Covid-19: Governments implement
stricter measures to stem spread of coronavirus
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| The Italian member of the White Cross in front of a banner expressing gratitude for health worker (ANSA) |
As the coronavirus continues to spread across different
countries, governments are putting in place measures to help contain it, with
many preparing to copy the Chinese and Italian models of near-total lockdown.
By Francesca Merlo
It has been three months since the first case of Covid-19
was recorded in Wuhan, China.
After having brought most of the Chinese nation into
lockdown, life there is cautiously returning to normal. Meanwhile, around the
world, countries are rapidly following China’s lead.
Heading toward lockdown
Italy has been on lockdown for a week, as of Monday. Prime
Minister Giuseppe Conte announced last week that the so-called red zone – which
was previously only applied to several northern regions – would be extended to
the entire country.
As Italy enters its second week of quarantine, Spain enters
its second day. Other European nations and several US states are not far
behind.
Local governments have closed schools and shops and banned
mass gatherings. Many other countries are planning for a total lockdown in the
near-future.
Spirits high
People kept indoors are trying to keep spirits high by
organizing daily flash-mobs from their windows and balconies – clapping to
thank their healthcare workers, playing instruments, and singing along to
traditional songs.
Some are even organizing long-distance group workouts.
UK proposals
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has laid out a plan to
put people over the age of 70 into isolation, while leaving everything else
running more or less as normal. Many British citizens have labeled the plan as
“not enough”.
Health experts agree and say they fear the plan leaves
Britons in serious danger.
Worldwide pandemic
The Covid-19 coronavirus has now killed more than 6,500
people and infected over 152,000 worldwide.
Daily deaths outside China surpassed those inside the nation
for the first time on Monday.
Though each country is reacting differently to the
coronavirus pandemic with widely differing measures, experts say the most basic
and important piece of advice to keep the virus from spreading is to wash our
hands often.
A good scrubbing – combined with an effort to avoid touching
the mouth, nose, and eyes and to stay at home – will hopefully stem the
onrushing tide.
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