"COVID-19 Lockdown Exit Analysis" 3rd Jun 2020
News Highlights
Film making resumes in some countries post lockdown
Film crews began work again, after more than a two month hiatus, as coronavirus restrictions started to ease in New Zealand and France. Montmartre in Paris was transformed for a period film, with the crew donning face masks and in New Zealand, a film called 'Poppy' became the first feature film to resume shooting since the Covid-19 lockdown.
Relief for Spanish workers as lockdown lifts
Unemployed Spaniards had something to cheer about as there was a temporary reversal of the huge job losses the country suffered since imposing lockdown more than two months ago. A net 97,462 jobs were created in May, mostly in agriculture, construction and services, but overall jobs in the country are still 885,985 lower than in May 2019.
Japan considers reopening borders to travellers
Japan is considering joining countries such as Spain, Greece, Thailand and Maldives that are planning to open up their borders to international travellers within the next few months. Travellers from 'low-risk' countries, such as Thailand, Vietnam, Australia and New Zealand, would get preference to begin with.
New laws in the U.K. as restrictions ease further
As lockdown restrictions were eased further in the U.K., several new laws came into effect to try and enforce discipline, including authorising police to order people to leave a property. The police, however, do not have powers to forcibly remove them. It is also now a crime to stay in someone's household overnight, or hold gatherings of more than two people indoors. Up to six people can gather in a group outdoors only if they stay at least 2m apart.
Lockdown Exit
Spain's job haemorrhage dries up as country emerges from lockdown
The brutal job losses registered in Spain following the coronavirus outbreak reversed in May with the creation of net jobs for the first time since one of Europe’s toughest lockdowns was imposed more than two months ago. As the lockdown gradually eased in May, a net 97,462 new jobs were created during the month, although the overall number of jobs in the country was still 885,985 lower than in May 2019. Most of the new jobs were recorded in agriculture, construction and services that were partly able to resume activity in May. Industry’s job creation remained stagnant.
‘We can’t relax’: Europeans face up to life after lockdown
When France first shut down on 16 March, Fornairon was one of many who believed bookshops like hers could have been kept open safely. Books, she says, “can help at times like this. They can deliver answers and provide peace. They lift you out of the everyday and away from the moment. They transport you to other worlds. They are anti-fear. But not everyone has them at home, and the libraries were shut. So I started delivering, on foot.”
Shooting on period film resumes in Paris as lockdown eases in France
Shooting has resumed in Paris as Montmartre was transformed for a period movie amid the coronavirus lockdown. As restrictions ease in France, film crews were spotted getting straight back to work setting up for a new movie. The crew donned facemasks to ensure safety of everyone working in close proximity. Although it is unknown what the exact movie is being filmed, it is believed to be set in the 1940s.
Restaurants In France Are Reopening After Coronavirus Lockdown
In France, takeout is OK for burger joints, but what about gastronomy from a Michelin three-star chef? Restaurants in Paris will reopen Tuesday, but tight restrictions mean some will not survive (audio)
Sobering US nursing home death report as lockdowns ease
The scope of the devastation in the nation’s nursing homes became clearer in a report prepared for U.S. governors that said nearly 26,000 nursing home residents have died from COVID-19 — a number that is partial and likely to go higher. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 60,000 cases of coronavirus illness among nursing home residents, according to a copy of a letter addressed to the governors and an accompanying chart provided to The Associated Press.
Some students return to class as lockdown eases - Chinadaily.com.cn
A survey of 1,200 school leaders by the National Foundation for Educational Research found only around half of parents planned to send their children to school, and 25 percent of teachers were likely to be absent because of health concerns. The Association of Directors of Public Health, which represents senior managers in the health departments of local governments, said the lockdown was being eased too quickly. Jeanelle de Gruchy, the association's president, said on Radio 4's Today program: "A lot of people …are increasingly concerned that the government is misjudging this balancing act and lifting too many of the restrictions too quickly."
