"COVID-19 Lockdown Exit Analysis" 30th Apr 2020
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Lockdown Exit
Coronavirus Northern Territory: Restrictions to be lifted in NT
Outdoor weddings, funerals and even playgrounds will be back in business under a “new normal” strategy being prepared in every state and territory across Australia and one of the safest regions has predicted its plan will provide a template for the nation. “Because being the safest in the nation means being the first in the nation to get back on track. Back to business, back to work, back to enjoying the great Territory lifestyle.” Promising a “new normal” by early June, Mr Gunner said the Territory could offer a model for other parts of the nation.
NT Government eases coronavirus restrictions on weddings, bars, gyms and funerals
From noon Friday, people in the NT will be able to use public swimming pools, waterparks, go fishing with friends and play golf. From midday on May 15, Territorians can head back to the gym, borrow a book from a public library, get their nails done or dine at a restaurant or cafe. On Friday June 5, the Government will lift its two-hour time limit and ease its restrictions on indoor activities, which means people can get a tattoo, visit a nightclub, and play team sports such as basketball and soccer.
Germany faces having to bring BACK strict coronavirus lockdowns as cases surge just days after easing them
Lothar Wieler, president of the Robert Koch Institute for infectious diseases, also urged caution. “Let's ensure we can continue to defend this success we have achieved together," he told a regular briefing. "We don't want the number of cases to rise again. Let's, insofar as is possible, stay at home, let's stick to the reduced contact."
Slovenia to ease coronavirus restrictions, gradually reopen schools
Slovenia will from Thursday lift a restriction imposed at the end of March that prohibited citizens from travelling outside their local municipalities. Education Minister Simona Kustec told national TV Slovenia later on Wednesday that schools and kindergartens, which have been closed since the middle of March, would gradually start reopening from May 18. The government said earlier that hairdressers and beauty parlours, as well as outdoor bars and restaurants and a number of shops, would be able to open from Monday. Libraries and museums are also expected to open on Monday. Large public events, including large sports gatherings, in Slovenia and the rest of Europe would “most probably” only be possible after a vaccination or medication for the coronavirus is discovered and widely used. He also called on citizens to remain disciplined in the coming weeks to prevent the spread of the virus.
Coronavirus: Health officials urge vigilance as countries ease lockdowns
As governments move forward with plans to ease coronavirus restrictions, health officials around the globe are calling on the public to remain vigilant so that hard-won victories in the battle against the pandemic are not lost.
Slovenia to Ease Coronavirus Restrictions, Gradually Reopen Schools
Slovenia will from Thursday lift a restriction imposed at the end of March that prohibited citizens from travelling outside their local municipalities, Prime Minister Janez Jansa said on Wednesday. Education Minister Simona Kustec told national TV Slovenia later on Wednesday that schools and kindergartens, which have been closed since the middle of March, would gradually start reopening from May 18. She did not give details.
Cyprus unveils road map to easing coronavirus restrictions
Cyprus’ president unveiled a road-map Wednesday for gradually lifting a strict, stay-at-home order over the next month that has until now helped to contain the spread of the coronavirus. But Nicos Anastasiades said that the “danger hasn’t passed,” as health experts note that the virus won’t completely go away any time soon. He warned that “deviations from or acts of ill-discipline” to authorities’ guidelines would lead to a return to lockdown conditions “that nobody wishes.”
Reopening puts Germany's much-praised coronavirus response at risk
But Merkel, like many of the country’s scientists, has pushed back, saying additional weeks of tight restrictions are needed to drive COVID-19 cases lower. “It is the right thing to do to lift some restrictions,” she emphasized. “But the way some states are going forward is rather brisk,” she said. “I would say too brisk.”
