8th May 2020 https://nfind.uk/lockdown_exit/index.php/newsletter=4 lockdown_exit

Lockdown Exit

World Economic Forum Countries all over the world are announcing their plans to emerge from COVID19inflicted lockdown and the AsiaPacific region is no different. Even countries like Thailand and Viet Nam that have not suffered a heavy infection rate or death toll must now reckon with the economic damage caused by the pandemic and are eager to cautiously reopen their schools and get people back to work. Here is a roundup of measures announced from countries and economies in the AsiaPacific area https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/05/covid-19-asia-pacific-ending-lockdown/ 8th May 2020

Lockdown Exit

South China Morning Post Professor Samuel Yeungshan Wong says Canada should follow Hong Kong by supporting public mask wearing and testing all arrivals at airports for coronavirus A study by Wong published in Canada says Hong Kongs aggressive contact tracing and quarantine measures also helped restrict the spread of the disease https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3083417/masks-tests-quarantine-centres-what-can-canada 8th May 2020

Lockdown Exit

The Local Italy Italys health ministry has issued new guidance on reducing the risk of infection when using public transport. The Italian government has also stated that masks must be worn when using on all forms of public transport. In addition to this the Italian health ministry on Wednesday published official advice on staying safe when using public transport assessed by workplace injury insurance agency INAIL.as being a mediumhigh risk environment for coronavirus infection the Ansa news agency reports. The risk rises to high during peak times in urban areas the insurers said. https://www.thelocal.it/20200507/how-to-stay-safe-on-public-transport-under-italys-lockdown-phase-two 7th May 2020

Lockdown Exit

YAHOO! As France awakens from lockdown on 11 May the government will start testing under real conditions a prototype for its muchcriticised StopCovid contact tracking phone app ahead of the products intended full rollout on 2 June. The app works by using Bluetooth to interact with nearby phones and detect when users come into contact with potential coronavirus carriers. It generates an anonymous numerical ID thats exchanged with other smartphones also running the app. The ID of anyone who tests positive is redflagged and a warning is then sent to those who have crossed paths with the infected person. The app does not however reveal details about where and when the encounter took place unlike similar technology in China geolocation data is not recorded. The use of StopCovid developed in France by researchers and companies under the supervision of the government will be purely voluntary but it needs to be widespread if its to play any meaningful role slowing the epidemic. https://uk.news.yahoo.com/france-test-controversial-covid-19-115231425.html 7th May 2020

Lockdown Exit

MSN Shelter says that those relying on benefits must find an estimated 13m a week in total to keep up with their rent payments. The government has suspended evictions for the duration of the crisis but thousands could be forced out of their homes when the lockdown ends. Polly Neate chief executive at Shelter has warned of a tsunami of evictions amid the serious financial difficulty that people across the country are now facing. As renters lose their jobs and see their incomes hit many will have to rely on the welfare safety net for the first time she said. Our services are already hearing from families in homes they could comfortably afford under normal circumstances who are now in serious financial difficulty. Were facing an onslaught of people suddenly unable to afford their rent at a time when people need to stay put and cannot safely move to a cheaper home. https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/coronavirus/coronavirus-private-renters-facing-tsunami-of-evictions-once-lockdown-ends-charity-warns/ar-BB13JleC?li=BBoPRmx 7th May 2020

Lockdown Exit

FRANCE 24 Super Rugby in New Zealand is poised to resume when the country relaxes its COVID19 lockdown Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Thursday with bars retailers and schools also set to open. Ardern is due to announce next Monday whether New Zealand will move to Alert Level 2 which allows significantly more freedom than Kiwis have experienced since lockdown began in late March. While she stressed no decision had yet been made Ardern acknowledged New Zealands success in containing the virus had put it in a good position to cautiously relax the rules. Think of ourselves as halfway down Everest she said. Its clear that no one wants to hike back up that peak and the descent is known to be even more dangerous. https://www.france24.com/en/20200507-hugs-rugby-on-agenda-as-new-zealand-continues-to-ease-lockdown 7th May 2020

Lockdown Exit

BBC The government will set out on Thursday how it plans to lift restrictions on movement on Monday. But for many the damage from one of Europes strictest lockdowns has been done. Prime Minister Edouard Philippe gave details of the changes on Thursday. The plan is to divide the country into red and green zones with different rules for different places. From Monday we will progressively unwind the lockdown that started on 17 March... but the country is cut in two with the virus circulating more quickly in some regions notably in the Paris region which is very densely populated the prime minister said. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-52557722 7th May 2020

Lockdown Exit

FRANCE 24 English Two months ago some 1.2 million people fled the Paris region in a reverse rural flight that prompted howls of protests from countryfolk fearful of the spreading coronavirus. Now residents of the French capital and its suburbs have been told they can head back the other way as the country prepares to end its lockdown on May 11. Already the logistics of their return from exile is a headache for the SNCF Frances national train operator which is running a limited service and can only fill 50 of seats to comply with social distancing rules. But the government has pledged to let all Parisians return home provided they carry a justification form required of all travellers who plan to cover a distance of more than 100 kilometres once the lockdown is lifted. https://www.france24.com/en/20200506-exiled-parisians-face-bittersweet-homecoming-as-france-eases-covid-19-lockdown 7th May 2020

