Due to the increase in new cases of coronavirus infection, some countries have decided to implement targeted quarantine measures. The World Health Organization has previously stated that the situation is worsening in many countries.
In England, from July 24, all visitors to shops will be required to wear masks, announced UK Health Minister Matt Hancock. Authorities also recommend wearing masks in all public places. Since June 15, it has been mandatory in England to wear a mask when using public transportation, including taxis.
As of July 24, British stores can fine customers up to 100 pounds for not wearing masks. Store employees have the right to refuse service to customers who do not comply with this rule. Exceptions will only be made for those who are medically unable to wear a mask. Violators will be fined £100 ($125).
Earlier, scientists warned that the second wave of the coronavirus epidemic could claim the lives of another 120,000 Britons if no action is taken. In the UK, approximately 45,000 people have died from Covid-19. This is the highest number in Europe.
In August, London’s popular museums reopen – the Natural History Museum (August 5), the Victoria and Albert Museum (August 6), and the Science Museum (August 19). They are all located close to each other in the South Kensington area. The museums have been closed to visitors since March.
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who announced his infection with coronavirus a week ago, intends to take a new test for Covid-19. The president has repeatedly downplayed the threat of a pandemic. Yesterday, he said he was feeling very well. “If all is well, I will return to work. If not, of course I will wait a few days,” he said. Brazil ranks second in the world in terms of the number of infections detected. By the end of the week, the total number of infections since the start of the pandemic is expected to exceed 2 million.
In Bolivia, another politician has been infected with the coronavirus. This time, Foreign Minister Karen Longaric announced a positive test result for Covid-19. Previously, it was reported that the ministers of health, justice, natural resources, and economy, as well as interim president Jeanine Añez, the commander of the armed forces, and the head of the central bank were infected with the coronavirus. A total of 50,000 cases have been detected in the country.
Due to the pandemic, French authorities were forced to reduce the scale of the Bastille Day celebrations, which are held annually on July 14. Only a flyover of military aircraft took place, and the parade was held without heavy machinery.
The scale of the Bastille Day celebration has been reduced. President Emmanuel Macron invited the families of doctors who died from Covid-19, as well as the health ministers of four countries – Austria, Germany, Luxembourg and Switzerland – who treated French patients, to a celebration. A fireworks display will take place at the Eiffel Tower in the evening.
The European Union plans to remove Serbia and Montenegro from the list of safe countries that EU citizens can visit without restrictions, Reuters reported, citing sources. The proposal was made by Germany and supported by other countries, including France, Spain and the Netherlands. This list is advisory and the final decision is made by the countries themselves.
The decision to exclude Serbia and Montenegro from the list of safe countries was made due to outbreaks of infection that occurred there, Reuters reported. Algeria and Morocco remain on the list of safe countries, as most countries have decided that the number of new cases is not sufficient to consider these states dangerous to visit. Luxembourg and Cyprus proposed adding the United Arab Emirates to the list, but other countries did not support this initiative. Cyprus’ proposal to add Israel, Libya and Jordan to the list was also not supported.