Bangkok's nightlife will go quiet as a ban on bars, nightclubs and restaurant alcohol sales goes into effect Saturday, among a raft of restrictions aimed at curbing the kingdom's rising coronavirus toll.

Thailand initially appeared to have escaped the worst of the virus, registering just under 4,000 total cases in November, despite being the second country to detect an infection in January.

But an outbreak last month at a massive seafood market has spiralled into a resurgence, with infections now detected in 53 of the kingdom's 73 provinces. By Saturday the caseload had jumped to over 7,300.&nbsp;

In Bangkok, where more than 2,600 active cases have been detected, city authorities acted swiftly and announced a partial lockdown to go into effect Saturday.&nbsp;

Bars and nightclubs, boxing stadiums, cockfighting rings and massage parlours -- as well as beauty salons and gyms -- will be among a slew of businesses affected.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/diving-santa-spreads-christmas-joy-at-bangkok-aquarium-352383">WATCH|</a>

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The capital also announced yesterday that public schools will be closed for two weeks, while more than a dozen virus checkpoints were set up Saturday across the city.

"We don't want to use extreme measures like a lockdown and putting up a curfew, but we need a stronger medicine to prevent the new surge," said Taweesin Visanuyothin, a spokesman for Thailand's Covid-19 taskforce.&nbsp;

Nationwide restrictions and closures are expected to go into effect from January 4 to February 1, he added, allowing a two-day "grace period" for business owners to prepare.

Authorities worried about inciting alarm nationwide had been reluctant to classify the new emergence of the virus as a "second wave".

But anger resounded across Thai social media Saturday on the renewed restrictions, with business owners expressing frustration with the partial lockdown.

"I comply with the measures strictly, yet I now need to close my business while there are many people scrambling on the skytrain everyday," wrote Aksika Chantarawinji, a spa owner, on the official Facebook page of Bangkok's governor.

Thailand's economy has been hit hard by the coronavirus, and is among the worst-affected in Southeast Asia due to its reliance on tourism and exports.

Bangkok's nightlife will go quiet as a ban on bars, nightclubs and restaurant alcohol sales goes into effect Saturday, among a raft of restrictions aimed at curbing the kingdom's rising coronavirus toll.

Bangkok's nightlife will go quiet as a ban on bars, nightclubs and restaurant alcohol sales goes into effect Saturday, among a raft of restrictions aimed at curbing the kingdom's rising coronavirus toll. Thailand initially appeared to have escaped the worst of the virus, registering just under 4,000 total cases in November, despite being the second country to detect an infection in January. But an outbreak last month at a massive seafood market has spiralled into a resurgence, with infections now detected in 53 of the kingdom's 73 provinces. By Saturday the caseload had jumped to over 7,300. In Bangkok, where more than 2,600 active cases have been detected, city authorities acted swiftly and announced a partial lockdown to go into effect Saturday. Bars and nightclubs, boxing stadiums, cockfighting rings and massage parlours -- as well as beauty salons and gyms -- will be among a slew of businesses affected. WATCH| × The capital also announced yesterday that public schools will be closed for two weeks, while more than a dozen virus checkpoints were set up Saturday across the city. "We don't want to use extreme measures like a lockdown and putting up a curfew, but we need a stronger medicine to prevent the new surge," said Taweesin Visanuyothin, a spokesman for Thailand's Covid-19 taskforce. Nationwide restrictions and closures are expected to go into effect from January 4 to February 1, he added, allowing a two-day "grace period" for business owners to prepare. Authorities worried about inciting alarm nationwide had been reluctant to classify the new emergence of the virus as a "second wave". But anger resounded across Thai social media Saturday on the renewed restrictions, with business owners expressing frustration with the partial lockdown. "I comply with the measures strictly, yet I now need to close my business while there are many people scrambling on the skytrain everyday," wrote Aksika Chantarawinji, a spa owner, on the official Facebook page of Bangkok's governor. Thailand's economy has been hit hard by the coronavirus, and is among the worst-affected in Southeast Asia due to its reliance on tourism and exports.

Bangkok imposes partial lockdown to combat virus

On New Year's Eve, the whole world turns into a big party. But this year, it's different. Celebrations have been scaled back. Many countries are welcoming the new year under a curfew. Palki Sharma has a report.

Gravitas: Pandemic diminishes New Year's magic

The Belgium government has categorised chocolate and beer as an essential item as certain shops were allowed to remain open during the COVID-19 lockdowns.

Chocolate and Beer declared 'essential items' during Belgium's lockdown

With an alarming increase in the number of coronavirus cases in the country, a nationwide lockdown has bene reimposed in Israel for the third time in this pandemic year.

Voicing a tone of optimism and hope, Israel's&nbsp;Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a "world record" vaccination will bring things back to normal within weeks, but urged people to stay indoors till the point of normal is reached.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-to-inoculate-quarter-of-its-population-against-coronavirus-in-a-month-says-netanyahu-352705">Israel to inoculate quarter of its population against coronavirus in a month, says Netanyahu</a>

The country went into a third nationwide lockdown to limit the transmission by following strict regulations that have previously, too, helped the country bounce back to near-normal conditions.

Starting from 5 pm on Sunday, people will not be allowed to step out of their houses unless they are seeking&nbsp;medical care, attending legal proceedings, going to school or exercising.&nbsp;

Unlike last time, the Israel government has decided to keep the schools open amid this lockdown. However, children under the age of six, students in grade one to four and teenagers finishing secondary school in grades 11 and 12 will only be allowed to attend the school physically. Grades five to 10 will stay closed and continue with virtual classes.

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-announces-third-nationwide-virus-lockdown-352002">&nbsp;Israel announces third nationwide virus lockdown</a>

The decision to keep&nbsp;grades five through 10 home has attracted criticism from experts who believe this decision will negatively affect the emotional and mental wellbeing of these teenagers.

"The decision to ignore this age bracket means the abandonment of hundreds of thousands of children, only because in theory they can be left at home alone while (their parents) go to work," NCC head Vered Windman was quoted by a local newspaper. "But this is precisely the age group that is at a higher risk of developing emotional difficulties, fears and isolation."

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister, on Saturday after&nbsp;Shabbat, told the masses he has personally spoken to head of companies developing the coronavirus vaccine and has been assured that the companies will be able to provide the requisite number of doses to Israel.

Appreciating the efforts of the local officials for starting the vaccine drive, he said the targets set by the country's administration for vaccination drive of "such a magnitude (they amount to) a world record".

With an alarming increase in the number of coronavirus cases in the country, a nationwide lockdown has bene reimposed in Israel for the third time in this pandemic year.

With an alarming increase in the number of coronavirus cases in the country, a nationwide lockdown has bene reimposed in Israel for the third time in this pandemic year. Voicing a tone of optimism and hope, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a "world record" vaccination will bring things back to normal within weeks, but urged people to stay indoors till the point of normal is reached. Also read| Israel to inoculate quarter of its population against coronavirus in a month, says Netanyahu The country went into a third nationwide lockdown to limit the transmission by following strict regulations that have previously, too, helped the country bounce back to near-normal conditions. Starting from 5 pm on Sunday, people will not be allowed to step out of their houses unless they are seeking medical care, attending legal proceedings, going to school or exercising. Unlike last time, the Israel government has decided to keep the schools open amid this lockdown. However, children under the age of six, students in grade one to four and teenagers finishing secondary school in grades 11 and 12 will only be allowed to attend the school physically. Grades five to 10 will stay closed and continue with virtual classes. Also read| Israel announces third nationwide virus lockdown The decision to keep grades five through 10 home has attracted criticism from experts who believe this decision will negatively affect the emotional and mental wellbeing of these teenagers. "The decision to ignore this age bracket means the abandonment of hundreds of thousands of children, only because in theory they can be left at home alone while (their parents) go to work," NCC head Vered Windman was quoted by a local newspaper. "But this is precisely the age group that is at a higher risk of developing emotional difficulties, fears and isolation." Meanwhile, the Prime Minister, on Saturday after Shabbat, told the masses he has personally spoken to head of companies developing the coronavirus vaccine and has been assured that the companies will be able to provide the requisite number of doses to Israel. Appreciating the efforts of the local officials for starting the vaccine drive, he said the targets set by the country's administration for vaccination drive of "such a magnitude (they amount to) a world record".

