Professor Rajesh Malhotra, Chief Trauma Centre AIIMS, talks about the social distancing measures. He says social distancing must be practised as a civic responsibility to break the chain of COVID 19 transmission

Experts on WION: Professor Rajesh Malhotra on social distancing measures

In a bid to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic South Korea has reimposed curfews on businesses and tightened social distancing rules in the capital Seoul.

South Korea tightens COVID restrictions amid spike in cases

South Korea reimposes COVID-19 curfew amid spike in cases

<p>Crowd surfing will not be permitted at concerts in Ireland and nightclub goers must form a socially distanced queue to buy drinks, under new guidelines issued by the government for recently reopened venues.</p>

<p>Irish nightclubs opened their doors for the first time since March 2020 last weekend, while theatres and concert venues also returned to full capacity as the government lifted most curbs that had made up one of Europe's toughest lockdown regimes.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-who-delays-approval-for-covaxin-jab-every-minute-is-an-eternity-for-this-indian-family-424897">As WHO delays approval for Covaxin jab, every minute is an eternity for this Indian family</a></strong></p>

<p>However with COVID-19 infection rates rising despite Ireland boasting one of the highest vaccination rates in the world, ministers scrambled to put some mitigation measures in place to minimise any further spread and keep the whole economy open.</p>

<p>These included telling performers they should not "partake in high-risk activities" such as crowd surfing, moving through the crowd or throwing personal items from the stage. Neither should they encourage fans to sing along, the guidelines said.</p>

<p>Nights out will also be less spontaneous, with anyone attending a nightclub required to buy a ticket online at least one hour in advance to assist with contact tracing, a measure club owners have been particularly critical of.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/merck-strikes-deal-for-global-access-to-covid-drug-424507"><strong>Merck strikes deal for global access to Covid drug</strong></a></p>

<p>Once inside, facemasks should be worn at all times other than when people are dancing, drinking or eating, and clubgoers must also stay one metre apart in a supervised queue at the bar to order a drink.</p>

<p>The measures, which include the continued requirement for vaccine certificates to gain entry to pubs, restaurants, nightclubs and indoor live entertainment venues, are likely to last until at least February, the government has said.</p>


Crowd surfing will not be permitted at concerts in Ireland and nightclub goers must form a socially distanced queue to buy drinks, under new guidelines issued by the government for recently reopened venues.

Crowd surfing will not be permitted at concerts in Ireland and nightclub goers must form a socially distanced queue to buy drinks, under new guidelines issued by the government for recently reopened venues. Irish nightclubs opened their doors for the first time since March 2020 last weekend, while theatres and concert venues also returned to full capacity as the government lifted most curbs that had made up one of Europe's toughest lockdown regimes. Also Read | As WHO delays approval for Covaxin jab, every minute is an eternity for this Indian family However with COVID-19 infection rates rising despite Ireland boasting one of the highest vaccination rates in the world, ministers scrambled to put some mitigation measures in place to minimise any further spread and keep the whole economy open. These included telling performers they should not "partake in high-risk activities" such as crowd surfing, moving through the crowd or throwing personal items from the stage. Neither should they encourage fans to sing along, the guidelines said. Nights out will also be less spontaneous, with anyone attending a nightclub required to buy a ticket online at least one hour in advance to assist with contact tracing, a measure club owners have been particularly critical of. Also Read | Merck strikes deal for global access to Covid drug Once inside, facemasks should be worn at all times other than when people are dancing, drinking or eating, and clubgoers must also stay one metre apart in a supervised queue at the bar to order a drink. The measures, which include the continued requirement for vaccine certificates to gain entry to pubs, restaurants, nightclubs and indoor live entertainment venues, are likely to last until at least February, the government has said.

No crowd surfing, orderly queues: Ireland lays down new COVID-19 rules

<p>South Korea extended social distancing curbs to combat the coronavirus pandemic on Friday for two weeks, offering more incentives to people to get vaccinated as it battles thousands of new cases each day, particularly in the capital.</p>

<p>The rapid resurgence in the greater Seoul area prompted authorities to extend distancing restrictions until October&nbsp;17, including a ban in the region on dining out after 10 p.m. and gatherings of more than two people after 6 pm.</p>

<p>The country recorded 2,486 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), with the daily tally having topped 3,000 for the first time last week.</p>

<p>The daily average exceeded 2,635 over the past week - the highest-ever level and easily more than twice the level a month before, the KDCA said.</p>

<p>The capital Seoul and neighbouring regions remain the hotspot, reporting almost 2,000 cases every day for the last week, up about 42 per cent within just one week.</p>

<p>"We`re in a very dangerous situation where the virus is spreading surrounding the Seoul metropolitan area," said Lee Ki-il, deputy minister of health care policy, speaking during a briefing.</p>

<p>The upcoming two weeks is an important period as the government is revamping its anti-virus policy to facilitate a phased return to normal activities starting November, he added.</p>

<p>Among new incentives introduced to encourage people to get vaccinated, the deputy minister said wedding ceremonies can be held with up to 199 attendees if they included 150 fully vaccinated people.</p>

<p>"If the vaccination rate constantly rises and the scales of outbreaks are stably controlled for the next two weeks, we should be able to set out on phased back to normal in earnest," Lee said.</p>

<p>Around 77 per cent of South Korea`s 52 million population had received one shot of vaccine as of Thursday, with about 50 per cent fully vaccinated, as the country has quickly ramped up its inoculation campaign despite a shaky start.</p>

<p>The government aims to vaccinate 80 per cent of all adults by the end of October, and is considering introducing a 'vaccine pass' to allow those who have been fully inoculated to use public facilities and travel more freely.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


South Korea extended social distancing curbs to combat the coronavirus pandemic on Friday for two weeks, offering more incentives to people to get vaccinated as it battles thousands of new cases each day, particularly in the capital.