Pupils return to primary schools after coronavirus lockdown
Schools across the country have been preparing for some of their pupils to return to the classroom. Here is how one group of schools has been getting ready to make sure pupils can be taught safely and get on with lessons.
Covid 19 coronavirus: Schoolchildren showing signs of mild trauma after lockdown
Two weeks after the reopening of schools, some pupils are showing signs of mild trauma from the lockdown. Otago Primary Principals' Association president Shelley Wilde said it might be another four to six weeks before more moderate signs of trauma appeared among children. She said the vast majority of children were pleased and happy to be back at school, and had responded well to the new "safe normal" hygiene and physical-distancing practices. However, some pupils were anxious about things such as making sure their hands were clean all the time, and some were taking advantage of the Chatbus (a counselling service for children) who might not have before.
First NZ film resumes shooting again after lockdown
Poppy has become the first feature film to resume shooting in New Zealand since the Covid-19 lockdown. The local drama tells the story of a young woman with Down syndrome who refuses to be defined by her disability and decides to take control of her life. The film was three hours into the final week of shooting when the Level 4 lockdown announcement was made. Shooting restarted on Friday at a private location on the Kāpiti Coast and is expected to take six days to wrap.
Kilometre long lines form at Ikea stores as UK lockdown lifts
Lines of up to a kilometre formed outside some UK Ikea stores as they prepared to reopen following the ease-up of lockdown restrictions. DIY and decor-mad Brits flocked to the Swedish furniture stores, spreading out in snaking lines through car parks where just days before Covid-19 testing stations had been set up. According to British tabloid The Daily Mail, some shoppers were so keen to be allowed to snap up flat packs again, they started lining up from 5.30am.
Coronavirus: 'Highly variable' attendance at schools - as UK warned 'disease is not done yet'
Headteachers have reported attendance rates of between 40% and 70% of eligible pupils despite the relaxing of restrictions.
Shopper numbers jump 31% as lockdown in England relaxed
Shoppers rushed back to high streets and retail parks on Monday as the reopening of car showrooms, markets and some Ikea stores marked the easing of lockdown restrictions in England. The number of shoppers out and about jumped by 31% across all retail destinations by 5pm in England compared with last week’s bank holiday Monday, according to analysts at Springboard. For the UK as a whole, shopper numbers rose by 28%.
Exit Strategies
Coronavirus: UK banks draw up £15 billion support fund for small businesses struggling under lockdown
Small firms today welcomed a £15 billion support fund backed by UK banks to aid businesses struggling with debts. The Business Growth Fund was founded in 2011 by big banks including Barclays, HSBC and Lloyds, and is run by former JP Morgan banker Stephen Welton. Welton warns that a large number of businesses will fail in the fallout from Covid-19 and that unless there is some degree of debt flexibility an economic crisis could turn into a banking crisis.
Coronavirus: Germany divided as states lift lockdown
Germany's calm and successful handling of the pandemic attracted international attention. But its next moves have been chaotic, characterised by squabbling between regional leaders which has culminated in a faster lifting of restrictions than Chancellor Angela Merkel would have liked. The leaders of Germany's 16 states have the power to decide how and when they do that. Unable to agree a common strategy, they've instituted a patchwork of rules and regulations, with people in one state able to, for example, use the gym again, while in another region, fitness centres have remained closed. It's fuelled an intense public debate about the "Lockerung" or relaxation policy, with many fearing that Germany could squander its initial success.
When can I travel to Spain? Latest FCO guidance as country relaxes quarantine rules – but not to UK visitors
With no real end in sight to the current coronavirus crisis, it’s understandable.
Having been cooped up for months, and with a handful of other countries slowly relaxing their own virus-tackling measures, the public are itching to get away from it all. But just how likely is is that we’ll see the usual summer holidays in 2020?