Israel enters third nationwide lockdown; PM hopes for 'world record' of vaccinated people

This is the season of being merry and Athens has finally received its Christmas gift as the&nbsp;first official mosque got permission to reopen for the holiday season.&nbsp;

The Greek capital's first official mosque was forced to close down within days of its&nbsp;inauguration in November.&nbsp; However, as Greece relaxed its nationwide lockdown — which was imposed to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus — the Muslim community was allowed to return to the mosque.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/locked-down-athens-is-lit-up-for-the-holidays-without-fanfare-349982">WATCH|</a>

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As the holiday season came closer, the government decided to let the faithful return to their religious place, but with a cap on maximum attendees allowed. "We’ve decided, without discrimination, that every place of worship can conduct services and prayers as long as congregations are limited to 25 people," Giorgos Kalantzis, the secretary-general at the ministry of education and religious affairs told a media house.

The decision has been welcomed by the community and the&nbsp;mosque’s government-appointed imam&nbsp;Mohammed Sissi Zaki, who had been negatively affected by the sudden closure. "When we finally opened in early November it was for five days and just one Friday prayers," said Zaki. "After the lockdown this is a big, big blessing."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/orchestra-brings-festive-cheer-to-athens-352377">WATCH|</a>

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"It is with great happiness, satisfaction and relief that we can say we are here at all," the 55-year-old imam said upon reopening of the mosque.

The first official mosque has opened in Athens after years of repeated requests from the community — some of whom claim the mosques were wiped off from the country almost&nbsp;200 years following the withdrawal of Ottoman forces from the city.

This is the season of being merry and Athens has finally received its Christmas gift as the first official mosque got permission to reopen for the holiday season.

This is the season of being merry and Athens has finally received its Christmas gift as the first official mosque got permission to reopen for the holiday season. The Greek capital's first official mosque was forced to close down within days of its inauguration in November. However, as Greece relaxed its nationwide lockdown — which was imposed to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus — the Muslim community was allowed to return to the mosque. WATCH| × As the holiday season came closer, the government decided to let the faithful return to their religious place, but with a cap on maximum attendees allowed. "We’ve decided, without discrimination, that every place of worship can conduct services and prayers as long as congregations are limited to 25 people," Giorgos Kalantzis, the secretary-general at the ministry of education and religious affairs told a media house. The decision has been welcomed by the community and the mosque’s government-appointed imam Mohammed Sissi Zaki, who had been negatively affected by the sudden closure. "When we finally opened in early November it was for five days and just one Friday prayers," said Zaki. "After the lockdown this is a big, big blessing." WATCH| × "It is with great happiness, satisfaction and relief that we can say we are here at all," the 55-year-old imam said upon reopening of the mosque. The first official mosque has opened in Athens after years of repeated requests from the community — some of whom claim the mosques were wiped off from the country almost 200 years following the withdrawal of Ottoman forces from the city.

Athens' first official mosque allowed to reopen for holiday season

American airlines furloughed nearly 19,000 employees after a first federal payroll support package for airlines expired in October.

American Airlines begins recalling 19,000 furloughed workers

Austria will go into coronavirus lockdown for a third time after Christmas, the government confirmed on Friday, just 11 days after the country's second lockdown ended.

Austria will go into third lockdown on December 26, Kurz says

The UK government is set to bring in a new higher tier of COVID-19 restrictions and put London and southeast England into those measures. PM Boris Johnson announces relaxation rules for Christmas.

News Alert: England to be under world's most stringent restrictions

An ombudsman report has said that lockdown announced by Australia's second most populous state violated human rights and was not based on health officials advice.&nbsp;

To contain the rise in the spread of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>, the state of Victoria ordered the lockdown of nine public housing towers for many days in July.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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Victoria's acting chief health officer was given only 15 minutes to consider and approve the measure, which includes the impact on human rights, Ombudsman Deborah Glass' report said.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-mp-urges-donald-trump-to-pardon-julian-assange-before-leaving-white-house-349532">Australian MP urges Donald Trump to pardon Julian Assange before leaving White House</a>

"The rushed lockdown was not compatible with the residents' human rights, including their right to humane treatment when deprived of liberty..., the action appeared to be contrary to the law," Deborah was quoted as saying by news agency Reuters.&nbsp;

People residing in the eight towers were confined in their apartments for five days, but in the ninth tower, which had the most number of cases, there was a complete lockdown for two weeks.&nbsp;

The report said some residents were left without food and medicines, and several others waited for over a week to go outside.&nbsp;

The state government accepted that mistakes were committed, but insisted that the measures were necessary to ensure the safety of its people.&nbsp;

"We make no apology for saving people's lives, absolutely no apology for saving people's lives," Victoria state Housing Minister Richard Wynne told reporters.

Australia managed to contain the coronavirus outbreak, but the bulk of the cases were reported from Victoria.&nbsp;

However, the state is able to control the surge and has not reported a single case in 48 consecutive days as of Thursday.&nbsp;

An ombudsman report has said that lockdown announced by Australia's second most populous state violated human rights and was not based on health officials advice.

An ombudsman report has said that lockdown announced by Australia's second most populous state violated human rights and was not based on health officials advice. To contain the rise in the spread of coronavirus, the state of Victoria ordered the lockdown of nine public housing towers for many days in July. Watch | Victoria's acting chief health officer was given only 15 minutes to consider and approve the measure, which includes the impact on human rights, Ombudsman Deborah Glass' report said. Also read | Australian MP urges Donald Trump to pardon Julian Assange before leaving White House "The rushed lockdown was not compatible with the residents' human rights, including their right to humane treatment when deprived of liberty..., the action appeared to be contrary to the law," Deborah was quoted as saying by news agency Reuters. People residing in the eight towers were confined in their apartments for five days, but in the ninth tower, which had the most number of cases, there was a complete lockdown for two weeks. The report said some residents were left without food and medicines, and several others waited for over a week to go outside. The state government accepted that mistakes were committed, but insisted that the measures were necessary to ensure the safety of its people. "We make no apology for saving people's lives, absolutely no apology for saving people's lives," Victoria state Housing Minister Richard Wynne told reporters. Australia managed to contain the coronavirus outbreak, but the bulk of the cases were reported from Victoria. However, the state is able to control the surge and has not reported a single case in 48 consecutive days as of Thursday.

Australian state violated human rights in lockdown to control Covid-19 spread: Report

Germany will close most stores from Wednesday (December 16) until at least January 10, cutting short the busy Christmas shopping season, as it tightens coronavirus restrictions and tries to rein in the spread of the disease.

Germany to impose stricter lockdown to battle rise in COVID-19 cases

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has announced the closure of non-essential stores & schools from the December 16 to January 10 after meeting with regional leaders.

Germany to enter festive season coronavirus lockdown

As Prime Minister Imran Khan intensifies his efforts to stop the Lahore rally by Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), the Punjab government has imposed a "smart lockdown" in 13 areas surrounding the Minar-e-Pakistan.

According to a report by SAMAA TV, a notification issued by the Punjab Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department on Saturday stated that the order will come into force tonight and will stay till December 25.

The areas included in the list are -- Rang Mehal, Androon Shera Wala Gate, Mochi Gate, Adroon Bhatti Gate, Chuhan Road, four streets of Ravi Road and four streets in Badami Bagh.Entry and exit into the neighbourhoods will be controlled and people will only be allowed to go out unless absolutely necessary, SAMAA TV reported.

Meanwhile, the local administration has denied permission to the PDM to hold the rally on December 13 citing a surge in coronavirus cases.Earlier, Imran Khan had warned the opposition that police cases will be lodged against organisers.

In an interview to a private news channel, the premier said the government has decided against allowing the Opposition to hold the public gathering, Geo News reported. "We will file FIRs against everyone -- from the kursi wala to the sound system handlers but won`t stop them [Opposition leaders] from going there," he had said.&nbsp;

As Prime Minister Imran Khan intensifies his efforts to stop the Lahore rally by Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), the Punjab government has imposed a "smart lockdown" in 13 areas surrounding the Minar-e-Pakistan.

