Global shutdown continues a as virus-jab trial begins in US
Millions of people are stocking up and holing up at home as a growing number of Governments fight to bring the coronavirus under control.
The number of reported cases worldwide topped 175,000 with 6700 deaths. More than 77,000 people have recovered from the illness.
These are some of the latest developments:
Virus marches west
China, where the virus was first detected in December, now accounts for fewer than half of the world’s nearly 175,000 reported cases, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University in the US. Spain overtook South Korea as the country with the fourth most confirmed cases, after China, Italy and Iran. As the virus moves west, it is leaving millions of people in the United States, Europe and elsewhere hunkering down at home. Schools, concerts and sporting events are being cancelled and many restaurants were offering only takeout or delivery. The White House urged older Americans to stay home and everyone to avoid crowds and eating out over the next 15 days. President Donald Trump suggested the US may be dealing with the new virus until “July or August”.
Britain goes its own way
Britain’s neighbours in Europe are shutting down the continent to confront the spread of the novel coronavirus: Locking pubs in Dublin and cafes in Paris, closing schools, enacting curfews and enforcing quarantines not seen since the Middle Ages. But in London, the bars are still open. Most schools, museums and restaurants are, too. Unlike Italy, France and Spain, the British Government hasn’t stopped anyone from going anywhere. Prime Minister Johnson yesterday encouraged
Britons to avoid all non-essential contact with others, to work from home and to self-isolate if they are elderly. That prompted some London theatres to go dark. But all the measures are voluntary.
Vaccine trial starts in US
The first participants in a clinical trial for an experimental vaccine to protect against the new coronavirus received doses at a research institute in the United States. Officials caution it will take a year to 18 months to fully validate any potential vaccine. It’s the first launch of many efforts around the world to create a vaccine as Covid19 cases continue to grow.
Reading, baking, hiking — and hoarding
After being chastised for hoarding canned goods and toilet paper, many Americans are learning to enjoy a slower pace of life as they avoid gatherings that could spread the virus. Some are taking on longdelayed home-repair projects or elaborate baking projects. Others are reaching for books or going hiking. A company that offers online courses has seen a jump in business. Not that long ago, people confined at home in China were looking for ways to beat the boredom.
Stocks drop amid economic standstill
Emergency government actions taken to prop up the economy didn’t stop financial markets from suffering more staggering losses. The US stock market had its worst day in more than three decades, amid deepening fears the coronavirus will throw the global economy into a recession. The bestcase scenario for many investors is that the economic shock will be steep but short. Pessimists are preparing for longer-term effects.