Top Ibiza clubs to introduce extreme safety measures for revellers when lockdown ends
Clubbers will have to wear face masks. All drinks must be served through straws
Social distance markings must be introduced on dancefloors to keep clubbers apart. Reserved areas and VIP sections encouraged to guarantee distance between revellers. Staff must regularly monitor restrooms and hand sanitiser and washing will be compulsory. Dancefloor capacity will be limited. Drinks will be ordered via apps and menus and price lists will appear online.
France lifts some coronavirus restrictions
France began the second phase of easing lockdown rules, after two months of nationwide restrictions due to the Coronavirus outbreak. Under the new rules, cafes and restaurants are allowed to reopen indoor sitting in the so-called green zones,
What future for sport and sponsors after the coronavirus lockdown?
Global sport is facing the "mother of all wake-up calls" as it emerges from the coronavirus lockdown, with uncertainty over what the landscape for participants and sponsors will look like. Former head of Olympic marketing Michael Payne believes that although "it will be very painful pulling through it", sport will nevertheless emerge "healthier and stronger".
France begins 'Phase II' of easing lockdown measures as coronavirus abates
France began a second phase of easing lockdown rules on Tuesday as official figures show the novel coronavirus outbreak continuing to diminish in the country following an initial loosening of restrictions that began on May 11.
Covid-19: France reports slight drop in hospitalisations on eve of further easing of lockdown
It said in a statement that as France readies for a second phase of the easing of lockdown measures on Tuesday, with bars and restaurants permitted to fully or partially reopen, the "good news should not make us forget the danger of the virus”. The health ministry said that 18,506 coronavirus deaths have been reported in hospital since March 1, while there were still 14,288 cases in hospital on Monday, a slight drop from 14,322 on Sunday.
COVID-19: Russia death toll crosses 5,000 as lockdown eases
Despite a drop in the number of virus cases, the country continues to grapple with the epidemic, although Russian President Putin last week had announced Russia would be hosting a parade on June 24 at Moscow's Red Square to celebrate the country's victory over Nazi Germany in World War-II. Moscow which was the epicenter of the virus eased the lockdown which was in place since March 30 allowing residents to go out but they were allowed to take walks within two kilometers of their homes. However, mass gatherings including cinemas, cafes and restaurants continue to remain shut.
Moscow eases nine-week lockdown despite high virus caseload
Moscow residents ventured out to exercise, stroll and shop on Monday as the city eased a strict nine-week lockdown, but millions remained largely confined to their homes as Russia recorded thousands more coronavirus cases.
Coronavirus: Lockdown eased in Moscow after nine weeks
Moscow has been the epicentre of Russia's outbreak. In May Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said he feared the number of cases there could be three times higher than reported. Now, Mr Sobyanin has ordered a swathe of businesses to reopen in the city from Monday - including car dealerships, book shops, launderettes and shopping malls. Parks too are allowing visitors, with new exercise rules announced. Mr Sobyanin said people would be allowed out for walks three times a week between 09:00 and 21:00, using a rota system determined by their home address.
Robot enforces health measures as South Korea relaxes social distancing
SK Telecom and Omrom Electronics have demonstrated an autonomous robot which is capable of helping encourage public health measures by taking bodily temperatures, dispensing hand sanitiser and disinfecting its surroundings.
Coronavirus: How dangerous is lifting lockdown?
Across the UK we can meet more people, while in England some children are back in school and car showrooms and open-air markets have reopened. But some scientists, even those advising government, have been in mutinous mood - saying ministers are acting too soon. And the lifting of restrictions has been described as a "dangerous moment" even by England's deputy chief medical officer.
Japan might reopen its borders to travellers soon
Countries all over the world are tentatively starting to come out of lockdown and reopen their borders. Just this week Spain, Greece, Thailand and the Maldives have announced plans for travellers hoping to enter their countries in the next few months.