As Prime Minister Imran Khan intensifies his efforts to stop the Lahore rally by Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), the Punjab government has imposed a "smart lockdown" in 13 areas surrounding the Minar-e-Pakistan. According to a report by SAMAA TV, a notification issued by the Punjab Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department on Saturday stated that the order will come into force tonight and will stay till December 25. The areas included in the list are -- Rang Mehal, Androon Shera Wala Gate, Mochi Gate, Adroon Bhatti Gate, Chuhan Road, four streets of Ravi Road and four streets in Badami Bagh.Entry and exit into the neighbourhoods will be controlled and people will only be allowed to go out unless absolutely necessary, SAMAA TV reported. Meanwhile, the local administration has denied permission to the PDM to hold the rally on December 13 citing a surge in coronavirus cases.Earlier, Imran Khan had warned the opposition that police cases will be lodged against organisers. In an interview to a private news channel, the premier said the government has decided against allowing the Opposition to hold the public gathering, Geo News reported. "We will file FIRs against everyone -- from the kursi wala to the sound system handlers but won`t stop them [Opposition leaders] from going there," he had said.

Smart lockdown in 13 areas ahead of opposition rally in Pakistan

Germany has been gravely hit by the second wave of the coronavirus, and to contain the spread of the pandemic, German Chancellor Angela Merkel has announced a semi-lockdown in the country from Wednesday.

Merkel announced the closure of schools and all non-essential services from Wednesday in a bid to contain the "exponential growth" after new clusters of infections were found.

"The corona situation is out of control," said Bavarian state premier Markus Soeder, who has assured all support to the Chancellor in this decision.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-urges-using-scientific-advances-to-battle-climate-change-349383">UK PM urges using scientific advances to battle climate change</a>

As per the new lockdown rules, all schools will remain shut till January, and children will be returning to online classes with immediate effect. In addition to schools, all companies, too, have been suggested to shift to 'work-from-home' or offer extended company holidays.&nbsp;In the new partial lockdown, all hair salons and non -essential shops have also been asked to shut down till January 10.

Sale of alcohol has also been banned in public places, which has brought an outcry at the time of the year when mulled wine is largely popular due to the Christmas and winter season in Germany.&nbsp;

These new regulations have been taken after&nbsp;Merkel with regional leaders of Germany's 16 states' agreement on Sunday.

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The decision comes a few months after the country had reopened its economy completely, followed by an immediate closure of leisure activities. Over the last week, the&nbsp;country's disease control agency has raised concerns about the infections trend rising at an alarming rate.

"With increasing mobility and the therefore linked additional contacts in the pre-Christmas period, Germany is now in exponential growth of infections numbers," said the policy paper agreed by regional leaders and Merkel.

Continu9ing the same, Merkel said it was their "task to prevent an overload of our health systems and that's why there is an urgent need to take action."

Germany has been gravely hit by the second wave of the coronavirus, and to contain the spread of the pandemic, German Chancellor Angela Merkel has announced a semi-lockdown in the country from Wednesday.

Germany has been gravely hit by the second wave of the coronavirus, and to contain the spread of the pandemic, German Chancellor Angela Merkel has announced a semi-lockdown in the country from Wednesday. Merkel announced the closure of schools and all non-essential services from Wednesday in a bid to contain the "exponential growth" after new clusters of infections were found. "The corona situation is out of control," said Bavarian state premier Markus Soeder, who has assured all support to the Chancellor in this decision. Also read| UK PM urges using scientific advances to battle climate change As per the new lockdown rules, all schools will remain shut till January, and children will be returning to online classes with immediate effect. In addition to schools, all companies, too, have been suggested to shift to 'work-from-home' or offer extended company holidays. In the new partial lockdown, all hair salons and non -essential shops have also been asked to shut down till January 10. Sale of alcohol has also been banned in public places, which has brought an outcry at the time of the year when mulled wine is largely popular due to the Christmas and winter season in Germany. These new regulations have been taken after Merkel with regional leaders of Germany's 16 states' agreement on Sunday. × The decision comes a few months after the country had reopened its economy completely, followed by an immediate closure of leisure activities. Over the last week, the country's disease control agency has raised concerns about the infections trend rising at an alarming rate. "With increasing mobility and the therefore linked additional contacts in the pre-Christmas period, Germany is now in exponential growth of infections numbers," said the policy paper agreed by regional leaders and Merkel. Continu9ing the same, Merkel said it was their "task to prevent an overload of our health systems and that's why there is an urgent need to take action."

Schools, salons shut down in Germany as Merkel announces another COVID-19 lockdown

COVID-19 lockdown resulted in a positive impact on the environment. Watch this video to know more.

COVID-19 lockdown's positive impact on environment

Bringing the biggest export haul in the country’s history, China’s trade surplus soared to a record $75.4 billion in November as exports surged 21.1% over a year earlier, propelled by American consumer demand. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-sinovac-secures-515-million-to-boost-covid-vaccine-production-347999">Also read: China's Sinovac secures $515 million to boost covid vaccine production&nbsp;</a> 
 
This was the sixth consecutive month of export growth, with China’s factories continuing to capitalise on coronavirus lockdowns in the West.

Exports to the United States rose 46% despite lingering tariff hikes in a trade war with Washington, customs data showed Monday. 
&nbsp;

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Total exports rose to $268 billion, accelerating from October’s 11.4% growth. Imports gained 5% to $192.6 billion, up from the previous month’s 4.7%.

China’s global trade surplus for the first 11 months of 2020 is $460 billion, up 21.4% from this time last year, already one of the highest ever recorded.

Exports to the United States rose to $51.9 billion while imports of American goods gained 33% to $14.6 billion. The trade surplus with the United States swelled 52% over a year earlier to $37.3 billion.

China's exports are beating expectations as the world's biggest manufacturing nation's overseas markets reopened from Covid-19.

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The figures show China recovering steadily from the severe economic shutdown imposed by the government to combat Covid-19 and subsequent widespread lockdowns in its major markets.&nbsp;

Uncertainty lies ahead, though, as coronavirus cases rise in many large economies and trade tensions between China and the US remain severe.

(With inputs from agencies)

Bringing the biggest export haul in the country’s history, China’s trade surplus soared to a record $75.4 billion in November as exports surged 21.1% over a year earlier, propelled by American consumer demand.

Bringing the biggest export haul in the country’s history, China’s trade surplus soared to a record $75.4 billion in November as exports surged 21.1% over a year earlier, propelled by American consumer demand. Also read: China's Sinovac secures $515 million to boost covid vaccine production This was the sixth consecutive month of export growth, with China’s factories continuing to capitalise on coronavirus lockdowns in the West. Exports to the United States rose 46% despite lingering tariff hikes in a trade war with Washington, customs data showed Monday. Total exports rose to $268 billion, accelerating from October’s 11.4% growth. Imports gained 5% to $192.6 billion, up from the previous month’s 4.7%. China’s global trade surplus for the first 11 months of 2020 is $460 billion, up 21.4% from this time last year, already one of the highest ever recorded. Exports to the United States rose to $51.9 billion while imports of American goods gained 33% to $14.6 billion. The trade surplus with the United States swelled 52% over a year earlier to $37.3 billion. China's exports are beating expectations as the world's biggest manufacturing nation's overseas markets reopened from Covid-19. × The figures show China recovering steadily from the severe economic shutdown imposed by the government to combat Covid-19 and subsequent widespread lockdowns in its major markets. Uncertainty lies ahead, though, as coronavirus cases rise in many large economies and trade tensions between China and the US remain severe. (With inputs from agencies)

China exports generate record trade surplus as coronavirus lockdowns return to the West

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K.Palaniswami extended the general Covid-19 lockdown till midnight Dec 31, 2020 subject to certain relaxations.