Lockdown Exit

CNBC South Korea and Hong Kong successfully relaxed pandemic restrictions without having another rise in cases by data sharing using targeted testing and contact tracing. The varying results of efforts across Asia to contain the virus and reopen society present policy options and perhaps lessons for countries behind on the outbreaks timeline. Public health specialists who spoke with CNBC said theyre not confident U.S. officials are taking note of whats working and not working in Asia. https://www.cnbc.com/2020/05/07/coronavirus-lessons-learned-in-asia-show-us-is-at-risk-of-a-resurge-in-cases-as-states-reopen-businesses.html 7th May 2020

Lockdown Exit

The Register Hong Kong will reopen video game arcades as the city begins to ease its pandemic precautions and attempts to kick its economy into a higher gear. The new guidelines announced yesterday will allow bars gyms beauty salons cinemas and amusement game centres to resume business on Friday with some restrictions. In arcades operators will either need barriers between machines or to leave every second console inoperable. The number of people allowed to gather in groups will be raised from four to eight and schools will resume in three phases starting 27 May. The reopening has been ordered because In light of the more stabilised situation in Hong Kong in terms of the number of confirmed cases of COVID19 in the recent weeks... a window of opportunity exists for us to lift some of the social distancing measures at the moment a spokesperson for the Food and Health Bureau said. https://www.theregister.co.uk/2020/05/06/hong_kong_reopens_video_arcades/ 6th May 2020

Lockdown Exit

AlJazeera After almost two months of lockdown and being out of work Chinese consumers are not shopping as much as they used to. https://www.aljazeera.com/ajimpact/chinese-consumers-meaning-lockdown-200504062527322.html 4th May 2020

Exit Strategies

YAHOO! According to some reports unlimited outdoor exercise will be allowed from Monday however gyms and playgrounds are expected to remain closed. Public Health England has signalled the stay home message could be abandoned and reports suggest people using benches having picnics or sunbathing will no longer be asked to move on provided they keep two metres apart. Health Secretary Matt Hancock suggested on Wednesday that outdoor pavement cafes could be put in place over the summer. https://uk.news.yahoo.com/pubs-transport-shops-uk-lockdown-130632718.html 7th May 2020

Exit Strategies

iNews It is widely reported that the Government is going to scrap its key stay at home message from next week and replace it with a new slogan. The main focus for easing the restrictions is likely to be about restarting the economy and allowing some people to return to work without risking their health. According to the Daily Mirror employees at workplaces that stayed open during the lockdown will be encouraged to return. Some outlets have reported that the Government will advise Britons to wear face masks on public transport and in shops and offices where it is harder to stick to social distancing rules. Despite some reports about shops opening as long as social distancing can take place The Daily Telegraph says nonessential retailers including garden centres will have to hold on a little longer before fully reopening. https://inews.co.uk/news/lockdown-how-eased-boris-johnson-ease-uk-coronavirus-rules-when-end-explained-2846183 7th May 2020

Exit Strategies

Metro Britains plan for returning to normal will be implemented in five stages over the next six months it is understood. Boris Johnson is set to lay out his roadmap for exiting lockdown on Sunday with some changes hoped to take effect the next day. While that is sooner than expected a 50page blueprint being drafted by officials indicates some restrictions wont be lifted until at least October according to The Daily Mirror. The fivestage plan reportedly proposes reopening some garden centres and openair markets as early as Monday but keeping bigger indoor venues like pubs bars and restaurants closed until August. https://metro.co.uk/2020/05/07/five-part-plan-get-uk-lockdown-six-months-12667578/ 7th May 2020

Exit Strategies

The Guardian One of the lessons of the last recession was that austerity measures were imposed too quickly and recovery was choked off and the stakes are much higher this time. Whether or not there is a second wave of infections there is certainly the risk of a second wave of acute economic distress starting in the autumn. The psychological impact of Covid19 on consumer behaviour meant it was never realistic for the UK to have a Vshaped recession. The aim now is to avoid a great depression. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/may/07/snapback-uk-economy-lockdown-recession-coronavirus 7th May 2020

Exit Strategies

BBC Executive ministers met for more than three hours on Thursday ahead of a call between the PM and leaders of the devolved institutions. They agreed to recommend that people in Northern Ireland should now wear face coverings when they were in enclosed spaces for short periods of time where social distancing is not possible. The decision was taken in line with scientific advice Mrs Foster told the Executives daily press conference. Health Minister Robin Swann later said that while evidence on the overall protection provided by face coverings is not conclusive on balance it is sufficient to recommend that members of the public consider using them in particular circumstances. In practice these circumstances will largely relate to public transport and retail environments he added. Their use will not be mandatory. Crucially face coverings must not lead to any false sense of security about the level of protection provided. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-52558941 7th May 2020