North Korea eases coronavirus lockdown because even totalitarian states need trade
Universities and final-year high school students had already resumed classes in April, but all other schools, kindergartens, day-care centers and nursing homes will now reopen early this month, state radio reported late Monday. “Thermometers and hand sanitizers have been installed at the main gates, classrooms and offices, while teachers and helpers are thoroughly observing the hygiene rules and parents are advised to educate their children,” the Korean Central Broadcasting Committee said. The broadcaster encouraged people to use takeout services from restaurants while stressing hygiene rules across a range of industries “to prevent people from lowering their guards even just a little bit.”
Coronavirus: New Zealand could lift restrictions next week, says Jacinda Ardern
New Zealand could lift its remaining coronavirus restrictions next week, Jacinda Ardern has said. Social distancing measures and limits on gatherings would no longer apply if the country – which looks close to eliminating the virus domestically – moves to alert level one, the prime minister said on Tuesday. However, Ms Ardern said borders will remain closed. “Our strategy of go hard, go early has paid off ... and in some cases, beyond expectations,” the PM said. New Zealand recorded no new cases of coronavirus for a 11th consecutive day on Tuesday.
Global round-up: South American countries ease lockdown despite rise in coronavirus cases
South American countries have begun easing Covid-19 restrictions even as the region hurtles towards its viral peak. Some of Brazil’s hardest hit cities, including Rio de Janeiro and Manaus, are starting to allow more activity, while Bolivia and Venezuela are also unwinding restrictions. The moves comes despite a warning from World Health Organisation that South America has become an “intense zone of transmission for this virus”.
New Zealand Could Lift Major Coronavirus Restrictions Next Week
New Zealand leaders could decide as early as next week to lift restrictions on social distancing and group gatherings due to the country’s success in halting the spread of the coronavirus. “Our strategy of go hard, go early has paid off,” Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Tuesday. The country instituted strict lockdown measures for more than six weeks and now has reported 11 consecutive days with no new confirmed cases. Cabinet members will decide Monday whether to move into the next phase of the government’s slow easing of restrictions under which the country’s borders would still remain closed.
Ardern says New Zealand on track to eliminate coronavirus 'ahead of schedule'
New Zealand’s Ardern says she is ‘horrified’ by George Floyd’s deathThe HinduNew Zealand May Remove Most Virus Restrictions Next WeekBloombergNew Zealand may remove all virus restriction next weekReuters UKCoronavirus update: New Zealand could lift COVID-19 restrictions next weekABC NewsView Full coverage on Google News
Easing Italy's lockdown 'is a risk we're taking': health minister
Ahead of the further easing of restrictions on Wednesday, some of Italy's top health experts have been questioning the accuracy of contagion data being released by regional governments during the reopening phase. One independent report also warned that three northern regions were "not ready" to safely reopen.
Coronavirus: New laws come into force as England lockdown eases
Police in England can order people to leave a property if they are breaking new coronavirus laws - but do not have powers to forcibly remove them. It is now a crime to stay at someone else's home overnight, or to hold gatherings of two or more people indoors or more than six people outdoors, under new legislation. Officers can fine rule-breakers and arrest them if they do not co-operate. The laws came into force to coincide with lockdown restrictions being eased. Gatherings of as many as six people from different households can now take place outdoors - such as in parks or gardens - in England, so long as people remain 2m apart.
Australia relaxes lockdown further, intensifies economic recovery efforts
Several Australian states eased social distancing restrictions further on Monday, allowing restaurants to host more people and public attractions to reopen, as the government moves to revive an ailing economy through accelerated infrastructure spending. Australia has recorded about 7,200 coronavirus cases and 103 deaths. And, with new infections now largely under control, the government has embarked on a three-step plan to remove the bulk of curbs by July. In Australia's most populous state, New South Wales (NSW), a maximum of 50 people are now allowed to sit down for a meal in a cafe or restaurants, while 20 can attend a funeral. The previous limits were set at 10.
