[ad_1]
MADRID (AFP) – Germany led on Monday (November 2) a further tightening of coronavirus restrictions in Europe that have sparked anger and frustration across the continent, while the Covid-19 crisis in the United States deepened.
The virus has infected more than 46 million people worldwide, with nearly 1.2 million deaths, and acute outbreaks in Europe and the Americas have raised further alarm about the state of the already devastated global economy.
To stem the rebound in Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel ordered a round of closures from Monday until the end of the month.
Germans will not be confined to their homes, but bars, cafes and restaurants must close, as well as theaters, operas and cinemas.
The sadness was palpable at the famous Bavarian State Opera in Munich as it prepared to close.
It’s “a slap in the face,” said baritone Michael Nagy, unable to hide his tears.
England braced for new stay-at-home orders, following in the footsteps of Austria, France and Ireland, with many expressing anxiety over the economic cost of the four-week shutdown that takes effect from Thursday.
“This city will go bankrupt, there will be nothing left of it,” said Roger Stenson, a 73-year-old retiree from the city of Nottingham, echoing widespread concern about the lasting impact of another closure.
“I fear for the young, like my own grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who are going to suffer.”
Michael Kill, executive director of the Night Time Industries Association, which lobbies the entertainment and hospitality industry, said the new closures would leave companies facing “financial Armageddon.”
Tighter blocking rules were also put in place for Belgium, which has the highest number of Covid-19 cases per capita in the world.
Portugal also ordered a partial lockdown starting Wednesday.
And in France, Prime Minister Jean Castex said supermarkets will not be able to sell “non-essential” items from Tuesday to protect small merchants who have been forced to close.
Spain has already imposed a night curfew and almost all its regions have implemented regional border closures to prevent long-distance travel.
The Italian government is expected to announce new restrictions on Monday, according to press reports, and the Health Minister will push for a blockade across the country.
‘Anger and protests’
The threat from the virus was further illustrated on Sunday when the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that he would self-quarantine after someone he had been in contact with tested positive.
“I am fine with no symptoms, but I will self-quarantine in the next few days, according to @WHO protocols, and will work from home,” Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a tweet, emphasizing the importance of complying with coronavirus guidelines.
But the continued tightening of rules and restrictions on viruses has sparked anger in people tired of confinement and painful financial costs.
That frustration has sparked protests in many parts of the world, especially in Europe, some of which have sparked violent skirmishes with the police.
Protesters in several Spanish cities clashed with security forces for a second night on Saturday, police said, with vandalism and looting breaking out in parts.
The biggest riots occurred in Madrid, where dozens of protesters chanted “freedom!” They set fire to garbage containers and set up makeshift barricades on the city’s main thoroughfare, Gran Vía, images showed on social media.
Italy was also the scene of protests last week.
There has already been violence in several Italian cities, as well as recently in the Czech capital, Prague.
The unrest over virus restrictions has not been limited to Europe.
On Saturday, riots broke out in several Argentine prisons, as prisoners demanded the resumption of visits during the pandemic.
‘Much pain’
The health situation is also deteriorating in the United States, which is preparing for a major electoral showdown between President Donald Trump and his Democratic contender Joe Biden on Tuesday.
It is the worst affected country in the world with 9.2 million infections and more than 230,000 deaths, and the pandemic has been front and center during the bitter election campaign.
With the cases increasing again, experts have warned of further devastation.
The government’s top scientist, Dr. Anthony Fauci, told the Washington Post in an interview published Saturday that the United States is “in great harm.”
“All the stars are aligned in the wrong place,” he said.
The popular Halloween celebration was a quiet affair this year, particularly in Salem, Massachusetts.
The seaside town that infamously held the 17th century witch trials is a draw for cold seekers, and while grim reapers, mad scientists and tarot readers still paraded the streets on Saturday, authorities decided to shut down the town. at 8pm to avoid the crowds.
In Mexico, parades were canceled and cemeteries closed on Sunday during the Day of the Dead festival, in which people typically decorate their homes, streets and graves of relatives with flowers, candles and colorful skulls.
Many recalled those who have passed in the privacy of their homes, as authorities urged people to avoid gatherings.
Ms. Janet Burgos decorated an altar with confetti, fruits and a photograph of her mother Rosa María, who died in June at the age of 64 on suspicion of Covid-19.
“Now I begin to see what the Day of the Dead really represents,” he said.
[ad_2]