Exit Strategies

The Brussels Times Johnson suggested on Wednesday that some restrictions could be relaxed as of 11 May while repeating that he wanted to avoid a second wave of the new coronavirus Covid19 pandemic at all costs. The reality is were still at a high point of the virus. We believe we are past the peak but we have to make sure we do not create a situation we can have a strong second peak very quickly echoed Brandon Lewis Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on BBC Radio 4. Were going to make sure we go forward in a way that actually puts peoples health first he added. British media reported that citizens will soon be able to exercise unlimitedly outdoors have picnics or even sunbathe in parks as long as they keep a safe distance of two metres between people. People are currently only allowed to go out for groceries medical treatment or exercise. https://www.brusselstimes.com/all-news/110130/uk-due-to-extend-lockdown-ahead-of-deconfinement-measures/ 7th May 2020

Exit Strategies

Reuters UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson will announce a very limited easing of Britains coronavirus lockdown next week adopting a cautious approach to try to ensure there is no second peak of infections that could further hurt the economy. If people dont follow the rules or if we see that the Rlevel the reproductive rate of the virus goes back up we will tighten the restrictions again. The government has been criticised for moving too slowly to tackle the outbreak which has led to more than 30000 deaths in Britain the worst official death toll in Europe. But with an increasing number of anecdotal reports that more people are flouting the lockdown in anticipation of Sundays announcement and a public holiday on Friday ministers are under pressure to make any new rules as clear as possible after being criticised for mixed messaging. https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-britain-johnson/uk-to-announce-very-limited-easing-of-lockdown-next-week-idUKKBN22J1XZ 7th May 2020

Exit Strategies

The Telegraph The Prime Minister has said we are now past the peak of the pandemic and hinted that lockdown measures could be lifted soon. He will address the nation on Sunday 10 May at 7pm to outline the Governments plan to lift the lockdown. He said the dates and times of each measure being lifted would come when the Government had more data but the UK is heading towards phase two of its coronavirus response which will involve partially lifting lockdown. Here we analyse when the lockdown could end and what the new normal might look like.... https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/04/10/uk-lockdown-extended-coronavirus/ 7th May 2020

Exit Strategies

iNews Germans are already planning their summer holidays abroad with the lifting of lockdown restrictions across the nation. Thomas Bareiss the federal tourism commissioner told German newspaper Der Tagesspiegel that if the coronavirus outbreak remained under control in the country then people may be able to holiday abroad soon. https://inews.co.uk/news/coronavirus-germany-summer-holidays-angela-merkel-lockdown-lifted-2845221 7th May 2020

Exit Strategies

The Telegraph Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez argues that his administration needs enhanced powers to coordinate the health service which is normally under the remit of the 17 regional governments and to implement economic policies designed to mitigate the impact of the lockdown. Even though Sanchez won the vote it could be a prelude to another political crisis. The main opposition party the conservative PP abstained and threatened to vote against Sanchez if he seeks another extension. The PP had backed Sanchezs previous requests for a longer state of emergency and a negative vote could compromise the political legitimacy of the measure. The government is pursuing a cautious easing of confinement rules to avoid a resurgence in infections. Spain has the secondmost extensive outbreak in the world behind the U.S. and ahead of Italy the original epicenter of the virus in Europe. https://www.thetelegraph.com/news/article/Spain-virus-death-toll-declines-as-lockdown-15253240.php 7th May 2020

Exit Strategies

Sky News Pressure to relax the rules had been growing as the lockdown achieved the countrys goal in slowing the spread of COVID19. Angela Merkel has laid out a plan for Germany exiting the lockdown as the rate of daily coronavirus infections in the country continues to drop. The German chancellor announced a loosening of the measures after meeting with the countrys 16 state governors. She said restaurants and other businesses will be allowed to reopen in the coming weeks. https://news.sky.com/story/coronavirus-germany-moves-to-carefully-lift-lockdown-as-infection-rates-fall-11984535 7th May 2020

Exit Strategies

The Telegraph With several more European countries including Germany Spain and Portugal now easing their social distancing measures enough to allow hairdressers to reopen how are stylists operating amid a new way of work and what can we expect from salons when they finally open their doors again in the UK Heres what we know about salons that have reopened in other countries while social distancing. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/beauty/hair/re-open-when-hairdressers-salons-uk/ 7th May 2020

Exit Strategies

Reuters UK Spain has a fourphase plan to lift a coronavirus lockdown and return to normal by the end of June. Following are the key points of the plan which will vary from province to province. Advancing through the stages will depend on factors such as how the rate of infection evolves the number of intensive care beds available locally and compliance with distancing rules https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-spain-plan-factbox/factbox-from-hairdressers-to-beaches-spains-plan-to-phase-out-lockdown-idUKKBN22J1TS 7th May 2020

Exit Strategies

YAHOO! On Thursday people in France will find out what awaits them on Monday 11 May if the 2month lockdown is lifted. Edouard Philippe who has promised there will be no easy return to normal is due to present the first phase of the governments exit plan at 1600 local time. Many questions hang in the balance including whether the exit will go ahead as planned on Monday. Philippe had said previously that if the indicators were bad the lockdown would be extended. The indicators guiding his choice include the evolution of the pandemic the ability of hospitals to deliver critical care and testing capacity. https://uk.news.yahoo.com/french-pm-unveil-final-strategy-075334958.html 7th May 2020

