Lockdowns ease in parts of
Europe
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| British PM Boris Johnson sets out his oadmap to ease natinal lockdown (AFP) |
Several European nations are slowly re-opening their
economies after weeks of lockdowns because of the coronavirus pandemic. But
despite an easing of restrictions, there are reports of a rising number of
infections in several countries.
By Stefan Bos
Some European nations were waking up Monday to
more freedoms as lockdowns were slowly eased. Across most of France, people
could walk outside for the first time in weeks without filling in a permit.
Spaniards outside of Madrid and Barcelona could meet in bars
and restaurants with outside spaces.
And in Britain Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who survived a
severe bout of the coronavirus disease COVID-19, unveiled a cautious
easing of lockdown conditions in England to begin this week. "We now need
to stress that anyone who can't work from home, for instance, those in
construction or manufacturing, should be actively encouraged to go to
work," he said.
"And we want it to be safe for you to get to work. So
you should avoid public transport if at all possible – because we must and will
maintain social distancing. Capacity will, therefore, be limited," Johnson
stressed. "So work from home if you can, but you should go to work if you
can't work from home. And to ensure you are safe at work, we have been working
to establish new guidance for employers to make workplaces COVID-secure,"
he said.
"And when you do go to work, if possible, do so by car
or even better by walking or bicycle. But just as with workplaces, public
transport operators will also be following COVID-secure standards," the
prime minister added.
EXERCISING AGAIN
He encouraged people to start exercising again more freely
outdoors, beginning Wednesday. And the prime minister had some good news for
school children and shops. "In step two – at the earliest
by June 1 – after half term – we believe we may be in a position to
begin the phased reopening of shops. And to get primary pupils back into
schools. In stages, beginning with reception, Year 1 and Year 6," Johnson
said.
"Our ambition is that secondary pupils facing
exams next year will get at least some time with their teachers before the
holidays. And we will shortly be setting out detailed guidance on how to make
it work in schools and shops and on transport," the prime minister
explained.
But he warned anyone coming to Britain by air would be
forced to quarantine, and there will be hefty fines for those violating the
rules.
However, opposition Labour leader Keir Starmer said Johnson
had raised more questions than he had answered. And leaders of the other three
constituent nations Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland already said they were
sticking with the existing "stay-at-home" message.
But the easing of lockdown measures was welcomed by the
business group as Britain's economy - the world's fifth-largest - has suffered
under the pandemic and related restrictions.
INFECTIONS RISING
It comes, however, while elsewhere in Europe, infections are
rising in Germany, just days after the country eased its lockdown restrictions.
In Hungary, authorities say the aim is to resume to everyday
life gradually, but full restrictions still apply in the most heavily infected
areas including in Budapest, the capital.
The lockdowns have impacted commemorations across Europe of
the 75th anniversary since victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two.
Even in Russia, a traditional military parade was canceled
this weekend because of the coronavirus outbreak.
But in neighboring Belarus thousands attending a massive
parade, despite concerns it could lead tho more infections.
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