Coronavirus latest: UK extends lockdown as Italy, France see hospitalisations decrease
An ambulance in a deserted Trafalgar Square, London – Copyright AP
Measures were put in place on March 23 for an initial three weeks, but according to the government, with the country currently going through the peak of infections and deaths, the lockdown will need to be extended.
Any change in the social distancing measures would “threaten a second peak of the virus” and result in more deaths, Raab said.
Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa also officially extended his country’s lockdown until early May, stating on Twitter that he hoped people could gradually return to normal life, and adding that he hoped this would be the last extension.
Indeed a number of countries have laid out plans to ease their containment measures, put in place to halt the spread of coronavirus.
France’s president has called for a gradual return to work and school starting on May 11, despite hundreds of deaths per day in the country. Germany’s chancellor said some stores would reopen but that people would be expected to wear masks.
It comes as some European countries have recorded decreases in hospitalisations for COVID-19.
For instance, France had 474 people in hospital out of over 30,000 on Thursday. Italy had 750 fewer people in hospital since the previous day.
Other key developments:
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The US unveiled guidelines to reopen the economy in areas where there is low transmission.
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Air pollution in European cities has plummeted due to the coronavirus pandemic.
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The United Kingdom has extended its lockdown measures for at least three more weeks.
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Brazil’s health minister says he has been fired by President Jair Bolsonaro.
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Research in five EU countries shows that up to 57% of deaths due to coronavirus are in care homes.
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There has been global alarm at Donald Trump’s decision to stop funding the WHO.
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French president Macron calls for testing of controversial malaria drug therapy, hailing scientist behind the idea.
Source:euronews.com