Exit Strategies

Birmingham Post Millions of Britons could take the first steps out of lockdown as early as Monday under the Governments plan to return the nation to some kind of normality. The proposals will be set out in a roadmap by the Prime Minister on Sunday and the first could be enacted within hours of his address. The Mirror reports that unlimited exercise will be allowed from Monday May 11 and staff encouraged to return to work at businesses which have stayed open during the lockdown. But the full plan is likely to take several months to work through and steps could be delayed or changed by a second spike of coronavirus later in the year. https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/prime-ministers-five-step-plan-18214471 7th May 2020

Exit Strategies

FRANCE 24 Next Monday will mark the start of a very gradual process stretching over several weeks at least which will allow the country to emerge slowly but steadily from the lockdown Philippe told a news conference hours after the government put the final touches to its highlyanticipated roadmap. Philippe said the government was looking to strike the right balance between the indispensable resumption of economic ... life and the indispensable need to ensure the safety of the public. He said the exit from lockdown would be differentiated with restrictions to be lifted gradually and varying between regions. The country is cut in two with the virus circulating more quickly in some regions he explained. https://www.france24.com/en/20200507-live-france-unveils-final-plan-on-easing-covid-19-lockdown 7th May 2020

Exit Strategies

Bloomberg French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said the country was ready for a nationwide plan to relax curbs on public life though strict controls will remain on public transport in Paris where infection rates are too high. Looser restrictions on businesses and stores will start coming into effect on Monday in a gradual process designed to avoid a second wave of infections. We are always looking for a balance between the indispensable return to normal life and the indispensable respect of all measures that will prevent the epidemic from restarting Philippe said on Thursday adding that restrictions could be reimposed if infections rise. The target of all the French people is that we can live with this virus until a cure is found. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-05-07/france-set-to-join-germany-in-easing-curbs-to-relieve-virus-pain 7th May 2020

Exit Strategies

The Connexion In that previous speech he urged people to be disciplined in the runup to May 11 so as to ensure there was not a resurgence of Covid19 and that deconfinement could begin on schedule. If all went as hoped he said a first deconfinement stage could then begin lasting until June 2 when it was expected that there would be further changes. Rules for the first stage will to some extent vary depending on whether people live in a geographical department that has been labelled green good orange intermediate or red bad for the number of new cases the capacity of hospitals to cope and whether or not the area is well equipped for testing and contact tracing alerting people who may be at risk due to having had close contact with an infected person. https://www.connexionfrance.com/French-news/Edouard-Philippe-to-explain-final-Covid-19-deconfinement-plan-for-France 7th May 2020

Exit Strategies

The South African Level 3 will include more significant changes than the ones we saw in the transition to Level 4. Heres how the government see the next phase working. https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/what-will-change-in-lockdown-level-three-work-social-travel-government-list/ 7th May 2020

Exit Strategies

AlJazeera Spains two hardesthit cities may keep restrictions in place as the rest of the country emerges from lockdown. Sanchezs plan to lift lockdown restrictions has four stages in which restrictions are progressively eased with each region applying to enter the next phase if it meets certain conditions such as hospital capacity requirements. The first phase would allow for groups of up to 10 people to meet in homes or outdoors and street cafes to reopen. Religious celebrations can also be observed as long as places of worship practise social distancing and limit themselves to 30 percent of their previous capacities. Catalonias regional government on Wednesday said Barcelona and Girona would not be included in the first phase which starts on Monday saying there was a moderate to high risk of a new wave of infections. But Madrid the city which is at the centre of Spains outbreak and which is still registering high numbers of new cases has applied to the national health ministry to begin opening its doors on Monday. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/05/barcelona-madrid-left-lockdown-spain-lifts-curbs-200507211505073.html 7th May 2020

Exit Strategies

VOA News Pakistan has announced it will gradually ease a nationwide coronavirusrelated partial lockdown starting Saturday saying the number of COVID19 infections remain relatively low and under control. COVID19 is the disease caused by the coronavirus. https://www.voanews.com/covid-19-pandemic/pakistan-ease-coronavirus-lockdown-saturday 7th May 2020

Exit Strategies

The Times of India The Pakistan cabinet has approved easing the COVID19 lockdown restrictions in the country gradually after May 9th provided that strict implementation of the coronavirusrelated preventative measures suggested by the government ensured. Prime Minister Imran Khan however warned that threat from the viral disease was not over and could strike again if the governments stadard operating procedures were not followed https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/pakistan-cabinet-approves-easing-lockdown-after-may-9/articleshow/75590883.cms 7th May 2020

