Fractures in many nations widen as virus lockdowns ease
LONDON (AP) — Regional and political fractures are emerging in many nations over how fast to lift the lid on coronavirus-imposed lockdowns, as worries about economic devastation collide with fears of a second wave of deaths.
French mayors are resisting the government’s call to reopen schools, but Italian governors want Rome to ease lockdown measures faster. As the British government looks to reopen the economy, Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon has warned that acting too fast could let the virus wreak havoc again.
Sturgeon cautioned that “for the moment we do need to stick with the current lockdown restrictions.”
Britain — the European country hit hardest by the pandemic — is expected to extend its nationwide lockdown on Thursday, but hopes cautiously to ease some restrictions on economic and social activity next week.
Restrictions allowing people to leave home only for essential errands, shopping and exercise were imposed in the U.K. on March 23. They are expected to remain in place at least until Sunday, when Prime Minister Boris Johnson plans to set out a roadmap for “phase two” of the outbreak.
The U.K. government has said gradual loosening measures will include more road space to walk and cycle while maintaining social distancing, and encouragement for sectors including construction to get back to work.
The U.K.’s official COVID-19 death toll stands at 30,076, second only to the United States. Johnson’s government is facing intense criticism for its about-face on coronavirus testing and contact tracing — abandoned in March but now a priority — and failure to ensure a steady supply of personal protective equipment to medics.
In France, more than 300 mayors in the Paris region have urged President Emmanuel Macron to delay the reopening of...