Global COVID-19 cases hit 4.1 million, lockdown partially eased in European countries
Travel Biz News —
The number of confirmed novel coronavirus cases has reached more than 4.1 million as of Monday (May 11) in 187 countries and regions , and the total deaths crossed 282, 000 , according to the latest tally by Johns Hopkins University.
Confirmed cases in the United States have exceeded 1,329,799 and the death toll from the disease was more than 79,528.
In United Kingdom, the total coronavirus confirmed cases crossed 220,449 and the death toll crossed 31,930 as of Monday.
The total deaths in Spain is 26,621, while it is 30,560 in Italy and 26,383 in France.
China reported 17 new virus cases and five of the new cases were reported in Wuhan, where the virus first emerged.
The total number of confirmed cases on the Chinese mainland stood at 84,910, with the cumulative death toll at 4,637. A total of 1,044 confirmed cases have been registered in Hong Kong, 45 in Macao and 440 in Taiwan.
China has been easing restrictions and cases had been declining in recent weeks.
Meanwhile, some European countries have begun easing coronavirus lockdown restrictions partially .
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson unveiled a cautious easing of lockdown conditions in England to begin this week. He set out the step by step plan for the UK to recover from the virus.
People in England will be allowed unlimited outdoor exercise, can go back to work (if not possible from home), and can meet someone from outside their household in a park from Wednesday.
People arriving into Britain will have to go into quarantine for 14 days to prevent Covid-19 being brought in from overseas.
Across most of France, people will be able to walk outside for the first time in weeks without filling in a permit. France’s strict lockdown was imposed on 17 March and residents were required to provide a travel permit justifying any trips outside.
Spanish outside of Madrid and Barcelona will be able to meet in bars and restaurants with outside spaces.
Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Greece, Norway, Switzerland and Ukraine have also eased lockdowns to various degrees.
Germany has begun opening up and control of lifting the lockdown will now be in the hands of Germany’s 16 federal states. But Chancellor Angela Merkel has stressed that an emergency brake will be applied anywhere that sees a surge in new infections.
Shops of all sizes are now allowed to reopen, with extra hygiene and social distancing measures in Germany. Schools have been partially reopened for children. (With inputs from agencies)
Photo : Protective face masks arrive at the Gare de l’Est train station in Paris, on the eve of France’s easing of lockdown measures. – AFP
May 11 , 2020