Coronavirus restrictions will be eased in Queensland on Friday to allow some recreational activities
Queensland will be the first Australian state to ease strict lockdown conditions as the country's effort to flatten the coronavirus curve begins to get results. State Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced that Queenslanders will finally be freed to go for a drive, sit at the beach, have a picnic, visit a national park and shop for non-essential items from midnight on Friday after weeks of restrictions. 'Because we have done such a terrific job of flattening the curve, after discussions with the Chief Health Officer, from next Friday we will be able to lift some of the stay-at-home restrictions,' she said on Sunday morning. Just hours later Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan announced his state would follow, allowing gatherings of up to ten people for non-work activities. Mr McGowan said it was a 'cautious relaxation' of restrictions, acknowledging it had been difficult for everyone, but especially the elderly, to not see family and friends during the pandemic.
The big changes coming to your everyday life after Australia's coronavirus restrictions are relaxed
Australian National University microbiologist Peter Collignon last week told Daily Mail Australia pubs and hotels may not return to normal until September - although they could re-open under strict conditions in July. Sign-in and sign-out procedures to maintain contact tracing and a 50 per cent capacity limit at venues are among those measures being discussed by hospitality industry leaders. The implementation of a staggered return to work could also reduce the risk of transmission on buses - accompanied by a ban on standing and preventing passengers from sitting next to each other.
Coronavirus: Cemeteries in NI to reopen
The Northern Ireland Executive has agreed to reopen cemeteries during the coronavirus pandemic. First Minister Arlene Foster said it was about "balancing public health concerns with the basic human need to visit a loved one's grave". It falls to councils to reopen cemeteries and implement measures that will ensure social distancing. Some councils have announced their plans for reopening this weekend:
Coronavirus: NI lockdown could lift at different pace, suggests Arlene Foster
Northern Ireland may emerge from coronavirus restrictions at a different pace than other parts of the UK, First Minister Arlene Foster has said. She said measures will be eased when scientific and public health criteria are met, not timetables or dates.
That criteria "will be set down and agreed" by the NI executive as well as UK colleagues, she told Cool FM. This could mean "different parts of the UK move in different time" to other areas.
Scott Morrison announces the first coronavirus restrictions to be relaxed
Several types of elective surgery, dental procedures and IVF will resume next week as Australia begins the road out from coronavirus restrictions. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the decision to allow 25 per cent of operations to restart marked a step towards normal life. But, in a sign that normality is still far away, beachgoers in Sydney's east were yelled at by lifeguards to 'keep swimming' because they are only allowed to use the beach for exercise and can face $1,000 fines if police catch them milling around.
Coronavirus: Queues at shops as Germany begins to ease coronavirus lockdown
Germany has taken the first steps to lifting its lockdown, by allowing some smaller non-essential shops to reopen. Shops no larger than 800 square metres were allowed to resume business on Monday morning, along with bookshops, car showrooms and bike stores. It follows an agreement reached last week between local and central governments over the coronavirus restrictions. Despite the lifting of some COVID-19 measures, Germany's government has stressed the move is an early step in the process.
Coronavirus: Trump unveils plan to reopen states in phases
Trump issued guidelines for reopening states after lockdown called 'Opening up America Again' based on three phases to gradually ease lockdowns. Phase One avoiding non-essential travel, not gathering in groups, but large venues such as restaurants, places of worship and sports venues can open under strict physical distancing protocols. Phase Two would permit resumption of non-essential travel. schools and bars to open with diminished standing room occupancy. Phase 3 permits public interactions with physical distancing and unrestricted staffing of worksites. Vists to care homes and hsopitals can esume and bars can increase standing room capacity - the science would drive the decisions at governor and state level
Exit Strategies
Coronavirus: Islands could be used to ‘pilot’ UK lockdown exit plan
Britain’s lockdown exit plan could be “trialled” on island communities, Michael Gove has said. The Cabinet Office minister told MPs this afternoon that a relaxation of restrictions could be “piloted” on the UK’s outlying islands before being rolled out on the mainland. Mr Gove’s comments came just hours after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon refused to comment on such an idea.