Exit Strategies

Scoop.co.nz The countrys largest longitudinal study is about to launch a new research project to discover how the Covid19 lockdown has affected children in Aotearoa New Zealand. Growing Up in New Zealand is following the lives of more than 6000 New Zealand children and their families from before birth until adulthood. The University of Auckland study plans to carry out a digital survey with cohort children later this week to gather information about their experiences of lockdown at Covid19 Alert Levels 4 and 3. Study director Professor Susan Morton of the Universitys School for Population Health in the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences says hearing the voices of children is crucial to provide insights into how young people may have been impacted by the pandemic. https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU2005/S00046/study-to-explore-the-impact-of-covid-19-lockdown-on-children.htm 7th May 2020

Exit Strategies

The New York Times Part of Indias success in blunting the spread of the coronavirus had been a fierce lockdown that was zealously obeyed. But in the last few days the government has loosened up the rules drawing people into the streets. And now the dangerous contagion appears to be spreading more aggressively. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/06/world/asia/india-coronavirus-lockdown-infections.html 7th May 2020

Exit Strategies

The Economic Times Economic Times Online conducted a readers poll to gauge the mood of the public in a country that has been under a crippling lockdown for over 40 days. Now that the wheels have begun clacking again in factories and plants we present here the insights gleaned from almost 13000 of Indias bestinformed readers of business news. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/indicators/the-great-lockdown-survey-what-now-for-india-the-good-bad-and-the-ugly-of-life-after-covid/articleshow/75571053.cms 7th May 2020

Exit Strategies

Bloomberg Merkel and state leaders have agreed on a framework to ease the lockdown in Germany. These moves are to be phased in regionally with an emergency stop built in should there be a repeat of a coronavirus spike in any one region https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-05-06/germany-prepares-to-open-restaurants-in-next-easing-step 6th May 2020

Exit Strategies

YAHOO! Chancellor Angela Merkel announced steps on Wednesday to ease the coronavirus lockdown in Germany but at the same time launched an emergency brake mechanism allowing for renewed restrictions in case infections pick up again. Declaring an end to the first phase of the pandemic in Germany Merkel said there was still a long way to go in the battle against the virus which has battered Europes largest economy. The government will decide on an economic stimulus package in June Merkel said adding this was a very ambitious time frame. Germany went into lockdown in March to contain coronavirus contagion. Its reproduction rate has been falling for several days and Merkel said it was now consistently below 1 meaning a person with the virus infects fewer than one other on average. We are at a point where our goal of slowing the spread of the virus has been achieved and we have been able to protect our health system... so it has been possible to discuss and agree on further easing measures Merkel told reporters. https://uk.news.yahoo.com/germany-ease-lockdown-merkel-hails-140935213.html 6th May 2020

Exit Strategies

Reuters The United Kingdom has drawn up a threestage plan to ease the coronavirus lockdown that was first imposed at the end of March The Times newspaper said. The government must review the lockdown by May 7 but Prime Minister Boris Johnson has made clear that he is worried about triggering a second deadly spike in cases. Johnson is expected to set out a plan for exiting the lockdown on Sunday. The first phase will involve small shops reopening alongside outdoor workplaces and the second will involve large shopping centres reopening with more people encouraged to go into work The Times said. Pubs restaurants hotels and leisure centres will be among the last to open the newspaper said. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-britain-lockdown/uk-has-drawn-up-3-stage-plan-for-easing-coronavirus-lockdown-the-times-idUSKBN22I0Z3 6th May 2020

Exit Strategies

The Guardian However behind the scenes tourism officials and hospitality bosses are busy working out how destinations will start to welcome back visitors this summer. Without knowing exactly what changes will be announced when Boris Johnson produces his roadmap on Sunday tourist boards across the UK are setting out plans for a phased reopening of attractions and businesses as they endeavour to salvage some of the 2020 season. We cant afford to wait until lockdowns over and find weve not got the plans in place said Gill Haigh chief executive of Cumbria Tourism. The question is how we reset. https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2020/may/06/british-tourism-businesses-post-lockdown-plans 6th May 2020

Exit Strategies

The Telegraph France announced grand plans to save Gallic culture on Wednesday including a pledge of massive public commissions for creative projects and an extension of its uniquely generous unemployment system for arts and entertainment workers to avoid collapse under coronavirus. Theatres and museums could slowly start preparing to reopen from next week while respecting safety guidelines to avoid a resurgence of infections said President Emmanuel Macron. The moves came as countries around Europe are grappling with how to support the arts and reopen cultural venues and are coming up with creative ways to respect social distancing including using ribbons and poles. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/05/06/life-lockdown-france-unveils-grand-culture-bailout-germany-re/ 6th May 2020

Exit Strategies

SBS News Despite a rise in coronavirus cases of 10000 in a single day Russia has indicated it could gradually lift confinement measures from next week. https://www.sbs.com.au/news/russia-sees-record-spike-in-coronavirus-cases-with-more-than-10-000-in-one-day 8th May 2020

Exit Strategies

Reuters Australia will ease social distancing restrictions implemented to slow the spread of the coronavirus in a threestep process Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Friday with the aim of removing all curbs by July. Australia imposed strict social distancing restrictions in March which coupled with the closure of its borders is credited with drastically slowing the number of new infections of COVID19 the disease caused by the virus. Morrison said Australias states and territories will decide when to begin implementing each stage. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-australia/australia-to-ease-covid-19-curbs-in-three-stages-targets-july-for-full-removal-idUSKBN22K09U 8th May 2020