In a statement, Palaniswami said that it was decided to extend the lockdown, with new relaxations till Dec 31st, based on the discussions with the medical and public health experts, District Collectors to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

As per the new restrictions, final year undergraduate and postgraduate courses for all colleges, universities and medical colleges are to commence from December 07, 2020, whereas classes for first-year students will commence from February 01, 2021.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-covid-19-tally-rises-to-9431-lakh-with-38772-fresh-cases-346362" hreflang="en">India's COVID-19 tally rises to 94.31 lakh with 38,772 fresh cases</a>

Swimming pools for sports training purposes will be allowed to function following standard operating procedures (SOP). Similarly,&nbsp;Marina and other beaches will be open for public from December 14, 2020, depending on the coronavirus spread.

A decision on the&nbsp;permission for outdoor meetings, too, will be taken depending on the spread of the virus in the state.&nbsp;Indoor social, political and religious gatherings are now allowed for the month of December,&nbsp;subject to 50 per cent seating capacity and not exceeding 200 persons. Permission from the District Collectors and from Greater Chennai Police (for Chennai meetings) are necessary.

The&nbsp;exhibition halls&nbsp;will be allowed to function only for business-to-business purposes after following SOP.&nbsp;

In addition to this, the existing system of E-registration for those coming to Tamil Nadu from other states would continue. Those coming from &nbsp;Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Union Territory of Puducherry would be exempted from this registration.&nbsp;

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K.Palaniswami extended the general Covid-19 lockdown till midnight Dec 31, 2020 subject to certain relaxations. In a statement, Palaniswami said that it was decided to extend the lockdown, with new relaxations till Dec 31st, based on the discussions with the medical and public health experts, District Collectors to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K.Palaniswami extended the general Covid-19 lockdown till midnight Dec 31, 2020 subject to certain relaxations. In a statement, Palaniswami said that it was decided to extend the lockdown, with new relaxations till Dec 31st, based on the discussions with the medical and public health experts, District Collectors to prevent the spread of coronavirus. As per the new restrictions, final year undergraduate and postgraduate courses for all colleges, universities and medical colleges are to commence from December 07, 2020, whereas classes for first-year students will commence from February 01, 2021. Also read| India's COVID-19 tally rises to 94.31 lakh with 38,772 fresh cases Swimming pools for sports training purposes will be allowed to function following standard operating procedures (SOP). Similarly, Marina and other beaches will be open for public from December 14, 2020, depending on the coronavirus spread. A decision on the permission for outdoor meetings, too, will be taken depending on the spread of the virus in the state. Indoor social, political and religious gatherings are now allowed for the month of December, subject to 50 per cent seating capacity and not exceeding 200 persons. Permission from the District Collectors and from Greater Chennai Police (for Chennai meetings) are necessary. The exhibition halls will be allowed to function only for business-to-business purposes after following SOP. In addition to this, the existing system of E-registration for those coming to Tamil Nadu from other states would continue. Those coming from Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Union Territory of Puducherry would be exempted from this registration.

Tamil Nadu: Beaches, colleges, indoor events allowed in new set of relaxations

In a first, Tesla factory workers based in California will be counted as 'essential workers' and will be exempted from&nbsp;new coronavirus restrictions in the state.

The decision has been taken as the state is inching towards new coronavirus restrictions, which will be initiated from this weekend. The authorities let the Tesla workers be exempted as earlier Elon Musk had argued that manufacturing is listed as an essential workforce.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-hits-12-million-covid-19-cases-as-many-americans-defy-thanksgiving-travel-guidance-344596" hreflang="en">US hits 12 million COVID-19 cases as many Americans defy guidelines</a>

"The limited stay-at-home order does not apply to employees deemed essential workers — manufacturing is listed as an essential workforce," said California's Department of Public Health, specifying in particular transport products and equipment.

The exemption has been granted on the condition that Musk's factories will ensure all necessary health guidelines and will make sure the employees are provided all the basic precautions and facilities needed to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-grants-emergency-use-authorisation-to-regeneron-covid-19-antibodies-344588">US grants emergency use authorisation to Regeneron Covid-19 antibodies</a>

Elon Musk, during the last lockdown, had argued about shutting down his factory and had even threatened to move his headquarters and all other future projects to&nbsp;Texas or Nevada.

In the end of the feud, Musk had, once again, won the argument with the state having to admit that manufacturing has been listed as an essential workforce, which automatically exempts Musk's employees from all lockdowns.

The 10:00 pm to 5:00 am stay-at-home order, apart from essential activities, will take effect Saturday evening and remain in force through December 21. Some 94 per cent of the population is affected by the curfew, including residents of Alameda, where the electric car manufacturer's plant is located.

In a first, Tesla factory workers based in California will be counted as 'essential workers' and will be exempted from new coronavirus restrictions in the state.

In a first, Tesla factory workers based in California will be counted as 'essential workers' and will be exempted from new coronavirus restrictions in the state. The decision has been taken as the state is inching towards new coronavirus restrictions, which will be initiated from this weekend. The authorities let the Tesla workers be exempted as earlier Elon Musk had argued that manufacturing is listed as an essential workforce. Also read| US hits 12 million COVID-19 cases as many Americans defy guidelines "The limited stay-at-home order does not apply to employees deemed essential workers — manufacturing is listed as an essential workforce," said California's Department of Public Health, specifying in particular transport products and equipment. The exemption has been granted on the condition that Musk's factories will ensure all necessary health guidelines and will make sure the employees are provided all the basic precautions and facilities needed to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. Also read| US grants emergency use authorisation to Regeneron Covid-19 antibodies Elon Musk, during the last lockdown, had argued about shutting down his factory and had even threatened to move his headquarters and all other future projects to Texas or Nevada. In the end of the feud, Musk had, once again, won the argument with the state having to admit that manufacturing has been listed as an essential workforce, which automatically exempts Musk's employees from all lockdowns. The 10:00 pm to 5:00 am stay-at-home order, apart from essential activities, will take effect Saturday evening and remain in force through December 21. Some 94 per cent of the population is affected by the curfew, including residents of Alameda, where the electric car manufacturer's plant is located.

Elon Musk's Tesla factory workers counted as 'essential workers'

Besides the COVID-19 pandemic there are now reports of the bird flu outbreak in different parts of the Europe & in Belgium not just humans, but even birds have been put under a strict lockdown. WION brings you a report.

Spate of bird flu outbreak in Europe, Swans go into quarantine in Belgium

As the coronavirus cases rose once again in Hong Kong, the local government decided to suspend all in-person classes for the lower primary school students.

The decision was taken to protect the children from contracting the novel coronavirus after&nbsp;city’s top health official said the situation in the city was 'sever'.

Students from classes I to III will shift to online classes from Monday, on an urgent basis. The announcement came almost a week after city's&nbsp;kindergartens were also ordered to shut down immediately as the cases surged.

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The decision was taken after the city reported 26 cases on Friday, of which 21 were local cases. This surge has might be the fourth wave for the city, says&nbsp;Health Secretary Sophia Chan.

She has also urged people to cancel all gatherings and stay home as much as possible. "I would appeal to people to stop all unnecessary gathering activities because the situation is severe now in Hong Kong,"&nbsp;Chan said. “In the past week, we have already tightened many of our measures, including border control measures, quarantine measures, hotel regulation measures and also some of the social distancing measures."

The surge came a few days before an air bubble between Hong Kong and Singapore was about to begin, according to which the passengers were required to go through a COVID-19 test, but did not have to quarantine themselves upon arrival in either of the countries. However, only&nbsp;Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines were allowed to carry out operations in this bubble.

Hong Kong has recorded nearly&nbsp;&nbsp;5,500 coronavirus cases and 108 COVID-19 deaths since the pandemic broke out in December 2019.

As the coronavirus cases rose once again in Hong Kong, the local government decided to suspend all in-person classes for the lower primary school students. The decision was taken to protect the children from contracting the novel coronavirus after city’s top health official said the situation in the city was 'sever'.

