Europe still in eye of the storm, says WHO

LONDON: Europe was still in the “eye of the storm” of the coronavirus pandemic, the World Health Organisation warned on Thursday, as parts of the continent moved to ease restrictions but others extended lockdowns and postponed major events.

Since emerging in China late last year, the virus has turned the world upside down, killing tens of thousands, forcing half of humanity indoors and raising the spectre of a second Great Depression.

Hopes that its spread has peaked in Europe and the United States has seen some countries take tentative steps to loosen restrictions, with US President Donald Trump set to unveil plans for lifting lockdowns across the world’s top economy.

But with global cases and deaths still growing — and fears of a second wave of infections in previously hit countries — officials are warning that life around the world will not be returning to normal anytime soon.

“We remain in the eye of the storm,” the WHO’s regional director for Europe, Hans Kluge, said in an online news conference from Copenhagen.

The pandemic has killed over 137,000 across the world, including 90,000 in Europe

Positive signs in Spain, Italy, Germany, France and Switzerland were overshadowed by sustained or increased levels of infections in other countries, such as Britain, Turkey, Ukraine and Russia, he said. “It is imperative that we do not let down our guard.”

After reporting 861 new deaths on Thursday, Britain extended its lockdown measures for another three weeks.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo also extended his state’s shutdown order until May 15.

And Russia, which saw a record new 3,448 infections, announced it would be postponing its annual May 9 military parade in Red Square, a showcase event for President Vladimir Putin.

More than two million people have been infected with the virus around the world and 137,500 have died — including 90,000 in Europe — according to a credible tally.

Hard-hit parts of Europe have seen a slowdown in infections and deaths in recent days, with Spain recording 551 new deaths on Thursday, almost half of the daily toll at its peak.

Venturing out in Venice

After weeks on strict lockdowns, Spain and Italy have begun to ease restrictions, allowing some businesses to reopen.

In Venice, residents in mandatory face masks ventured out to see quiet streets and canals that once thronged with selfie-stick wielding tourists.

“I bought many books,” Venetian Catrina said after visiting one of the city’s bookshops, which were allowed to reopen this week. “I needed them. Like an addict — for something of substance.”