N.J. coronavirus reopening strategy: What about schools, parks, restaurants, retail?
In New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy unveiled six key points that will guide his decision to start reopening the state after a month of near-lockdown restrictions to slow the spread of the coronavirus, but for many residents, the announcement likely left more questions than answers. The strategy offered no timeline and Murphy said the stay-at-home order, nonessential business closures and strict social distancing would remain in place until further notice. When pressed for specifics, Murphy said that he expected the restrictions to linger for weeks, not months.
Why small groups will be first 'social bubbles' allowed out of coronavirus lockdown
The government said that the idea was “very alive to the issue of social isolation and the need for mental wellbeing”. Under the social bubble proposal, people would be allowed to combine their household with one or two others, up to a maximum of 10 people. A cautious version of the plan would probably mean that the vulnerable such as the over-70s and those with underlying health conditions would be advised to keep isolating and not merge with other households.
The coronavirus restrictions first in line to be relaxed
In Australia, going shopping with friends and team sport could be allowed again when the National Cabinet reviews coronavirus restrictions on May 11. Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy revealed those activities are 'in the mix' to be permitted once more. He suggested the national guidance that prevents gatherings of more than two people in public could be relaxed to allow friends and families to come together. But Professor Murphy said larger gatherings such concerts and festivals - as well as international travel - were out of the question.
Coronavirus: Why Denmark is taking steps to open up again
Denmark is among the first European countries aiming to put the lockdown into gradual reverse, just as it was one of the first to impose restrictions. "It's important we don't keep Denmark closed for longer than we need to," said Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, as she announced the move. The spread of coronavirus appears to be under control and the government wants to get the economy going again. But Denmark's moves will be slow and cautious. Ms Frederiksen likened them to walking a tightrope.
Coronavirus: Work has begun on plan to ease lockdown restrictions, No 10 says
Planning is underway on how to ease the coronavirus lockdown, Downing Street has announced. The prime minister's spokesman confirmed preparatory work is already happening on how the social distancing measures introduced at the end of March can eventually be eased. Labour has supported an extension of the three-week emergency "stay at home" rules but called on the government to be "transparent" and publish its strategy for returning life as close to normal as possible.
Bill Gates explains how the United States can safely ease coronavirus restrictions
The ability for parts of the United States to safely and effectively begin to lift coronavirus restrictions will depend on the country's capacity to aggressively test for and trace new cases of the virus, Bill Gates told CNN's Fareed Zakaria Sunday. His comments come as several US states prepare to ease social distancing and stay-at-home restrictions this week, despite warnings from health researchers that no state should reopen before May 1. Meanwhile, the total number of reported coronavirus cases in the United States is nearing 1 million, and more than 54,000 Americans have died.
What New York's coronavirus pandemic reopening may look like
With the coronavirus pandemic appearing to have passed its peak in New York, the gradual reopening of the epicenter of the national health crisis is starting to take shape. Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday outlined his most detailed plan for that reopening, starting with what he called lower risk businesses upstate getting back to work as early as mid May. "We have to be smart about this," Cuomo said Tuesday, adding that testing and infection rates and the availability of hospital beds must be at adequate levels. "Again, I know ... people are feeling emotional. Emotions can't drive our reopening process."
California reopening amid coronavirus: No firm timing for plan
California has the beginnings of a framework for slowly reopening, but it’s not exactly a timeline. Gov. Gavin Newsom released a four-part plan that he said could have some businesses running in weeks and some schools reopened by the summer. But the outline, officials acknowledge, still has many uncertainties. It is contingent on improvement in the fight against the coronavirus outbreak and on increased testing to assess how the illness is spreading
How close is the UK to easing coronavirus lockdown?
The UK has not yet met the five tests set out for easing the coronavirus lockdown, according to experts in health and economics, suggesting ministers will have to take a cautious approach to any relaxation in the coming weeks. Across Europe, many other countries have started to gradually ease restrictions, although there has been little in the way of co-ordination. Boris Johnson urged the public to have patience this week as the prime minister insisted he could only start easing the lockdown once the government’s tests were met to ensure a return to normal life persists.