As the coronavirus cases rose once again in Hong Kong, the local government decided to suspend all in-person classes for the lower primary school students. The decision was taken to protect the children from contracting the novel coronavirus after city’s top health official said the situation in the city was 'sever'. Students from classes I to III will shift to online classes from Monday, on an urgent basis. The announcement came almost a week after city's kindergartens were also ordered to shut down immediately as the cases surged. × The decision was taken after the city reported 26 cases on Friday, of which 21 were local cases. This surge has might be the fourth wave for the city, says Health Secretary Sophia Chan. She has also urged people to cancel all gatherings and stay home as much as possible. "I would appeal to people to stop all unnecessary gathering activities because the situation is severe now in Hong Kong," Chan said. “In the past week, we have already tightened many of our measures, including border control measures, quarantine measures, hotel regulation measures and also some of the social distancing measures." The surge came a few days before an air bubble between Hong Kong and Singapore was about to begin, according to which the passengers were required to go through a COVID-19 test, but did not have to quarantine themselves upon arrival in either of the countries. However, only Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines were allowed to carry out operations in this bubble. Hong Kong has recorded nearly 5,500 coronavirus cases and 108 COVID-19 deaths since the pandemic broke out in December 2019.

Hong Kong enters fourth wave of COVID-19; schools shut

Joe Biden reiterated that he will not impose a nationwide shutdown as COVID-19 cases continue to increase.

Joe Biden: I am not going to shut down the economy

The country's largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India on Monday said it has sold over two lakh cars through the online channel.

The company, which initiated its online sales platform around two years back, said the digital channel now covers nearly 1,000 dealerships across the country.

"Since the introduction of this new digital channel in 2018, we have witnessed three times increase in digital enquiries and recorded sales of over 2 lakh units since April 2019.

This digital channel has helped to generate over 21 lakh customer enquiries," Maruti Suzuki India Executive Director (Marketing &amp; Sales) Shashank Srivastava said in a statement.

Citing 'Google Auto Gear Shift India 2020 Report', he said nearly 95 per cent of new car sales in India are digitally influenced as per the customers first research online and then buy at the physical dealerships.

While online experience provides the complete spectrum of information to the customers, at the last mile the customers seek assurance of the deal from their trusted dealer advisors.

"Interestingly, customers who enquire through our digital channel end up purchasing a car within 10 days.

This reaffirms that with a robust online to offline platform executed by a digitally enabled salesforce, converting digital enquiries into sales becomes easier," Srivastava said.

He said the company witnessed a two-fold increase in 'Near Me' customer searches for Maruti Suzuki dealers.

"Our investment to create a hyper-local platform is to help customers discover faster and connect to their nearest dealers.

This initiative has seen rapid growth in recent times.

In the last two years, we have integrated over 1,000 dealerships across 3,000 online touchpoints in this digital transformation journey," Srivastava added.

Maruti Suzuki India began taking online bookings in 2017.

The company said as customer behaviour further shifts online, its dealership's websites are witnessing a much larger traffic flow.

"The positive results of the initiatives are evident as digital enquiries for Maruti Suzuki have seen a five-fold increase to around 20 per cent of total sales.

In the prevailing COVID-19 scenario, the digital enquiry contribution has further increased exceeding 33 per cent during the last five months," the company said.

The country's largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India on Monday said it has sold over two lakh cars through the online channel. The company, which initiated its online sales platform around two years back, said the digital channel now covers nearly 1,000 dealerships across the country.

The country's largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India on Monday said it has sold over two lakh cars through the online channel. The company, which initiated its online sales platform around two years back, said the digital channel now covers nearly 1,000 dealerships across the country. "Since the introduction of this new digital channel in 2018, we have witnessed three times increase in digital enquiries and recorded sales of over 2 lakh units since April 2019. This digital channel has helped to generate over 21 lakh customer enquiries," Maruti Suzuki India Executive Director (Marketing & Sales) Shashank Srivastava said in a statement. Citing 'Google Auto Gear Shift India 2020 Report', he said nearly 95 per cent of new car sales in India are digitally influenced as per the customers first research online and then buy at the physical dealerships. While online experience provides the complete spectrum of information to the customers, at the last mile the customers seek assurance of the deal from their trusted dealer advisors. "Interestingly, customers who enquire through our digital channel end up purchasing a car within 10 days. This reaffirms that with a robust online to offline platform executed by a digitally enabled salesforce, converting digital enquiries into sales becomes easier," Srivastava said. He said the company witnessed a two-fold increase in 'Near Me' customer searches for Maruti Suzuki dealers. "Our investment to create a hyper-local platform is to help customers discover faster and connect to their nearest dealers. This initiative has seen rapid growth in recent times. In the last two years, we have integrated over 1,000 dealerships across 3,000 online touchpoints in this digital transformation journey," Srivastava added. Maruti Suzuki India began taking online bookings in 2017. The company said as customer behaviour further shifts online, its dealership's websites are witnessing a much larger traffic flow. "The positive results of the initiatives are evident as digital enquiries for Maruti Suzuki have seen a five-fold increase to around 20 per cent of total sales. In the prevailing COVID-19 scenario, the digital enquiry contribution has further increased exceeding 33 per cent during the last five months," the company said.

Maruti Suzuki India sells over 2 lakh cars via online channel

Lockdown, the noun that has come to characterise endless lives over the world in 2020, has been named expression of the year by Collins Dictionary.&nbsp;

The dictionary defines lockdown as “the imposition of stringent restrictions on travel, social interaction, and access to public spaces.”

The 4.5bn-word Collins Corpus, which contains composed material from sites, books, and papers, just as spoken material from radio, TV, and discussions, enlisted a 6,000 per cent&nbsp;expansion in its use.

In 2019, there were 4,000 recorded examples of the lockdown being utilised. In 2020, this had taken off to in excess of a fourth of 1,000,000.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gender-neutral-pronoun-they-voted-word-of-the-decade-by-american-dialect-society-272683">Climate, they, or meme? Word of the Decade revealed</a>

Lexicographers said they picked the word because it had become synonymous with the experience of populations across the world as governments look to curb the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

The pandemic has affected the daily use of language in a massive manner, as a result,&nbsp;six of Collins' 10 words of the year in 2020 are related to the global health crisis.&nbsp;

"Coronavirus", "social distancing", "self-isolate" and "furlough" as well as "lockdown" and "key worker" were included in the long list of 10 words of the year.&nbsp;

"Key worker" alone has seen a 60-fold increase in usage reflecting the importance attributed this year to professions considered to be essential to society.&nbsp;

"2020 has been dominated by the global pandemic," Helen Newstead, a language consultant at Collins, said.&nbsp;

"Lockdown has affected the way we work, study, shop, and socialise.&nbsp;

"With many countries entering a second lockdown, it is not a word of the year to celebrate but it is, perhaps, one that sums up the year for most of the world."&nbsp;

Collins defines "lockdown" as "the imposition of stringent restrictions on travel, social interaction, and access to public spaces".&nbsp;

According to the dictionary, coronavirus is: "Any one of a group of RNA-containing viruses that can cause infectious illnesses of the respiratory tract, including COVID-19."&nbsp;

Significant social and political developments beyond the virus have also been reflected in the list, which has already made its way into online editions of the English dictionary.&nbsp;

A wave of Black Lives Matter protests, sparked by the death in US police custody of unarmed black man George Floyd, spread around the world and brought a new awareness of the movement.&nbsp;

The abbreviation "BLM", often used as a hashtag on social media, was widely used in conversations and reporting following the protests, registering an increase in usage of 581 percent by Collins.&nbsp;

Social media regularly throws up new words for the dictionary.

This year, Collins has included "TikToker", which describes someone who shares content on the TikTok social media platform.&nbsp;

"Mukbang", which refers to a South Korean trend of video bloggers eating large quantities of food in videos broadcast to their followers, has also made the list.&nbsp;

The UK royal family influenced the shortlist in 2020.&nbsp;

"Megxit", which refers to the withdrawal of Prince Harry and his wife Meghan from royal duties, passed into regular usage.&nbsp;

The word, modelled on "Brexit", which was Collins' word of the year in 2016, illustrates just how firmly established that word now is in the British lexicon.

Lockdown, the noun that has come to characterise endless lives over the world in 2020, has been named expression of the year by Collins Dictionary. The dictionary defines lockdown as “the imposition of stringent restrictions on travel, social interaction, and access to public spaces.