Partisan Exits
Coronavirus lockdown: The conundrum of balancing health and economic interests as UK eases restrictions
Boris Johnson, as well as leaders in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, are walking a terrifying tightrope as they agonise over how fast to ease the coronavirus lockdown. As England’s deputy chief medical officer, Jonathan Van-Tam, warned three days ago, the country has arrived at a “very dangerous moment” as it faces a foe which is “a coiled spring ready to get out if we don’t stay on top of it”.
Coronavirus: Concerns grow over lockdown alert level system
The BBC understands that all four chief medical officers of the UK nations, including England's Professor Chris Whitty, opposed the prime minister's hopes of lowering the Covid-19 alert level last week. Less than a month ago, Boris Johnson announced that any easing of the lockdown would be conditional on a lower alert level, alongside "five tests" on the spread of infection being met.
To prevent a chaotic end to lockdown, the public should be told the true risks
Just tell the truth. If the government is to get the country out of the mess of lockdown, it must take people into its confidence. It scared us into it, and must now reassure us out of it. This week children are returning to school in England, on the basis that the risk to them and their families from Covid-19 is “minuscule”. What does that mean? One in a thousand, one in a million? The same as them being in a car crash? No parent will readily tolerate “risking my child”, so a language must be found to set minds at rest. That language should be one of evidence, of facts, not of adjectives and adverbs.
Boris Johnson 'told Italy’s president' he wanted 'herd immunity' to defeat coronavirus, TV documentary reveals
Boris Johnson told Italy’s president he was aiming for “herd immunity” to defeat coronavirus, an explosive TV documentary has revealed – despite No 10 denying that was ever the policy. The Italian health minister has undermined the government’s repeated denials by recounting a conversation between the two leaders on 13 March, as the pandemic neared its peak. “I spoke with [Giuseppe] Conte to tell President Conte that I’d tested positive [for coronavirus].” Pierpaolo Sileri told Channel 4’s Dispatches.
Leader of Italy’s ‘orange vests’ inspires far right and coronavirus conspiracy theorists
Italian security officials are worried that right-wing extremists could exploit the Covid-19 crisis by infiltrating a new protest movement that drew thousands of people on to the streets in 30 cities over the weekend. The “orange vests” movement is led by Antonio Pappalardo, a retired carabiniere general who has mobilised a heterogeneous group of cranks and conspiracy theorists as well as ordinary Italians suffering the economic impact of a three-month lockdown.
We must be trusted to make our own decisions as we enter lockdown-lite
Getting out of a lockdown, it turns out, is a lot harder than getting into one. The risks and rewards are hard to pin down now. We have divided into groups who are extremely vigilant about any degree of risk and those who will accept more of it because they place greater weight on the consequences of economic and educational lags. Old habits are also beginning to assert themselves. The lockdown-lite arrangements heighten a sense that we have done our bit being caged at home.
Far too soon to ease lockdown in north-east England, leaders warn
Political leaders in the north-east of England have urged residents to disregard the government’s “reckless” relaxation of the lockdown amid concerns it will lead to a second spike of coronavirus in a region with the UK’s highest infection rate. On the day that some primary schools reopened and people were allowed to meet more family and friends in England, council leaders and MPs warned that the easing of the measures had come “far too soon” in the north-east. Martin Gannon, the leader of Gateshead council, which has the second-highest rate of infections in the UK, said: “The current approach from government is reckless and they haven’t put systems in place to keep it safe.
Continued Lockdown
What India's lockdown did to domestic abuse victims
“Most of the time, women don’t want to leave an abusive spouse - they ask us how to teach them a lesson or make them behave better,” Ms Varma says. That’s because of the stigma attached to divorce in India - few families would support daughters who want to walk out of abusive marriages, especially if they have children, as Tara does. And leaving to go stay in a shelter or with parents is especially hard during the lockdown when transport has been limited. "Cruelty by Husband or His Relatives" accounted for 32% - nearly a third - of all crimes against women registered by the police in 2018, the last year for which data is available.