Coronavirus: PM to update UK on 'steps to defeat' coronavirus
Boris Johnson is due to lead the daily coronavirus briefing for the first time since his return to work, after chairing a cabinet meeting. Ahead of the press conference, Mr Johnson urged UK businesses to "keep going" with lockdown measures. No 10 said he will update the UK on the government's "steps to defeat" the disease from 17:00 BST. Meanwhile, Downing Street faces the deadline for its target of 100,000 daily virus tests. Downing Street has said social distancing measures will not be relaxed if this would allow the virus to spread "in an exponential way".
Cyprus unveils road map to easing coronavirus restrictions
Cyprus’ president unveiled a road-map Wednesday for gradually lifting a strict, stay-at-home order over the next month that has until now helped to contain the spread of the coronavirus. But Nicos Anastasiades said that the “danger hasn’t passed,” as health experts note that the virus won’t completely go away any time soon. He warned that “deviations from or acts of ill-discipline” to authorities’ guidelines would lead to a return to lockdown conditions “that nobody wishes.”
Government prepares blueprint for UK’s ‘safe’ return to work
Boris Johnson’s government is set to issue detailed “workplace by workplace” guidance on how Britain can safely go back to work, as the prime minister prepares to announce that coronavirus is being contained. Alok Sharma, business secretary, is aiming to produce by the weekend about 10 papers setting out in “granular detail” how the economy can start to reopen once Mr Johnson orders the easing of the lockdown. He will set out how safe working can take place in environments from factories and construction sites to offices and call centres, answering demands from business for more clarity on an exit strategy.
Lifting the coronavirus lockdown: the route to reopening shops, schools and social bubbles
Among the most critical industries to get going again quickly are manufacturing and construction, which together make up more than 16 per cent of the economy but whose output has fallen by 55 per cent and 70 per cent respectively, according to the Office for Budget Responsibility. “Desk-based” businesses will be told to enforce the two-metre rule in desk spacing and told to keep communal spaces closed unless people can socially distance. They must also ensure that there is a reliable supply of hand-washing facilities and sanitising gel. Home working will still be encouraged — but the emphasis from ministers will change. The message will be that if companies can change working practices to enforce social distancing by reducing the workforce on site and staggering working hours they should do so.
With rising coronavirus deaths, L.A. reopening will be slow
The differing situations across the state are causing some local officials to chafe under Gov. Gavin Newsom’s blanket stay-at-home order, while others are pushing to prolong it. Officials in parts of the Central Coast, Central Valley and far Northern California, where the coronavirus appears more under control, want to reopen their economy and have asked Newsom to work with them to phase out their shelter-at-home order. Some have proposed a slow reopening of such places as restaurants and churches, with a continued focus on social distancing and the use of face coverings. The stark differences in the how the coronavirus has affected various parts of California has become a vexing issue as talk turns to easing the restrictions.
Coronavirus: 'Phased' school reopening when lockdown lifts
Schools have been closed for five weeks, apart from for key workers' children and vulnerable pupils. Ms Williams said she did not expect schools to "suddenly open" for all. She said there would be "a phased approach in allowing more pupils to return to school", based on five principles. Ms Williams, who has previously said schools may not open until September, said school provision would "gradually adapt and extend further during the next phase in line with changes to the current restrictions outlined by the first minister last week".