Lockdown, the noun that has come to characterise endless lives over the world in 2020, has been named expression of the year by Collins Dictionary. The dictionary defines lockdown as “the imposition of stringent restrictions on travel, social interaction, and access to public spaces.” The 4.5bn-word Collins Corpus, which contains composed material from sites, books, and papers, just as spoken material from radio, TV, and discussions, enlisted a 6,000 per cent expansion in its use. In 2019, there were 4,000 recorded examples of the lockdown being utilised. In 2020, this had taken off to in excess of a fourth of 1,000,000. Also read: Climate, they, or meme? Word of the Decade revealed Lexicographers said they picked the word because it had become synonymous with the experience of populations across the world as governments look to curb the coronavirus pandemic. The pandemic has affected the daily use of language in a massive manner, as a result, six of Collins' 10 words of the year in 2020 are related to the global health crisis. "Coronavirus", "social distancing", "self-isolate" and "furlough" as well as "lockdown" and "key worker" were included in the long list of 10 words of the year. "Key worker" alone has seen a 60-fold increase in usage reflecting the importance attributed this year to professions considered to be essential to society. "2020 has been dominated by the global pandemic," Helen Newstead, a language consultant at Collins, said. "Lockdown has affected the way we work, study, shop, and socialise. "With many countries entering a second lockdown, it is not a word of the year to celebrate but it is, perhaps, one that sums up the year for most of the world." Collins defines "lockdown" as "the imposition of stringent restrictions on travel, social interaction, and access to public spaces". According to the dictionary, coronavirus is: "Any one of a group of RNA-containing viruses that can cause infectious illnesses of the respiratory tract, including COVID-19." Significant social and political developments beyond the virus have also been reflected in the list, which has already made its way into online editions of the English dictionary. A wave of Black Lives Matter protests, sparked by the death in US police custody of unarmed black man George Floyd, spread around the world and brought a new awareness of the movement. The abbreviation "BLM", often used as a hashtag on social media, was widely used in conversations and reporting following the protests, registering an increase in usage of 581 percent by Collins. Social media regularly throws up new words for the dictionary. This year, Collins has included "TikToker", which describes someone who shares content on the TikTok social media platform. "Mukbang", which refers to a South Korean trend of video bloggers eating large quantities of food in videos broadcast to their followers, has also made the list. The UK royal family influenced the shortlist in 2020. "Megxit", which refers to the withdrawal of Prince Harry and his wife Meghan from royal duties, passed into regular usage. The word, modelled on "Brexit", which was Collins' word of the year in 2016, illustrates just how firmly established that word now is in the British lexicon.

'Lockdown' is Collins Dictionary Word of the Year in 2020

Greece announced a second lockdown due to the large spread of covid-19 cases in the country, the government also gave an extension for hair saloons for the next 3 days.

Greece announced Second lockdown for next 3 weeks due to covid panedemic.

A distinctive pink Christmas tree was unveiled at a central London retail destination on Friday (November 6) despite most shops having to close due to the government's latest coronavirus lockdown.

Pink Christmas tree unveiled in locked down London shopping area

A foggy London was quieter than usual on Thursday (November 5) as England went into a second nationwide lockdown. People have been ordered to stay at home from 0001GMT on Thursday to combat an increase in new infections.

UK: Londoners prepare for another month under lockdown

With lockdown measures in place to curb the pandemic, and a dominating ruling party, campaigning for votes in Myanmar's upcoming parliamentary elections has proven to be an uphill battle for first-time political candidate Han Oo Khin.

Myanmar political candidate campaigns in grocery truck amid lockdown restrictions

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced a second stay-at-home lockdown across England, starting next November 5. The lockdown will run for four weeks until at least the start of December, in order to deal with the rapidly increasing coronavirus infections.

Downing Street moved to bring forward the PM's announcement, initially planned for Monday, in the wake of the leaked media reports.

Johnson, in a national address, said there was no choice but to be "humble in the face of nature" and unless tough action is taken now the peak of mortality in the country could be even greater than the first wave triggering a "medical and moral disaster".

The new England-wide measures will lapse by December 2 and, unless a further intervention in the meantime, England will revert to the current three-tier localised lockdown system.

"Now is the time to take action because there is no alternative," said Johnson.

"You must stay at home, you must only leave home for education, work if you cannot work from home, recreational exercise with one person from another household or your household, and to escape injury or harm, to shop for food and essentials or provide care for vulnerable people as a volunteer," he said, adding that this lockdown would be less "restrictive" than the first lockdown of earlier this year.

He also confirmed an extension to the furlough scheme until December, the wage support scheme for businesses which was set to end from November 1.

Non-essential shops and leisure and hospitality venues, such as restaurants, bars and pubs, will be required to close down. Takeaways will be allowed to stay open and people can only meet one person from outside their household outdoors.

Unlike the first complete lockdown in March, schools, colleges and universities will be allowed to stay open.

"I am very optimistic that this will feel better by next spring," he said, indicating no significant changes are to be expected until early 2021.

The latest lockdown plans will be tabled in Parliament next week for a debate and vote by Wednesday, for them to come in effect from Thursday.

At the Downing Street briefing, Johnson was joined by England's Chief Medical Officer, Chris Whitty, and the government's Chief Scientific Adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance.

The devolved administrations of the United Kingdom will continue to follow their own already strict lockdown policies, calling on residents to refrain from non-essential travels to and from England.

Wales is currently in a "firebreak" lockdown which is due to be in place until November 9 and Scotland's stringent four-tier system, with Tier 4 akin to a complete shutdown, is set to come into force from Monday.

Northern Ireland, meanwhile, has been in complete lockdown since the middle of October, scheduled for a month.

Earlier on Saturday, several media reports had indicated plans for the month-long lockdown were afoot after Johnson met his most senior Cabinet colleagues on Friday to discuss the possible toughening of restrictions in light of worsening coronavirus infection rate and hospital cases.

The UK recorded another 21,915 confirmed coronavirus cases on Saturday, bringing the total since the pandemic began to 1,011,660.

Documents from the government's Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling (SPI-M-O) revealed this week that England has breached its "reasonable worst-case" scenario for COVID-19 infections and hospital admissions for the winter months.

The scientists warned that the number of daily coronavirus deaths in England is in line with that scenario, but "is almost certain to exceed this within the next two weeks".

Infection rates are currently soaring across much of Europe, prompting new forms of lockdown across Germany, France and Belgium.

Just minutes after Johnson's announcement, Portugal's Prime Minister Antonio Costa announced a partial lockdown for his country, with 70 percent of the population going back into lockdown.

Also on Saturday, Austria brought in a second lockdown of its own, while Greece declared a partial one. The new measures came just a day after France started its second lockdown and Belgium said it would tighten its measures.

Greece's Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, meanwhile, justified his new partial lockdown by saying it was time to act "before intensive care units buckle under the strain of lives in danger".

The new lockdown will close restaurants and other leisure activities in Athens and other major cities from Tuesday.