Partisan Exits

The Guardian Downing Street was keen to pour cold water on reports that the lockdown could be lifted from Monday after newspaper headlines such as Lockdown Freedom Beckons and Happy Monday. Senior government figures privately expressed concern about what one referred to as overegged reports about both the tone and the pace of a potential easing. The same source also played down one report that people could be able to sit two metres away from friends outside as soon as Monday. It will be much more cautious than what is being reported they said. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/07/uk-newspapers-accused-of-giving-mixed-messages-on-coronavirus-lockdown 7th May 2020

Partisan Exits

The Scotsman The leader of the Labour Party Sir Keir Starmer has said that easing of lockdown restrictions needs to take place across the UK as a whole as he urged caution to avoid another spike in cases of coronavirus. https://www.scotsman.com/health/coronavirus/keir-starmer-uk-needs-leave-lockdown-together-2846079 7th May 2020

Partisan Exits

BBC The SNPs Mr Ian Blackford said We are still facing an enormous death toll and everything we do should be based on the scientific and medical advice. What we should be focusing on are the health considerations for the public and the absolute desire to drive down the impact of this virus. If we allow an earlier removal of restrictions all we are going to do is run the risk of that second spike and the impact on the health of individuals and the economy will actually be greater. There has to be discipline and an appreciation from the population of what we are doing and why. Also appearing on the Good Morning Scotland programme Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he was worried about Scotland potentially taking a different approach to restrictions to the rest of the UK. He said Across the United Kingdom we went into lockdown together and I think it would be far better if any easing or relaxation was done together. There are real problems if different regions and different nations do it at different times. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-52572662 7th May 2020

Partisan Exits

The Guardian Nicola Sturgeons spokesman confirmed the first minister plans to renew all Scotlands lockdown regulations on Thursday without amending them. They were not aware of any scientific or expert advice which supported Johnsons proposals he said. I think the first minister has said in recent days shes been very clear that shes not anticipating any imminent changes to the current measures that are recently in place. The UKs nations of England Wales Scotland and Northern Ireland have collaborated closely on policies and strategies during the pandemic with Johnson announcing the lockdown plans on 20 and 23 March on behalf of all four governments. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/06/strain-emerges-between-uk-government-and-scotland-over-easing-lockdown 7th May 2020

Partisan Exits

The Scotsman Scotlands Health Secretary has appealed for a four nation approach to easing the Coronavirus lockdown in the UK amid reports that Boris Johnson will lift some restrictions south of the border this weekend. https://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/scotland-appeals-four-nation-approach-lockdown-uk-plans-early-exit-2845670 7th May 2020

Partisan Exits

BBC The results of a review into Wales coronavirus lockdown will be announced by the Welsh Government on Friday. First Minister Mark Drakeford is expected to outline how and when minor adjustments could be made. It comes after Downing Street conceded Wales and the other UK nations may move differently on easing the restrictions. The Welsh Government said more details will be announced in Fridays press conference. Mr Drakefords approach is expected to be cautious with a focus on ensuring the R rate of transmission is not allowed to rise. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-politics-52572954 7th May 2020

Partisan Exits

Deutsche Welle For the second time in a week journalists in Berlin were attacked by members of the public. Illegal antilockdown protesters turned on a camera team in a move decried by German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas. https://www.dw.com/en/germanys-maas-condemns-anti-lockdown-protesters-attack-on-journalists/a-53359614 7th May 2020

Partisan Exits

The New York Times Labor unions in Europe have recently voiced concerns about the safety of employees who have been returning to work. But the strike at Nissan highlights what may be the next major concern of organized labor protecting jobs in a postpandemic economy. The coronavirus has brought about a recession that is expected to be the worst ever in the European Union one that will most likely push companies to close down struggling factories.Automakers in particular are believed to have excess capacity as demand for new cars has slipped in recent years. About a fifth of carmaking capacity worldwide is not being used. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/07/business/spain-nissan-strike-recession.html 7th May 2020

Partisan Exits

The Times The fragile leftwing coalition government is set to rescue its lockdown plans from chaos in a parliamentary vote today after securing the support of a centreright party. The Socialistled government of Pedro Snchez the prime minister was in danger of losing a vote for a twoweek extension of the state of emergency after one of its allies a Catalan separatist party decided to vote against it. The Catalan Republican Left party withdrew its support saying powers should now be returned to the regions. However the government won the backing of Ciudadanos a centreright party and maintained the support of a Basque regional party to stave off what the Socialists called chaos. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/spanish-pm-secures-support-for-lockdown-plans-585zxk20v 7th May 2020

Partisan Exits

RFI English Local Mayors and MPs have struggled to explain the decision and numerous campaigns including RendezNousLaMer have sprung up on social media to get the decision overturned. Gwendal Richard a keen surfer told French newspaper OuestFrance that the beach ban was completely unjust. All those who love the sea are welcome to join him on nearby beach in Erquy to express their anger peacefully on 11 May he says. Hes calling on them to line up on the beach while respecting social distancing regulations and wearing facemasks and he plans to stream the event live on Facebook. http://www.rfi.fr/en/france/20200507-anger-grows-in-french-coastal-areas-over-continued-covid-19-beach-ban 7th May 2020

