has seen around 35 to 50 cases a day mostly in the Seoul metropolitan area where half of the population lives. We believe the second wave has been running since it was triggered by the May holiday said Jung Eunkyeong director of Koreas Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Officials reimposed some social distancing measures in late May following fresh clusters in and near Seoul and most cases reported in the past week have been domestic infections. https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/south-korea-reports-46-new-virus-cases-it-tackles-second-wave-1679842 23rd Jun 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

South China Morning Post The South endured one of the worst early outbreaks of the disease outside China but appears to have brought it broadly under control thanks to an extensive trace test and treat programme while never imposing a compulsory lockdown. Social distancing rules were relaxed after a public holiday in early May and the country has since been returning largely to normal. But in the last month the South has seen around 35 to 50 cases a day mostly in the Seoul metropolitan area where half of the population lives. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3090212/south-korea-sees-uptick-coronavirus-cases-second-wave-arrives 23rd Jun 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

The Straits Times There are 218 new coronavirus cases confirmed as of Monday noon June 22 taking Singapores total to 42313. They include a community case who is a work pass holder said the Ministry of Health MOH on Monday. Migrant workers living in dormitories make up the vast majority of the other cases. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/218-new-covid-19-cases-in-singapore-including-one-in-community 23rd Jun 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

Dawn Seven more Pakistan players due to tour England in August have tested positive for the coronavirus the Pakistan Cricket Board PCB said on Tuesday taking the total to 10 since the first results were announced this week. https://www.dawn.com/news/1564717 23rd Jun 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

Wired This second outbreak has prompted a flurry of activity as officials mobilise to stop further transmission taking place. In communities deemed high risk peoples health codes have turned yellow which means they must quarantine at home. Those who want to leave Beijing must show a negative test taken within the last seven days. Stateowned telecoms companies are handing over data to help with tracking. The net is spread wide and the tracing operation immense. Even residents who have travelled on highways a few kilometres away from Xinfadi or taken a subway line that runs near it have received phone calls inquiring whether they have visited. State media reported almost 200000 people had been contacted as part of the contact tracing drive and 356000 subsequently tested. https://www.wired.co.uk/article/coronavirus-beijing-second-wave-lockdown 19th Jun 2020

New Lockdown

BBC German authorities in the state of North RhineWestphalia have reimposed lockdown restrictions in two districts after a spike in cases with more than half a million people affected. One area is home to a meatpacking plant where more than 1500 workers have tested positive. State premier Armin Laschet said the preventative measures in Gtersloh district would last until 30 June. Neighbouring Warendorf district has also seen restrictions return. The states health minister KarlJosef Laumann announced the second lockdown just hours after the first saying further measures were needed in order to protect the population. It is the first time lockdowns have been reintroduced in Germany since the country began lifting nationwide restrictions in May. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-53149762 23rd Jun 2020

New Lockdown

Olive Press JUST a day after Spain entered the new normality three regions have reverted to Phase 2 of lockdown after a new coronavirus outbreak. Mondays move affects 67700 people in administrative districts in Aragon. This new outbreak involves 50 infections and is thought to be the most serious of 11 outbreaks reported throughout Spain including those in Madrid Catalonia and the Canary Islands. https://www.theolivepress.es/spain-news/2020/06/23/coronavirus-lockdown-reintroduced-in-aragon-just-a-day-after-spain-entered-its-new-normality/ 23rd Jun 2020

New Lockdown

ABC News Tougher lockdown measures may be in place for suburbs which have a higher number of COVID19 cases in Victoria. Joining Virginia is Oscar Yildiz Deputy Mayor of Moreland which has been named as one of these hotspots which health authorities have advised against travelling to. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-06-23/covid-19-tougher-lockdowns-for-victorian-hotspots/12383492 23rd Jun 2020

New Lockdown

Daily Mail Australians fatigued by months of coronavirus lockdown face being forced back indoors as Victoria battles a second wave of COVID19 infections. The unexpected spike risks other states refusing to open their borders as planned having closed back in March to stop the virus spreading. Victoria recorded 17 cases of coronavirus on Tuesday 11 of which are from an unknown source marking its 17th consecutive day of doubledigit infections. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8448661/Melbourne-coronavirus-lockdown-dire-consequences-rest-Australia.html 23rd Jun 2020

New Lockdown

Swissinfo The premier of the western German state of North RhineWestphalia said on Tuesday he was putting the Guetersloh area into lockdown until June 30 after a coronavirus outbreak at a meatpacking plant there. Were reintroducing contact restrictions as in March Armin Laschet told a news conference. It is a preventative measure. https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/reuters/germany-puts-guetersloh-in-lockdown-after-virus-outbreak-at-meatpacking-plant/45854982 23rd Jun 2020

New Lockdown

Reuters UK The western German state of North RhineWestphalia on Tuesday put two municipalities back into lockdown until June 30 after an outbreak of the new coronavirus at a meatpacking plant. Guetersloh home to some 100000 people and the neighbouring town of Warendorf became the first areas in Germany to fall back under lockdown measures that had been gradually lifted since the end of April. State governor Armin Laschet who had previously led calls for Germany to ease its lockdown restrictions said bars museums galleries cinemas sports halls gyms and swimming pools in Guetersloh and Warendorf would be closed and picnics and barbecues prohibited. We will lift the measure as soon as possible when we have certainty about the safety of the infection Laschet told a news conference. It is a preventative measure. https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-germany-guetersloh/germany-imposes-local-lockdown-after-virus-outbreak-at-meat-plant-idUKKBN23U18V 23rd Jun 2020