Record number of infections, Christmas in danger – La Repubblica, Italy
“In Italy there are about as many new infections every day as in the Netherlands,” says correspondent Mustafa Marghadi. “But 3.5 times fewer people live in the Netherlands. The new measures are comparable to those in the Netherlands, but are taken at an earlier stage. This will limit the growth in the number of infections. Much more testing is also taking place here. ” Per 100,000 residents in Italy, an average of eight people tested positive.
Unlike in the Netherlands, bars and restaurants are still open, although some have to close earlier in the evening. Recently, Italians have to wear mouth masks everywhere, including on the street. “The rules are well observed. Everyone in Rome wears a mouth mask.”
However, many Italians are afraid that there will be another lockdown, for example in December. “Everyone is talking about that. Nobody wants that. With that fear image in mind, I have the idea that everyone is following the rules.”
Macron: “Everyone must help” – Le Parisien, France
French President Macron gave a television speech last night. He said that an average of 20,000 infections and 200 ICU admissions occur every day in France. The latest figures show that per 100,000 inhabitants of France, an average of 26 people test positive, says correspondent Frank Renout. “Macron thinks measures are necessary. A curfew has been imposed in nine large urban areas, where almost a third of the French population lives.”
In France cafes have been closed for some time, restaurants are still open. “But they are now also afraid that they will no longer have customers or will have to close them. It is striking that travel will continue to be possible. During the lockdown in the spring there was a travel ban, but travel is allowed for the coming autumn holiday”, says Renout. The masking obligation applies in public indoor spaces, but also at work and in schools. “In many cities it is also mandatory on the street, for example in Paris.”
According to Renout, the rules are well followed. “Many French support the measures, there is widespread support for the policy – also for the curfew that starts on Saturday.”
Proof that the lockdown is tearing the heart out of Britain – The Daily Mail, UK
“In Great Britain it took a while for the second wave to erupt,” says correspondent Tim de Wit. “In the past two weeks, the number of infections has exploded again and we are again one of the front runners in Europe. But it is not yet like the Netherlands.” Last week, an average of 22 people per 100,000 inhabitants tested positive for the corona virus.
Prime Minister Johnson introduced a traffic light system this week that works with three levels. The strictest measures apply to the highest level. “At the moment, Liverpool is the hotspot of Great Britain, they are already at the highest level of the traffic light. Pubs, cinemas and gyms are closed there and unnecessary trips outside the city are not allowed,” says De Wit. Healthcare is under pressure there. “95 percent of the ic beds are occupied, which is quite wrong.”
Things are also going wrong in London. “The mayor has announced new measures. That way you are no longer allowed to visit each other. That is a strong measure to reduce social contacts.” The hospitality industry in London is still open, but has to close at 10 p.m. Mouth masks are mandatory in public transport, indoor areas and restaurants. “A lot of people wear them, especially because there are heavy fines if you don’t. The fine starts at 200 pounds, but doubles if you get it more often.”
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