Continued Lockdown

The Local Italy As Italy adjusts to phase two the staggered reopening has been complicated by the highly decentralised government system which allows the countrys 20 regions to layer on their own rules. Veneto and Calabria have thus been serving food and drink at bars and restaurants with outdoor seating since last week. The area around Genoa is thinking of reopening its beaches. Neighbouring EmiliaRomagna is keeping them closed even to those who live by the sea. And fines for breaking the rules range from a maximum of 3000 euros in most places to 5000 in Lombardy. Such regional differences in the rules have been cause for confusion throughout the lockdown. https://www.thelocal.it/20200507/why-the-coronavirus-quarantine-rules-arent-always-the-same-around-italy 7th May 2020

Continued Lockdown

Euro Weekly News Since the beginning of the quarantine most social and leisure activities have moved online for example watching concerts or meeting up with friends has now taken place on the internet. Similarly working out has been done virtually although since May 2 residents in Spain have had the opportunity to take to the streets to exercise. When it comes to sports installations or gymnasiums which according to sources are the preferred source of exercise for around 5.5 million people in Spain they will be allowed to reopen their facilities after Phase 1 of the deescalation plan begins. For now Phase 1 will allow these sports establishments to recommence individual sports activities with advanced bookings no physical contact and closed changing rooms. Further on in Phase 3 the gyms will be limited to 30 per cent capacity and changing rooms will remain closed. https://www.euroweeklynews.com/2020/05/07/breaking-a-sweat-gyms-across-spain-weary-about-re-opening-under-new-lockdown-limitations/ 7th May 2020

Continued Lockdown

Euro Weekly News The countrys Prime Minister Pedro Snchez finally managed to secure enough last minute support from the opposition parties to extend the countrys lockdown for a fourth time despite many threatening to withhold their vote this time round as reported. The lockdown extension will allow the government to restrict citizens movements to contain the coronavirus. https://www.euroweeklynews.com/2020/05/06/breaking-news-spain-approves-fourth-lockdown-extension-to-may-25-as-pm-secures-last-minute-support-from-opposition-parties/ 7th May 2020

Continued Lockdown

Reuters UK So Luis became Brazils first major city to begin a coronavirus lockdown on Tuesday with another Fortaleza saying it would follow suit on Friday as local health services struggle to cope with the pandemic. Tuesdays lockdown measure covers So Luis and parts of three other municipalities with a total population of around 1.3 million people in the poor northeastern state of Maranho. It forbids people from going outside except to obtain groceries medications or cleaning supplies. Maranho has not felt the brunt of the crisis in contrast to the populous southeastern states of So Paulo and Rio de Janeiro and the interior state of Amazonas where hospitals are overwhelmed and authorities have resorted to burying victims in mass graves. But with 4227 confirmed cases and 249 deaths Brazils poorest state is still dealing with a significant caseload. https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-brazil-lockdown/first-major-city-in-brazil-declares-lockdown-as-virus-spreads-idUKKBN22H2V5 7th May 2020

Continued Lockdown

FRANCE 24 English Brazil could face economic collapse in a months time due to stayathome measures to stem the coronavirus outbreak with food shortages and social disorder Economy Minister Paulo Guedes warned Thursday. Brazil Latin Americas biggest economy is also the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic in the region. But farright President Jair Bolsonaro who appeared alongside Guedes his freemarket economics guru opposes stayathome measures to slow the virus saying they are unnecessarily damaging the economy. Within about 30 days there may start to be shortages on store shelves and production may become disorganized leading to a system of economic collapse of social disorder Guedes said. This is a serious alert. https://www.france24.com/en/20200508-brazil-economy-minister-paulo-guedes-jair-bolsonaro-covid-19-coronavirus-lockdown-protests 7th May 2020

Continued Lockdown

The Rio Times Due to the coronavirus pandemic northern and northeastern states have moved ahead and decreed lockdowns in municipalities with the imminent collapse of their health care systems. https://riotimesonline.com/brazil-news/brazil/politics-brazil/brazil-on-lockdown-the-rules-for-cities/ 7th May 2020

Continued Lockdown

Bloomberg Business For South Africa says up to 4 million jobs at risk companies may need to consider cutting dividend Kingston says. They are calling for the lockdown to end within weeks not months to avoid serious economic dislocation https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-05-07/south-african-business-wants-virus-lockdown-ended-within-weeks 7th May 2020

Continued Lockdown

EWN Amid a protracted COVID19 lockdown the South African Depression and Anxiety Group Sadag has been receiving more calls from people feeling anxious panicked and stressed. A recent Sadag survey suggests that 55 had feelings of anxiety and panic and 46 were under financial stress and pressure. Before the lockdown the group averaged about 600 calls per day now its between 1200 and 1400 calls. Sadags Cassey Chambers said that besides people contacting them because of anxiety panic and depression they were also getting calls about stress related to accessing food parcels food security shelters safety social grants and UIF. She said that calls were coming from employees and business managers. https://ewn.co.za/2020/05/07/anxious-stressed-south-africans-really-battling-under-lockdown-says-sadag 7th May 2020

