UK

UK cautious on lockdown easing; following scientific advice

Jim Stein June 1, 2020

LONDON (UK) – British Business Secretary Alok Sharma announced that the British government is being cautious on the coronavirus lockdown easing following scientific advice. This statement comes after criticism that the government has received from a few epidemiologists of renown.

Europe

Pope Francis: People more important than the economy

Jim Stein May 31, 2020

VATICAN CITY (Europe) – Pope Francis said on Sunday that people are more important than the economy, as countries decide how quickly to reopen their countries from coronavirus lockdowns. Francis made his comments, departing from a prepared script, at the first noon address from his window overlooking St. Peter’s Square in three months as Italy’s […]

Europe

Lockdown in Spain to be extended up to 21st June

Jim Stein May 31, 2020

BARCELONA (Europe) – Spain’s prime minister said on Sunday he will ask parliament to agree to a last two-week extension of the state of emergency lockdown until 21st June, after which the government will no longer restrict citizens’ movements, newspaper El Pais reported. Pedro Sanchez told regional government leaders during a video-conference meeting that

Asia

Modi urges Indians to remain alert as coronavirus lockdown eases

Nia N May 31, 2020

NEW DELHI (India) – India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned the country on Sunday to remain vigilant against the spread of coronavirus as the country prepares a phased re-opening of activities even as daily cases rise to record highs. India, with the world’s longest lockdown, is set to largely lift containment measures in June, except […]

UK

Raab: UK taking ‘right steps’ to ease virus lockdown

Nia N May 31, 2020

LONDON (UK) – On Sunday, British foreign minister Dominic Raab announced that the “careful” easing of the coronavirus lockdown is the “right step” to take at the moment. This comes amid mounting criticism for moving too quickly in allowing people a little more freedom in social contact. “We are confident that this is the right […]

Europe

Sturgeon: Scotland’s lockdown easing must be very cautious

Nia N May 31, 2020

LONDON (Europe) – Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon announced her agreement with scientists regarding coronavirus lockdown easing saying that the ease must be very cautious after some of those advising government said Britain was moving too quickly. Sturgeon, when questioned if she believed that politicians no longer followed scientific advice, said,

Business

Rightmove gets record website views with the market picking up

Nia N May 30, 2020

LONDON (Business) – Rightmove had its busiest day on record this week. This is a sign that the housing market in the UK is picking up after the British government eased its coronavirus lockdown for the housing sector. Rightmove recorded over 6 million visits for the first time on May 27, up an annual 18%. […]

UK

Johnson’s announcement of lockdown ease comes as furore over Cummings rumbles on

Jim Stein May 29, 2020

LONDON (UK) – The coronavirus lockdown will ease next week for most of Britain’s population, Boris Johnson announced on Thursday, as a row persisted over the prime minister’s closest adviser taking a long-distance journey during lockdown. In England, up to six people will be able to meet outside and schools will gradually reopen from Monday, […]

UK

PM Johnson to reveal next steps for coronavirus lockdown easing

Nia N May 28, 2020

LONDON (UK) – British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to reveal the next steps on coronavirus lockdown easing describing what will be possible starting June 1. The PM is poised to start easing the measures currently in place and possibly allowing more social contact soon for the Britons who have been stuck at home […]

Asia

Philippines task force supports ease of Manila’s strict lockdown

Jim Stein May 28, 2020

MANILA (Asia) – The Philippines saw its biggest spike in coronavirus cases on Thursday with 539 new infections recorded, just after a panel recommended the president ease one of the toughest and longest lockdowns in the world for residents in the capital Manila. The fresh cases brought the nationwide tally to 15,588, of which 921 […]