&nbsp;

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced a second stay-at-home lockdown across England, starting next November 5. The lockdown will run for four weeks until at least the start of December, in order to deal with the rapidly increasing coronavirus infections.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced a second stay-at-home lockdown across England, starting next November 5. The lockdown will run for four weeks until at least the start of December, in order to deal with the rapidly increasing coronavirus infections. Downing Street moved to bring forward the PM's announcement, initially planned for Monday, in the wake of the leaked media reports. Johnson, in a national address, said there was no choice but to be "humble in the face of nature" and unless tough action is taken now the peak of mortality in the country could be even greater than the first wave triggering a "medical and moral disaster". The new England-wide measures will lapse by December 2 and, unless a further intervention in the meantime, England will revert to the current three-tier localised lockdown system. "Now is the time to take action because there is no alternative," said Johnson. "You must stay at home, you must only leave home for education, work if you cannot work from home, recreational exercise with one person from another household or your household, and to escape injury or harm, to shop for food and essentials or provide care for vulnerable people as a volunteer," he said, adding that this lockdown would be less "restrictive" than the first lockdown of earlier this year. He also confirmed an extension to the furlough scheme until December, the wage support scheme for businesses which was set to end from November 1. Non-essential shops and leisure and hospitality venues, such as restaurants, bars and pubs, will be required to close down. Takeaways will be allowed to stay open and people can only meet one person from outside their household outdoors. Unlike the first complete lockdown in March, schools, colleges and universities will be allowed to stay open. "I am very optimistic that this will feel better by next spring," he said, indicating no significant changes are to be expected until early 2021. The latest lockdown plans will be tabled in Parliament next week for a debate and vote by Wednesday, for them to come in effect from Thursday. At the Downing Street briefing, Johnson was joined by England's Chief Medical Officer, Chris Whitty, and the government's Chief Scientific Adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance. The devolved administrations of the United Kingdom will continue to follow their own already strict lockdown policies, calling on residents to refrain from non-essential travels to and from England. Wales is currently in a "firebreak" lockdown which is due to be in place until November 9 and Scotland's stringent four-tier system, with Tier 4 akin to a complete shutdown, is set to come into force from Monday. Northern Ireland, meanwhile, has been in complete lockdown since the middle of October, scheduled for a month. Earlier on Saturday, several media reports had indicated plans for the month-long lockdown were afoot after Johnson met his most senior Cabinet colleagues on Friday to discuss the possible toughening of restrictions in light of worsening coronavirus infection rate and hospital cases. The UK recorded another 21,915 confirmed coronavirus cases on Saturday, bringing the total since the pandemic began to 1,011,660. Documents from the government's Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling (SPI-M-O) revealed this week that England has breached its "reasonable worst-case" scenario for COVID-19 infections and hospital admissions for the winter months. The scientists warned that the number of daily coronavirus deaths in England is in line with that scenario, but "is almost certain to exceed this within the next two weeks". Infection rates are currently soaring across much of Europe, prompting new forms of lockdown across Germany, France and Belgium. Just minutes after Johnson's announcement, Portugal's Prime Minister Antonio Costa announced a partial lockdown for his country, with 70 percent of the population going back into lockdown. Also on Saturday, Austria brought in a second lockdown of its own, while Greece declared a partial one. The new measures came just a day after France started its second lockdown and Belgium said it would tighten its measures. Greece's Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, meanwhile, justified his new partial lockdown by saying it was time to act "before intensive care units buckle under the strain of lives in danger". The new lockdown will close restaurants and other leisure activities in Athens and other major cities from Tuesday.

UK PM Johnson declares England's second stay-at-home lockdown

With an increase in the coronavirus cases in the country, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom chaired a meeting with his top officials to discuss the possibility of a stricter lockdown in the country.

While the meeting has not been made official, Whitehall sources have confirmed that the PM Boris Johnson met with his most senior cabinet colleagues on Friday and discussed the worsening coronavirus infection rates and hospital attendance. As per the local reports, who have quoted Whitehall sources,&nbsp;Chancellor Rishi Sunak, Health Secretary Matt Hancock, Chancellor of the duchy of Lancaster Michael Gove were also present in this closed-door meeting.&nbsp;

The meeting happened almost after a week of Johnson's implementation of a tiered system of lockdown, which attracted criticism from the locals and the health experts of the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-registers-94000-coronavirus-cases-in-24-hours-tally-passes-9m-339148?UTM_SRC=breakingnews">Also read|&nbsp;US registers 94,000 coronavirus cases in 24 hours; tally passes 9M</a>

As per the reports, a new lockdown may come in place from Wednesday and might stay in place till December 01 at least. Johnson is expected to hold a press conference on Monday to announce the new lockdown and safety guidelines, under which all businesses and travel will be shut, except for educational institutions and essential workplaces

As of now, the UK is following a tiered system of lockdown in which areas have been divided into tier 1, 2 and 3 (with tier 3 being the highest infected regions). In the highest infected areas, all restaurants, pubs, bars and nightclubs have been closed temporarily, and residents are not allowed to visit or stay at their friend's, relative's or partner's house, The system attracted a lot of criticism with many labelling it as an inefficient system of containing the spread of the deadly coronavirus.

Local reports stated that the ministry is also contemplating introducing a 'tier-4' which would be the highest. However, several Johnson aides are encouraging a nationwide lockdown instead.

The United Kingdom on Friday reported 24,405 new cases of COVID-19 and a further 274 deaths within 28 days of a positive test, according to government data. It has now recorded more than 20,000 new coronavirus cases a day on average over the last week.

With an increase in the coronavirus cases in the country, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom chaired a meeting with his top officials to discuss the possibility of a stricter lockdown in the country.

With an increase in the coronavirus cases in the country, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom chaired a meeting with his top officials to discuss the possibility of a stricter lockdown in the country. While the meeting has not been made official, Whitehall sources have confirmed that the PM Boris Johnson met with his most senior cabinet colleagues on Friday and discussed the worsening coronavirus infection rates and hospital attendance. As per the local reports, who have quoted Whitehall sources, Chancellor Rishi Sunak, Health Secretary Matt Hancock, Chancellor of the duchy of Lancaster Michael Gove were also present in this closed-door meeting. The meeting happened almost after a week of Johnson's implementation of a tiered system of lockdown, which attracted criticism from the locals and the health experts of the country. Also read| US registers 94,000 coronavirus cases in 24 hours; tally passes 9M As per the reports, a new lockdown may come in place from Wednesday and might stay in place till December 01 at least. Johnson is expected to hold a press conference on Monday to announce the new lockdown and safety guidelines, under which all businesses and travel will be shut, except for educational institutions and essential workplaces As of now, the UK is following a tiered system of lockdown in which areas have been divided into tier 1, 2 and 3 (with tier 3 being the highest infected regions). In the highest infected areas, all restaurants, pubs, bars and nightclubs have been closed temporarily, and residents are not allowed to visit or stay at their friend's, relative's or partner's house, The system attracted a lot of criticism with many labelling it as an inefficient system of containing the spread of the deadly coronavirus. Local reports stated that the ministry is also contemplating introducing a 'tier-4' which would be the highest. However, several Johnson aides are encouraging a nationwide lockdown instead. The United Kingdom on Friday reported 24,405 new cases of COVID-19 and a further 274 deaths within 28 days of a positive test, according to government data. It has now recorded more than 20,000 new coronavirus cases a day on average over the last week.

Boris Johnson contemplates another lockdown in UK

Back to basics: Countries reimpose lockdowns after second wave of coronavirus

Germany will impose an emergency month-long lockdown that includes the closure of restaurants, gyms and theatres to reverse a spike in coronavirus cases that risks overwhelming hospitals, Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Wednesday.

"We need to take action now," she said, adding that the key to defusing the current "very serious" situation was to reduce contacts while limiting damage to the economy.

Effective Nov. 2 , private gatherings will be limited to 10 people from a maximum of two households. Restaurants, bars, theatres, cinemas, pools and gyms will be shut and concerts cancelled.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/coronavirus-antibodies-among-recovered-patients-drop-rapidly-british-scientists-find-338622" hreflang="en">Coronavirus antibodies among recovered patients drop rapidly, British scientists find</a>

Professional sports events will be allowed only without spectators. People will be asked not to travel for private, non-essential reasons, and overnight stays in hotels will be available only for necessary business trips.

Schools and daycare centres will however remain open, as will shops, so long as they stick to social distancing and hygiene rules. The nationwide rules replace a confusing patchwork of regional measures.

A 10 billion euro ($11.82 billion) aid package will pay companies that have to close a share of their lost sales during the shutdown. Smaller companies, with up to 50 employees, will receive 75% of the year-earlier revenues for the month of November.

Germany was widely praised for keeping infection and death rates below those of many of its neighbours in the first phase of the crisis but is now in the midst of a second wave.

Cases rose by 14,964 to 464,239 in the last 24 hours, Germany's infections diseases agency, the Robert Koch Institute, said on Wednesday.

Deaths jumped by 85 to 10,183, fuelling fears about the health system after Merkel warned it could hit breaking point if infections continue to spiral.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/first-generation-of-coronavirus-vaccine-likely-to-be-imperfect-says-uk-taskforce-338477" hreflang="en">First generation of coronavirus vaccine 'likely to be imperfect', says UK taskforce</a>

"Our health system can still cope with this challenge today, but at this speed of infections it will reach the limits of its capacity within weeks," Merkel said.

