Safe public transit is the next hurdle
In cities around the world, public transit systems are key to getting workers back on the job and restarting devastated economies, yet everything from trains and buses to ferries and bicycles will have to be reimagined in the coronavirus era.
In Europe in particular, public transportation is shaping up as a new front line in the battle to tame the outbreak that has killed over 120,000 of its citizens.
In hardhit Italy, Spain, France and Britain, standing cheektojowl with fellow commuters in packed trains or trams was as much a part of the morning routine in precoronavirus times as a steaming shot of espresso or a crispy croissant.
Solutions include putting red stickers on the floor to tell bus passengers in Milan how far apart to stand. The Dutch are putting on longer, roomier trains, and many cities, including Berlin, are opening up more lanes to cyclists. In Britain, bus passengers are entering through the middle or rear doors to reduce the risk to the driver.
Chicken manure to thwart festival
The southern Swedish city of Lund says it is spreading stinking chicken manure on the grounds of a central park to discourage a public celebration there on Thursday. It’s traditionally a big festive day among Swedish students and youth. The city says up to 30,000 people from different parts of Sweden have in previous years gathered in Stadspark to celebrate Valborg, a spontaneous festival that marks the arrival of spring for Swedes. Sweden has maintained a relatively relaxed approach to public restrictions amid the coronavirus outbreak. Sweden, a nation of 10 million, has confirmed 19,621 coronavirus cases and 2,355 deaths.
Death toll spikes to more than 26,000
Britain’s official death toll from the coronavirus has jumped to more than 26,000, after deaths in nursing homes were added to the daily total for the first time. The government says 3,811 more people died after testing positive for the coronavirus than had been previously reported. The death toll now stands at 26,097, up from the 21,678 announced Tuesday. The new total is the secondhighest official toll in Europe after Italy.
As virus dwindles, protests gain steam
Demonstrators chanted prodemocracy slogans in a luxury mall in Hong Kong on Wednesday, the latest in a string of small but determined protests as the city’s coronavirus outbreak slows. More than 100 protesters gathered at lunchtime in the Landmark Atrium mall in a prestigious business and retail district, despite social distancing rules that prohibit public gatherings of more than four. Activists expect protesters to return to the streets again, as the city’s daily virus cases have dwindled to single digits for over two weeks.
Health workers’ ‘martyr’ status
Zafar Mirza, who advises the prime minister on health issues, says as many as 480 health workers have tested positive for the coronavirus. Nevertheless, Mirza said the government will provide personal protection equipment to only those who are handling patients of the coronavirus. He says any health worker who dies because of handling patients of the coronavirus will be given the status of “martyr” apart from financially assisting their families. Pakistan has 15,289 recorded cases and 335 deaths.