Indian coronavirus death toll surpasses China's, and rising, despite strict nationwide lockdown
With more than 190,500 Covid-19 infections reported as of June 1, 2020, India has become the seventh worst-hit country in the ongoing global pandemic. Despite a strict nationwide lockdown, the country’s coronavirus death toll has quadrupled in less than a month to surpass the number of deaths seen in China.
UK protesters accuse police of targeting black people during lockdown
Organisers of anti-racism protests in the UK have accused the police of unfairly targeting black people during the lockdown and called for further demonstrations this week. Protests took place in London, Cardiff, Manchester and Nottingham on Saturday and Sunday against the killing last week of George Floyd by a white police officer in Minnesota, which has led to widespread unrest across the US. As well as showing solidarity with demonstrators in the US, Britons have expressed anger and frustration at the increased use of stop and search during the lockdown in areas with large black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) populations.
Scientific Viewpoint
You shouldn't worry about people filling parks during lockdown
The weekend’s hot weather saw crowds of people flow to beaches and parks to bask in the sun and have picnics. Britons can sit outside for as long as they like, and since June 1, they are allowed to meet with up to five other people outdoors as long as they keep two metres apart. But coronavirus fear strikes many people seeing crowds in the park or queuing up for ice cream and public toilets next to strangers.
This is how German politicians talk about COVID-19
Throughout the pandemic, governments across the world have been using military comparisons and metaphors to describe their containment of the coronavirus outbreak. Germany, unlike most other countries, has avoided using any such language. Dagmar Paulus, from University College London, explores why this might be and what impact it's having on Germany's coronavirus outbreak.
WHO warns of pressure on Latin American health systems
With nearly 30,000 dead in Brazil and more than 10,000 dead in Mexico, the novel coronavirus epidemic threatens to shatter hospital systems across Latin America -- while France, which is emerging from a similar nightmare scenario, begins on Tuesday a gradual return to normalcy. Four of the 10 countries showing the greatest number of new COVID-19 cases over the last 24 hours were in Latin America, the World Health Organization's emergencies director Michael Ryan said.
Pakistan document shows experts wanted lockdown
A leaked government document reveals authorities ignored experts who wanted a monthlong lockdown in Pakistan’s Punjab province and who estimated 670,000 might have been infected in the provincial capital of Lahore. After media published the experts’ report Tuesday, residents criticized the government for easing the restrictions last month instead of heeding the recommendation. The report was based on a sample survey done in Lahore, which had 245 deaths through May 15. Since then, Punjab has reported nearly 200 more fatalities related to COVID-19.
Coronaprofile: Can we predict who will get COVID-19? At Japan's RIKEN, researchers study the data
Information scientist Kazuhiro Sakurada wants to use large numbers of medical records to predict who is high-risk for coronavirus
The secret of Japan's success in combating COVID-19
Through its strategic “cluster-focused approach,” the government was able to identify environmental risk factors and risk behavior that cause clusters. The easy-to-understand slogan that cautioned the public against “closed, crowded spaces with close-contact (the three Cs)” was also an effective communication strategy. These efforts may have prevented clusters from forming and delayed the exponential growth in cases without damaging the economy by legally restricting the movement of people. The cluster-focused approach also enabled the government to detect signs of exponential growth of cases at a very early stage, thereby allowing it to provide the public with an effective early warning.
Countries around the world could learn from NZ's social bubble strategy, research shows
The research led by the Auckland University of Technology, titled Living in Bubbles during the Coronavirus Pandemic, found that other countries may find New Zealand’s “bubbles” effective in encouraging compliance with social distancing.
While New Zealand is now in Level 2 with Kiwis able to socialise with friends and family, many countries around the world are still in lockdown, confined to their houses and the people they live with. AUT’s research gives recommendations to overseas policy makers on how bubbles could positively impact their time in lockdown.
These Scenarios Show What a Second Wave of COVID-19 Could Look Like
With the relaxation of the lockdown rules, warnings are being sounded about a possible resurgence of COVID-19 cases – a so-called second wave. The second wave of the Spanish flu pandemic in 1918-20 was particularly devastating, as was the second wave of the H1N1 epidemic in 2009-10. So what can be done to avoid a second wave of COVID-19?
