Coronavirus cases have increased by over 400,000 for the fourth consecutive day and several states have imposed strict blocks to curb the spread of the virus. India continues to be the nation most affected by the virus right now: the Ministry of Health reported 4,092 deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing the overall death toll to 242,362. Cases increased by 403,738, bringing the total since the start of the pandemic to 22.3 million.
Pakistan, partial lockdown for the end of Ramadan
And to contain the spread of the coronavirus, the government of Pakistan has announced a partial lockdown to control the movement of people during the holidays for the religious holiday of Eid-ul-Fitr, which will mark the end of the month of Ramadan. The holidays are scheduled for May 10-15 and the breaking of the fast will fall on May 13 or 14, depending on the sighting of the moon. Commercial activities will be suspended until May 16. All markets, malls and shops will remain closed except essential services. There will be a total ban on tourism for both locals and foreigners. All tourist resorts, picnic areas and public parks will remain closed. During this period, interprovincial, interurban and intra-city public transport will be prohibited with the exception of private vehicles.
Spain, end of curfew after 7 months: thousands in the streets
Spain lifted the state of emergency in place since October to fight the Covid-19 pandemic, allowing Spaniards to travel between regions for the first time in months. The measure, whose revocation had been announced in recent days, expired at midnight. In most regions, the end of this exceptional regime also meant the lifting of the curfew, greeted with joy by the residents of many cities. Crowded squares in the night from Madrid to Barcelona. However, the end of the state of emergency does not mean the end of restrictions in one of the countries most affected by the pandemic in Europe with almost 79,000 deaths and 3.5 million cases. The 17 autonomous communities can, for example, continue to limit opening hours or the number of patrons of bars, restaurants or shops. They can also request that the curfew be restored or their territory closed, but now they need the approval of a court to do so.
Belgium, night of clashes in Brussels on the first day of reopening
Moments of tension last night in Brussels after several hundred people, mostly young people, gathered in Place Flagey, the usual meeting place, on the first day of the reopening of bars, restaurants and terraces in the country and to celebrate the end of the curfew. The police intervened and – according to what the main local newspapers report – there was no lack of clashes with objects thrown at the police who also mobilized a fire engine. Three people arrested, two injured, including a policeman.
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