Todd Bishop
The outbreak of the new coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) continues around the world. While the outbreaks outside of China continue to spread, in addition to the signs of slowing down in the “heavily hit areas” Italy and Spain, the number of confirmed cases in the United States and India continues to increase sharply. In addition to the measures of “closing the country” and “closing the city”, governments of many countries also require people not to go out of the street, travel outside, and maintain social distance.
United States: President Donald Trump officially announced guidelines on April 16 to restart the economy in stages. Trump said that if there are states with conditions permitting, the first phase of unblocking can be implemented as soon as possible on the 17th, and that 29 states can be reopened as soon as possible.
United Kingdom : Foreign Minister Dominic Raab announced on April 16 that it would extend the blockade measures for three weeks. He said that lifting the restrictions prematurely will lead to the second wave of outbreaks, and at the same time pointed out that the current timetable for lifting the ban cannot be provided.
Germany: Prime Minister Angela Merkel said after meeting with the governors of 16 states on April 15th that stores with an area of less than 800 square meters will reopen next week, and the school will resume classes from May 4th, but measures to maintain social distance It will be maintained until May 3, and it is strongly recommended that people wear masks when going to the store or taking public transportation.
India: The government stated on April 15 that agriculture, logistics, infrastructure, e-commerce, and factories in areas not affected by the new coronary pneumonia epidemic could resume business operations next week.
The 21-day domestic closure of the city is scheduled to end on April 14, and the government is expected to extend the measure until the end of April, but Reuters quoted government sources on April 13 as saying that the authorities plan to restart some key manufacturing after April 15. Industry to offset the economic losses caused by the closure of the country to prevent the spread of the new crown virus.
Finland: Prime Minister Sanna Marin announced on April 15 that, in response to the mitigation of the new coronary pneumonia epidemic, the capital Helsinki lifted the “closure of the city” that day and no longer imposed restrictions on going out, but schools and libraries and other public places will continue to close Until May 13, the restaurant will remain closed until the end of May.
Belgium: Prime Minister Sophie Wilmes announced on April 15th that in order to prevent the spread of the new coronary pneumonia epidemic, the restrictions will be extended until May 3rd. People still need to wear masks and work at home, at least until the beginning of September. Hold large events. Authorities now allow single people to visit nursing homes, but the previous topic was that there were no symptoms in the past two weeks.
New Zealand: New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced on April 15 that it will reduce wages by 20% in the next six months with the entire cabinet and the head of the public service department in response to the impact of the epidemic on the local economy.
Singapore: The Ministry of National Development announced on the evening of April 14 that everyone except children under 2 years of age and those who are engaged in outdoor sports must wear masks when going out today, and emphasized that citizens must maintain social distance. The authorities will strictly enforce the law. The first offender will be fined S $ 300, and the second offense will be fined S $ 1,000 or brought to court for trial. The work permit or permanent resident status of the foreigner offender may be revoked.
Czech Republic: Government officials said on April 14 that they will gradually allow shops and restaurants to reopen in the next two months to restore the economy paralyzed by the new coronary pneumonia. The authorities first let the handicraft shop reopen on April 20, the large store reopened on May 11, and the restaurant and shopping center would reopen on June 8.
Iceland: The government issued a statement on April 14 stating that it planned to relax some restrictions on closures, allowing barber shops, museums and schools to reopen in early May, but night clubs, fitness rooms, bars and swimming pools will remain closed. The requirement to maintain a social distance of 2 meters remains unchanged. The limited number of people for large gatherings from May 4 will be relaxed from the original 20 to 50.
Denmark: Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen pointed out on April 14 that as the number of hospitalizations due to new coronary pneumonia continued to decline, the government planned to reopen the society ahead of schedule. On the 15th, it will be the first to open the day care center and 1 to 5. Grade school for children. However, due to domestic criticism, small businesses such as restaurants, cafes and barber shops will continue to close.