Merkel added that health authorities were no longer able to trace the origin of around 75% of infections, which made it difficult to say which measures exactly would have the biggest impact.

"We have to reduce contacts somewhere. If we wait longer, we will have to reduce contacts even more," she said.

She and state leaders will reconvene two weeks into the partial lockdown to assess how effective the measures decided on Wednesday are.

Germany will impose an emergency month-long lockdown that includes the closure of restaurants, gyms and theatres to reverse a spike in coronavirus cases that risks overwhelming hospitals, Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Wednesday.

Germany will impose an emergency month-long lockdown that includes the closure of restaurants, gyms and theatres to reverse a spike in coronavirus cases that risks overwhelming hospitals, Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Wednesday. "We need to take action now," she said, adding that the key to defusing the current "very serious" situation was to reduce contacts while limiting damage to the economy. Effective Nov. 2 , private gatherings will be limited to 10 people from a maximum of two households. Restaurants, bars, theatres, cinemas, pools and gyms will be shut and concerts cancelled. Also read: Coronavirus antibodies among recovered patients drop rapidly, British scientists find Professional sports events will be allowed only without spectators. People will be asked not to travel for private, non-essential reasons, and overnight stays in hotels will be available only for necessary business trips. Schools and daycare centres will however remain open, as will shops, so long as they stick to social distancing and hygiene rules. The nationwide rules replace a confusing patchwork of regional measures. A 10 billion euro ($11.82 billion) aid package will pay companies that have to close a share of their lost sales during the shutdown. Smaller companies, with up to 50 employees, will receive 75% of the year-earlier revenues for the month of November. Germany was widely praised for keeping infection and death rates below those of many of its neighbours in the first phase of the crisis but is now in the midst of a second wave. Cases rose by 14,964 to 464,239 in the last 24 hours, Germany's infections diseases agency, the Robert Koch Institute, said on Wednesday. Deaths jumped by 85 to 10,183, fuelling fears about the health system after Merkel warned it could hit breaking point if infections continue to spiral. Also read: First generation of coronavirus vaccine 'likely to be imperfect', says UK taskforce "Our health system can still cope with this challenge today, but at this speed of infections it will reach the limits of its capacity within weeks," Merkel said. Merkel added that health authorities were no longer able to trace the origin of around 75% of infections, which made it difficult to say which measures exactly would have the biggest impact. "We have to reduce contacts somewhere. If we wait longer, we will have to reduce contacts even more," she said. She and state leaders will reconvene two weeks into the partial lockdown to assess how effective the measures decided on Wednesday are.

Germany to go into circuit-break lockdown as virus surges

Spain was bracing for a new national state of emergency to allow the imposition of curfews as its regions on Saturday pushed for action to slow surging virus cases.&nbsp;

In the face of growing calls for a legal framework to allow regional chiefs to impose tougher restrictions, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's cabinet was to hold a special meeting on Sunday to decide on the matter.&nbsp;

The calls came just days after Spain registered more than one million virus cases, becoming the sixth country in the world to pass the grim milestone -- and the first in the European Union.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-mouthwash-will-not-save-you-from-the-coronavirus-337700">Also read|&nbsp;No, mouthwash will not save you from the coronavirus</a>

So far, nine of Spain's 17 autonomous regions have formally requested that the government declare a national state of emergency which would enable them to impose a curfew -- a measure increasingly applied across Europe.

Spain used such powers in the spring to enforce one of the world's tightest lockdowns, and a similar measure has been in force in Madrid for the past fortnight -- although only to impose movement restrictions on the capital and various nearby towns.

That measure ended just before 1500 GMT when new regional restrictions came into force, including a ban on all gatherings, in public and private, of people who don't live in the same household between midnight and 6:00 am.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/polands-president-andrzej-duda-tests-positive-for-covid-19-337644">Also read|&nbsp;Poland's President, Andrzej Duda, tests positive for COVID-19</a>

"They probably should have done this a long time ago or taken other steps like restricting the number of people taking public transport or going to work," 22-year-old student Patricia Vazquez told AFPTV.&nbsp;

"In Spain, the restrictions are different in each region. In Madrid, if you look at how the infections are evolving, it seems like they're not taking the necessary steps," agreed Eduardo Debiasi, 48, who works in marketing and said more should be done.&nbsp;

A growing consensus

Elsewhere, Castilla and Leon announced its own curfew without waiting for a government declaration, banning movement between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am, while Valencia is to bring in a similar ban in on Sunday.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-thrives-in-karabakhs-bomb-shelters-337692">Also read|&nbsp;Coronavirus thrives in Karabakh's bomb shelters</a>

Catalonia also said it would implement a curfew as soon as a national emergency was declared and admitted the option of a new stay-at-home order was also under consideration.

Although the government can impose an emergency for up to a fortnight, it would need parliamentary approval to extend it -- not a given for a the leftwing coalition.

So far, none of the regions run by the rightwing opposition Popular Party (PP) have requested a national emergency, mirroring the party's ongoing bitter standoff with the Sanchez government over its handling of the pandemic.&nbsp;

But for now, the government seems to have secured enough support to push through any future extension without relying on the PP, with backing from the centre-right Ciudadanos and Basque and Catalan separatist parties -- together accounting for 37 seats.

The latest figures show the virus has claimed nearly 35,000 lives in Spain and infected 1,046,132 people, although antibody tests suggest a figure of more than three million.&nbsp;

Spain was bracing for a new national state of emergency to allow the imposition of curfews as its regions on Saturday pushed for action to slow surging virus cases.

Spain was bracing for a new national state of emergency to allow the imposition of curfews as its regions on Saturday pushed for action to slow surging virus cases. In the face of growing calls for a legal framework to allow regional chiefs to impose tougher restrictions, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's cabinet was to hold a special meeting on Sunday to decide on the matter. The calls came just days after Spain registered more than one million virus cases, becoming the sixth country in the world to pass the grim milestone -- and the first in the European Union. Also read| No, mouthwash will not save you from the coronavirus So far, nine of Spain's 17 autonomous regions have formally requested that the government declare a national state of emergency which would enable them to impose a curfew -- a measure increasingly applied across Europe. Spain used such powers in the spring to enforce one of the world's tightest lockdowns, and a similar measure has been in force in Madrid for the past fortnight -- although only to impose movement restrictions on the capital and various nearby towns. That measure ended just before 1500 GMT when new regional restrictions came into force, including a ban on all gatherings, in public and private, of people who don't live in the same household between midnight and 6:00 am. Also read| Poland's President, Andrzej Duda, tests positive for COVID-19 "They probably should have done this a long time ago or taken other steps like restricting the number of people taking public transport or going to work," 22-year-old student Patricia Vazquez told AFPTV. "In Spain, the restrictions are different in each region. In Madrid, if you look at how the infections are evolving, it seems like they're not taking the necessary steps," agreed Eduardo Debiasi, 48, who works in marketing and said more should be done. A growing consensus Elsewhere, Castilla and Leon announced its own curfew without waiting for a government declaration, banning movement between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am, while Valencia is to bring in a similar ban in on Sunday. Also read| Coronavirus thrives in Karabakh's bomb shelters Catalonia also said it would implement a curfew as soon as a national emergency was declared and admitted the option of a new stay-at-home order was also under consideration. Although the government can impose an emergency for up to a fortnight, it would need parliamentary approval to extend it -- not a given for a the leftwing coalition. So far, none of the regions run by the rightwing opposition Popular Party (PP) have requested a national emergency, mirroring the party's ongoing bitter standoff with the Sanchez government over its handling of the pandemic. But for now, the government seems to have secured enough support to push through any future extension without relying on the PP, with backing from the centre-right Ciudadanos and Basque and Catalan separatist parties -- together accounting for 37 seats. The latest figures show the virus has claimed nearly 35,000 lives in Spain and infected 1,046,132 people, although antibody tests suggest a figure of more than three million.

Spain braces for national emergency to allow curfews

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