Continued Lockdown

Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty The global death toll from the coronavirus has passed 260000 with more than 3.7 million infections confirmed causing mass disruptions as governments continue to try to slow the spread of the new respiratory illness. Heres a roundup of COVID19 developments in RFERLs broadcast regions. https://www.rferl.org/a/covid-19-serbia-lifts-state-emergency-curfew/30598819.html 7th May 2020

Continued Lockdown

The Times of India Here is a look at the latest updates on the outbreak of coronavirus across some of Indias most important cities https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/day-44-of-coronavirus-lockdown-ground-report-from-indian-cities/articleshow/75599072.cms 7th May 2020

Continued Lockdown

Metro The last few weeks have seen endless reports of covidiots flouting Government lockdown laws which clearly state that were not allowed to meet up with friends or family from outside our household and if we leave our homes for exercise or essentials we must keep two metres 6ft away from others at all times. So far police in England have issued more than 9000 fines CHK under these new coronavirus laws yet people are still flouting them. Although these rules are expected to be relaxed from next week with a limit on exercise lifting and picnics and trips to rural areas to be allowed police are concerned that this bank holiday weekend will spark another dangerous backlash against social distancing. https://metro.co.uk/2020/05/07/people-flouting-lockdown-laws-12666083/ 7th May 2020

Continued Lockdown

The Guardian In country where half of population lives in poverty coronavirus lockdown is causing mounting problems. We had no chance to prepare to get food to get ready to save some money. It is like I have been bound in chains I understand it is the same for the whole world but we dont know how or when we will solve this disease https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/06/we-pray-for-this-bad-time-to-end-the-steep-cost-of-coronavirus-lockdown-in-south-africa 6th May 2020

Continued Lockdown

Euro Weekly News The Junta of Andalucia has approached the Central Government to request changes to the existing outing timetable announced last weekend in order to protect families with young children from the soaring summer temperatures. Currently a parent can take out up to three children for an hour between the hours of 12pm and 7pm but given the increasing heat the Junta is proposing a few changes to the existing lockdown outing timetable. https://www.euroweeklynews.com/2020/05/06/spains-andalucia-costa-del-sol-ask-government-for-changes-to-lockdown-outing-timetable-due-to-soaring-temperatures/ 6th May 2020

Continued Lockdown

The Financial Times Spains parliament has granted a government request to prolong the extraordinary legal order that underpins the countrys lockdown after fierce clashes in parliament and a lastminute deal with an opposition party. https://www.ft.com/content/f4586bf4-3cf5-4272-a472-eee985bc3e34 6th May 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

Evening Standard France has been warned it faces an inevitable second wave of coronavirus as the country prepares to take its first significant steps out of lockdown. President Emmanuel Macron has already announced that schools and nurseries will progressively be reopened from Monday as part of a phased revival of activity. But Olivier Schwartz head of the virus department at Frances Pasteur Institute issued a word of caution. There will be a second wave but the problem is to which extent. Is it a small wave or a big wave Its too early to say he said. https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/france-coronavirus-lockdown-second-wave-of-cases-a4434911.html 7th May 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

CIDRAP With an ongoing surge of COVID19 activity Russias total is now the worlds fifth highest as cases soared in parts of Brazil another pandemic hot spot. And in another development the World Health Organization WHO today warned that smoldering uncontained outbreaks in the first pandemic year in Africa could kill as many as 190000 people. https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspective/2020/05/covid-19-surges-russia-brazil-who-warns-huge-death-toll-africa 7th May 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

The Guardian Japans prime minister Shinzo Abe has extended the countrys state emergency until the end of the month amid warnings that relaxing physical distancing advice too soon could flood already crowded hospitals with coronavirus patients. Abe declared a monthlong state of emergency in Tokyo and six other prefectures on 7 April enabling local governors to request that people avoid unnecessary trips outside and that nonessential businesses close. The measures have since been expanded nationwide but they are far less restrictive than those introduced in the US and parts of Europe with no fines or other penalties for those who do not comply. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/04/japan-to-extend-state-of-emergency-covid-19-amid-fears-second-wave-could-cripple-tokyo-hospitals 4th May 2020

New Lockdown

The Associated Press As Europe and the U.S. loosen their lockdowns against the coronavirus health experts are expressing growing dread over what they say is an allbutcertain second wave of deaths and infections that could force governments to clamp back down. Were risking a backslide that will be intolerable said Dr. Ian Lipkin of Columbia Universitys Center for Infection and Immunity. Elsewhere around the world German authorities began drawing up plans in case of a resurgence of the virus. Experts in Italy urged intensified efforts to identify new victims and trace their contacts. And France which hasnt yet eased its lockdown has already worked up a reconfinement plan in the event of a new wave. https://apnews.com/bda9923cff8c143084141bc4c097b95c 6th May 2020