The current coronavirus restrictions in place around the world and how they are being eased
How have countries around the world started to reduce their lockdown restrictions? This is what is happening in Spain, Italy, and more
Gov. Gavin Newsom says California will crack down on coronavirus restrictions
California will reinforce statewide COVID-19 stay-at-home orders. Gov. Gavin Newsom made the announcement after crowds flocked to beaches in Orange and Ventura Counties over the weekend. 'This virus doesn't take the weekends off,' he said in a briefing Monday. Photos showed crowds flouting social distancing guidelines. Newsom warned that COVID-19 spread in California will continue if stay-at-home orders aren't followed. A handful of states, including Minnesota and Mississippi, have started reopening their economies. Public health experts fear this will spark a second wave of infections
Coronavirus: Belgium unveils plans to lift lockdown
Belgian Prime Minister Sophie Wilmès has announced a detailed plan to gradually lift the country's coronavirus restrictions. Under new rules, all shops will be allowed to open their doors again from 11 May, with schools reopening the following week - albeit with a cap on pupil numbers in each class. But Ms Wilmès cautioned that "nothing is set in stone"
Coronavirus: 'Traffic light' system to lift lockdown in Wales
The framework includes questions to consider before decisions are made around relaxing restrictions. They are:
Would easing a restriction have a negative effect on containing the virus?
Does a particular measure pose a low risk of further infection?
How can it be monitored and enforced?
Can it be reversed quickly if it creates unintended consequences?
Does it have a positive economic benefit?
Does it have a positive impact on people's wellbeing?
Does it have a positive impact on equality?
Coronavirus: NI lockdown could lift at different pace, suggests Arlene Foster
Northern Ireland may emerge from coronavirus restrictions at a different pace than other parts of the UK, First Minister Arlene Foster has said. She said measures will be eased when scientific and public health criteria are met, not timetables or dates.
That criteria "will be set down and agreed" by the NI executive as well as UK colleagues, she told Cool FM. This could mean "different parts of the UK move in different time" to other areas.
Italy to relax lockdown restrictions from early May
Prime minister Giuseppe Conte announced today that Italy’s lockdown rules will be partially lifted in two weeks.“I wish I could say: let’s reopen everything. Immediately. We start tomorrow morning … But such a decision would be irresponsible,” Conte wrote in a Facebook post. “It would make the contagion curve go up in an uncontrolled way and would nullify all the efforts we have made so far. “We must act on the basis of a national (reopening) plan, which however takes into account the territorial peculiarities.”
Partisan Exits
Florida will begin lifting coronavirus stay-at-home orders from MONDAY, governor announces
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced a plan Wednesday to lift stay-at-home orders from Monday. Dade, Palm Beach and Broward counties will remain under restrictions as they have reported the most coronavirus cases in the state. It comes after the state reported its biggest spike in daily deaths on Tuesday. It joins 16 other states - mostly in the South and Midwest - which have lifted or announced dates to lift coronavirus restrictions following weeks of mandatory lockdowns
Alabama, Ohio, Missouri, Montana and Iowa will slowly start opening their economies this week. Minnesota, Mississippi, Michigan, Tennessee, Colorado, Alaska, Georgia, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Texas have already partially reopened. Public health authorities have warned that increasing human interactions and economic activity may spark a new surge of infections
Coronavirus: This is what reopening in US looks like
Barber shops, tattoo parlours, beaches and restaurants reopen in Georgia as the governor lifts coronavirus restrictions. BBC Newsnight's David Grossman travelled across the state to see what life looks like as the state emerges from economic hibernation.
US states reopening: Maine is first Northeastern state to ease COVID-19 restrictions
Maine will allow some businesses - including drive-in theaters, barber shops and hair salons, dog groomers and car dealerships - to reopen from Friday. Current restrictions, including no gatherings of more than 10 people and 14 day quarantine for out of state visitors, still apply. Maine joins 15 other states - mostly in the South and Midwest - which have lifted or announced dates to lift coronavirus restrictions following weeks of mandatory lockdowns. Alabama, Ohio, Missouri, Montana and Iowa will slowly start opening their economies this week. Minnesota, Mississippi, Michigan, Tennessee, Colorado, Alaska, Georgia, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Texas have already partially reopened. Public health authorities have warned that increasing human interactions and economic activity may spark a new surge of infections.
