Europe emerges from confinement
Nations still facing a tough balancing act
LONDON: Swaths of Europe began the process of reopening from lockdowns yesterday, but the first new infections in weeks at China’s ground zero offered a sobering reminder of the dangers of a second wave of cases.
The mixed fortunes illustrated the high-wire act governments face as they try to get economies moving while keeping in check a pandemic that has killed more than 280,000.
As Britain plotted a path to normality and France and Spain basked in a relaxation of restrictions, the Chinese city where the pandemic began reported a second day of new cases after a month without signs of the virus.
And neighbouring South Korea announced its highest number of infections for more than a month driven by a cluster in a Seoul nightlife district.
With millions out of work and economies shattered, governments are desperate to hit the accelerator, but most are choosing a gradual approach as fears about a resurgence of the virus linger.
In Britain, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said it was too soon for the country to lift its lockdown but he offered hope by unveiling a “conditional plan” to ease curbs in England during the months ahead.
Mr Johnson said the restrictions had brought “a colossal cost to our way of life” but it would be “madness” to squander the nation’s progress by moving too early.
Almost seven weeks after a nationwide stay-at-home order was put in place, more than 31,800 have died in Britain — a figure second only to the United States.
Elsewhere in Europe, however, officials have been emboldened by declining death rates, with France’s toll dropping to 70 on Sunday, its lowest since early April, and Spain’s daily fatalities falling below 200.
The French were able to walk outside their homes without filling in a permit for the first time in nearly eight weeks yesterday while teachers began returning to primary schools and some shops were set to re-open.
Many Spaniards meanwhile made plans to meet friends and family at outdoor bars and restaurants, although virus hotspots such as Madrid and Barcelona remain under wraps.
Belgium and Greece were among other European nations set to ease lockdowns yesterday, two months after the World Health Organization declared a pandemic.
In the United States, the disease has moved into the White House inner circle, with a spokeswoman for Vice President Mike Pence testing positive.
Nevertheless, US President Donal Trump’s advisers were out in force on Sunday, appearing on talk shows to push for an end to locally imposed lockdowns.
Small anti-lockdown protests have emerged in a number of US states, with some demonstrators arguing the restrictions violate their rights.
Extended periods at home have also given some people a chance to gather testimony on life in confinement, with the Museum of London launching an appeal for items that reflect the lives of Britons in unprecedented times.
“When we knew there was going to be a lockdown, we started talking about what we needed to collect something for the future,” Beatrice Behlen, the museum’s senior curator said.
“It could be something that gives you comfort — one example mentioned is maybe your favourite slippers — you’ve been wearing them every day.”
Germany too has set in motion the reopening of shops, eateries, schools and gyms, but the process was thrown in doubt on Sunday by data indicating the virus appears to be picking up speed again.