Around 900 million people across the world were confined to their homes this weekend, as part of the effort to stop the spread of the new coronavirus (Covid-19).
The coronavirus pandemic has killed more than 12,000 people and brought the world’s economy to its knees.
In the United States, California, New York, New Jersey, Illinois, Pennsylvania and Nevada have banned all non-essential activities, but President Trump has not yet ordered a full lockdown. The country’s three biggest cities, New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, are at a standstill and around 100 million people are stuck at home.
Italy, the most severely affected European country with nearly 5,000 deaths so far, was also the first European country to issue a full lockdown for the entire population. It is also stepping up its measures to halt the disease’s spread. All parks, green spaces and public gardens have been shut to the public this weekend to encourage Italians to stay at home as much as possible and other restrictions will follow.
Italy said last week that it would “clearly” have to extend the duration of its lockdown, with France likely to extend its measures as well.
With nearly 900 million people in 35 countries having been asked to stay at home, according to an AFP database, the global economy is suffering more every day due to the suspension in normal activities. The International Labour Organisation has warned that around 25 million jobs are under threat due to the lack of coordination at an international level.
Sarah Johansson
The Brussels Times