Why Georgia Is Reopening Amid the Coronavirus Pandemic
Georgia governor Kemp’s move to reopen was condemned by scientists, high-ranking Republicans from his own state, and Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms; it even drew a public rebuke from President Donald Trump, who had reportedly approved the measures before distancing himself from the governor amid the backlash.
Alabama and Ohio are latest to lift coronavirus restrictions
14 states that are home to more than 95 million people have started reopening their economies or announced their reopening plans. Alabama will reopen from Thursday and will be followed by Ohio on Friday. All Missouri businesses and social events will be allowed to reopen from May 4 and Iowa will open restaurants, malls, fitness centers, libraries and retail stores at 50% capacity from May 1. Stay-at-home orders issued by governors across the US and subsequent decisions to slowly reopen state economies have turned into highly charged political issues
Minnesota, Mississippi, Colorado, Montana, Tennessee, Georgia, Oklahoma, Alaska and South Carolina will, or have already, restarted their economies following weeks of mandatory lockdowns. Texas partially reopened last week but the governor announced on Monday that state's stay-at-home order would expire April 30.
Global coronavirus restrictions loosening, allowing for some return to normalcy
Germany, which has lost more than 6,000 people to the contagion, took its first steps to ease restrictions last week — and by Tuesday locals were pictured visiting the Berlin Zoo and snapping selfies in front of elephants as the zoo partially reopened. Smaller businesses were also permitted to reopen in the country, but strict social distancing measures remain in place, and there are still bans on large gatherings of people.
Several U.S. states prepare to ease coronavirus restrictions despite experts' worries
By and large the states forging ahead with re-openings this week are concentrated in the South, the Midwest and mountain West, where outbreaks have been far less severe than in the Northeast. Most are led by Republican governors. Tennessee said it will allow restaurants to reopen on Monday. Mississippi’s stay-at-home order expires the same day. Montana, which reported three new cases on Sunday, is allowing businesses to reopen Monday if they limit capacity and practice social distancing, while Minnesota is clearing the way for 80,000 to 100,000 workers in industrial and office jobs to return to work on Monday. In Colorado, Democratic Governor Jared Polis has given the green light for retail curbside pickup to begin on Monday. Hair salons, barbershop and tattoo parlors can open on Friday, with retail stores, restaurants and movie theaters to follow.
More states are easing coronavirus restrictions this week, unnerving experts and some local officials
Several states are reopening from coronavirus shutdowns this week despite the recommendations of health researchers. Colorado, Minnesota and Montana plan to ease social distancing and stay-at-home restrictions. Iowa will allow elective surgeries to resume and farmers markets to reopen starting Monday.
Gov. Dunleavy says Alaska will ease some coronavirus restrictions starting later this week
Gov. Mike Dunleavy accelerated his timeline to open up segments of the economy, announcing Tuesday night that under certain restrictions, barbershops, tattoo parlors, nail salons and tanning salons can open starting Friday, allowing one customer in at a time. “We’re going to give these businesses an opportunity to be open, and really it’s one provider, one client, no waiting room," Alaska Department of Health and Social Services Commissioner Adam Crum said. Restaurants can open up for dine-in service, but with reservations. They can have up to 25% capacity. Retail stores will be allowed to open for limited shopping, operating at 25% capacity with hand sanitizer at the entrance. Bars, bingo parlors and bowling alleys cannot open yet, state officials said. The changes are not yet posted on state websites or in public documents, though state officials said more information will be released this week.
Continued Lockdown
Coronavirus: Irish restrictions extended until 5 May
The Republic of Ireland is to extend its Covid-19 restrictions for a further three weeks until 5 May. Taoiseach (Irish PM) Leo Varadkar made the announcement on Friday afternoon following a meeting of the National Public Health Emergency team.
Gardaí (Irish police) have set up more than 1,000 checkpoints in recent days to stop people breaking restrictions. There have been 288 Covid-19 related deaths in the country, while the death toll in Northern Ireland is 92.