Exclusive: Government censored BAME covid-risk review
An earlier draft of the review which was circulated within government last week contained a section which included responses from the 1,000-plus organisations and individuals who supplied evidence to the review. Many of these suggested that discrimination and poorer life chances were playing a part in the increased risk of covid-19 to those with BAME backgrounds.
Novel coronavirus losing potency, top Italian doctor says
Head of a Milan hospital tells RAI TV that recent swab tests show less viral load compared with previous findings.
Coronavirus Resurgence
Will there be a second wave of coronavirus in the UK? If cases of the virus could increase again - and what happened in Asia
As lockdown restrictions begin to ease across the UK, experts are growing concerned about the possibility of a second wave of coronavirus cases if people fail to stick to social distancing guidelines
Germany's Covid-19 spikes present fresh challenges as lockdown lifts
Sixty-eight people of 166 tested had been found to have the virus by Monday, following the parties that took place on 23-24 May. Fifty-nine were from the city and nine from the wider area. One of the people infected has been hospitalised. The results of further tests are outstanding. While the number may appear relatively low, the ramifications are considerable. Three hundred contact people have so far been identified – that is, those who were in close proximity to those who have been tested positive – and have been ordered to quarantine for 14 days. “They may not leave their flats, not even to go shopping,” Cordula Dankert, a spokeswoman for the city, said.
QR codes to trace cases after South Korea nightclub outbreak
South Korea is trialing a new QR code system to better track and trace visitors to high-risk locations including nightclubs, restaurants and churches. The decision to use the system follows authorities concern after struggling to trace a number of people who had visited nightclubs and bars at the center of a virus outbreak in the capital Seoul last month. The outbreak centered on a number of LGBTQ venues and, as homosexuality is still taboo in the east Asian nation, entries to the handwritten visitor logs were often found to be false or incomplete. Starting June 10, visitors to these high-risk locations will be required to use their phone to generate a one-time, personalized QR code that is scanned at the door. The information will be logged in a database for four weeks before being automatically deleted, according to South Korea's Ministry of Health.
New Lockdown
Coronavirus news live: UK death toll reaches 39,045 and some parts of the country could be put into lockdown again if there are local flare-ups
Another 324 people have died with coronavirus in the UK, bringing the official death toll to 39,369. NHS England today recorded 143 more deaths in hospitals, with the updated toll taking into account deaths in care homes and the wider community. Across all settings, Wales announced seven more deaths, Scotland had 12 and Northern Ireland had two. A preliminary daily tally of 164 is calculated by adding up the individual counts announced by each of the home nations. The number of deaths involving coronavirus in the UK has reached its lowest weekly level for seven weeks, according to new data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) which was released this morning.
Coronavirus in Wales: New lockdown measures 'may be needed in winter'
Some lockdown measures may have to be reintroduced in the winter, Health Minister Vaughan Gething has warned. A top Welsh Government official said there was a "real prospect" of a resurgence of the virus later in the year. Mr Gething said it will depend on the prevalence of coronavirus. Meanwhile the minister announced NHS health boards are looking at how they can restart planned NHS operations and cancer services. Speaking at the Welsh Government's daily press briefing, Mr Gething said more details would be published on Wednesday. On Monday restrictions in Wales were relaxed so people from two different households could meet outdoors, but it is only if they travel in a local area.
Midlands MPs back 'local lockdown' measure if coronavirus cases surge
Restrictive lockdown measures could be re-introduced in areas with "flare-ups" of the pandemic, Government officials have said. It comes after the West Midlands was branded a "hotspot" at the start of the fight against the virus – with the death toll since hitting more than 2,350. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said any decision would be made by the Government using advice from health experts. Stuart Anderson, MP for Wolverhampton South West, said the country was in "uncharted territory" when it came to lifting restrictions.