UK coronavirus restrictions to roll into 'next year'
Restrictions on everyday life in the UK to slow the spread of COVID-19 are likely to be needed for the “next calendar year”, the country’s top medic said on Wednesday. Britain is in the fifth week of a lockdown that only allows people to leave home for essential work, food shopping, exercise and limited other reasons. Normal life will only return once an effective vaccine or treatment for COVID-19 is available, Chris Whitty said at the government’s daily news conference.
Gov. Baker Defends Decision to Keep Mass. Closed for 2 More Weeks
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker on Wednesday defended his decision to extend the state's stay-at-home advisory and non-essential business closures for an additional two weeks. The governor announced Tuesday that he was extending the shutdown from May 4 until May 18 and established an advisory board to come up with recommendations on how a phased reopening can take place. The decision upset some in the business community who are struggling to survive due to coronavirus restrictions.
What coronavirus restrictions are in place around the world?
Some countries are now easing strict lockdown conditions as the world continues to tackle the coronavirus pandemic. The global death toll stands at more than 200,000, with close to three million people having been infected worldwide. As countries weigh up the risk of a fresh wave of virus cases against the need to kick-start their economies, here is the lockdown status in several nations
Some UK coronavirus lockdown restrictions could last until next year, No10 suggests
Boris Johnson's spokesman did not deny claims we could have to continue social distancing until 2021 - raising the bleak prospect of pubs shuttered beyond Christmas
Scientific Viewpoint
When Can We Lift the Coronavirus Pandemic Restrictions? Not Before Taking These Steps
With much of the country grinding to a halt in a desperate attempt to slow the spread of the new coronavirus, many people are wondering when the U.S. will be able to “reopen.” The American Enterprise Institute, a public policy think tank, recently released a report co-written by former U.S. Food and Drug Administration commissioner Scott Gottlieb that offers a four-phase “road map to reopening.” Tom Inglesby, director of the Center for Health Security at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health—and an expert on pandemic preparedness—provided input for the report and helped to review it.
When coronavirus restrictions will be lifted if Australia tries to eliminate coronavirus
Coronavirus measures could be eased as early as next month, or Australians can wait until June for restrictions to be fully lifted to benefit from economic growth, according to new research. Researchers from eight leading Australian universities prepared Health Minister Greg Hunt with the 'Roadmap to Recovery' report this week, which outlines when life in Australia could return to normal. The government has been presented with two options; 'controlled adaptation' which would mean restrictions are eased sooner, or wait for elimination of the virus and keep measures in place until June and experience greater economic activity. 'Any choice between these two options entails a delicate trade-off between protecting health, supporting the economy and societal well-being,' the report read
Italy Was Once The Epicentre Of The Coronavirus. But A Report Says It’s Far Too Early To Lift Lockdown Restrictions.
Lifting all coronavirus restrictions to pre-lockdown levels would overwhelm Italy's intensive care unit capacity within a month, according to modelling by the group of experts that advises the Italian government. The technical scientific committee (CTS) estimates there would be a peak of more than 150,000 people requiring admission to ICUs by June if daily life returned to how it was pre-crisis, with the total figure surpassing 430,000 by the end of the year. The CTS report, which was published by major Italian media outlets this week, lays out three baseline and 46 detailed scenarios assessing the rate of transmission of the virus in different areas of the economy, places of social contact, and age groups, as well as the impact of factors such as social distancing and the use of face masks.
Covid-19 is ‘just as deadly as Ebola’ for those who end up in hospital – UK expert
Covid-19 is just as deadly as Ebola for people admitted to hospital in the UK, a leading expert has said as his team published a major British study of almost 17,000 patients. The research found almost half of people admitted to hospitals in England, Scotland and Wales with coronavirus have no underlying health conditions, while obese people are almost 40% more likely to die than those who are not.