South Korea extended social distancing curbs to combat the coronavirus pandemic on Friday for two weeks, offering more incentives to people to get vaccinated as it battles thousands of new cases each day, particularly in the capital. The rapid resurgence in the greater Seoul area prompted authorities to extend distancing restrictions until October 17, including a ban in the region on dining out after 10 p.m. and gatherings of more than two people after 6 pm. The country recorded 2,486 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), with the daily tally having topped 3,000 for the first time last week. The daily average exceeded 2,635 over the past week - the highest-ever level and easily more than twice the level a month before, the KDCA said. The capital Seoul and neighbouring regions remain the hotspot, reporting almost 2,000 cases every day for the last week, up about 42 per cent within just one week. "We`re in a very dangerous situation where the virus is spreading surrounding the Seoul metropolitan area," said Lee Ki-il, deputy minister of health care policy, speaking during a briefing. The upcoming two weeks is an important period as the government is revamping its anti-virus policy to facilitate a phased return to normal activities starting November, he added. Among new incentives introduced to encourage people to get vaccinated, the deputy minister said wedding ceremonies can be held with up to 199 attendees if they included 150 fully vaccinated people. "If the vaccination rate constantly rises and the scales of outbreaks are stably controlled for the next two weeks, we should be able to set out on phased back to normal in earnest," Lee said. Around 77 per cent of South Korea`s 52 million population had received one shot of vaccine as of Thursday, with about 50 per cent fully vaccinated, as the country has quickly ramped up its inoculation campaign despite a shaky start. The government aims to vaccinate 80 per cent of all adults by the end of October, and is considering introducing a 'vaccine pass' to allow those who have been fully inoculated to use public facilities and travel more freely.

S.Korea extends social distancing curbs as COVID-19 cases rise in Seoul

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed that all remaining lockdown restrictions in England will be lifted in a week's time. Johnson has also urged people to proceed with caution and continue to take steps to stay safe.

UK PM Johnson outlines end to virus restrictions despite rise in cases

The UK vaccine minister Nadhim Zahawi said the government is confident that plans to lift a range of COVID-19 restrictions will go ahead on July 19 in England but mask-wearing in indoor enclosed places will be expected.

UK govt to lift range of COVID-19 restrictions from July 19

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has revealed plans to lift some of the major COVID-19 restrictions, including face masks and social distancing from July 19, urging personal responsibility rather than a government edict.

UK to lift up face mask & social distancing rule despite soaring cases

<p>South Korea will relax social distancing rules and allow private gatherings of up to six people in the greater Seoul area from the current four starting July 1, the government said on Sunday.<br />
<br />
The announcement comes as South Korea has inoculated 29.2% of its population as of Saturday, putting it on track to meet a target of 70% by September.<br />
<br />
Daily new infections have held stubbornly in a range of 400 to 700 for the past few weeks, but have stayed below 600 for more than a week so far.<br />
<br />
Under the revised rules, restaurants, night-life venues and cafes will be allowed to open for business until 12 am, versus 10 pm&nbsp;currently.<br />
<br />
"The new social distancing system is an effort to find a balance between quarantine and daily life recovery amid the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic," Health Minister Kwon Deok-cheol said in a televised briefing.<br />
<br />
Unless daily infections spike significantly, the government plans to allow gatherings of up to eight people in the greater Seoul area from July 15, Kwon said.<br />
<br />
For those outside of greater Seoul, no restrictions will apply on the number of private gatherings allowed.<br />
<br />
South Korea reported 429 new infections by midnight on Saturday, for a tally of 151,149 cases, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency said, with a death toll of 2,002.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


South Korea will relax social distancing rules and allow private gatherings of up to six people in the greater Seoul area from the current four starting July 1, the government said on Sunday.

South Korea will relax social distancing rules and allow private gatherings of up to six people in the greater Seoul area from the current four starting July 1, the government said on Sunday. The announcement comes as South Korea has inoculated 29.2% of its population as of Saturday, putting it on track to meet a target of 70% by September. Daily new infections have held stubbornly in a range of 400 to 700 for the past few weeks, but have stayed below 600 for more than a week so far. Under the revised rules, restaurants, night-life venues and cafes will be allowed to open for business until 12 am, versus 10 pm currently. "The new social distancing system is an effort to find a balance between quarantine and daily life recovery amid the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic," Health Minister Kwon Deok-cheol said in a televised briefing. Unless daily infections spike significantly, the government plans to allow gatherings of up to eight people in the greater Seoul area from July 15, Kwon said. For those outside of greater Seoul, no restrictions will apply on the number of private gatherings allowed. South Korea reported 429 new infections by midnight on Saturday, for a tally of 151,149 cases, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency said, with a death toll of 2,002. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea to loosen social distancing rules on July 1

<p>As people in the UK finally got to step out without worrying about the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus?page=1">coronavirus</a> lockdown restrictions, they were left wanting for more.</p>

<p>When people stepped out to have lunches and soak in the summer sun, 'hi5' and fistbumps transformed into elbow-bumps and hugs turned into a distant memory. However, while locals have made peace with donning face masks and social distancing, they refuse to live in a world where they cannot hug their loved ones.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/one-in-four-people-experience-side-effects-after-covid-vaccines-large-scale-study-finds-382049" hreflang="en">One in four people experience side effects after Covid vaccines, large-scale study finds</a></strong></p>

<p>This request has reached the Boris Johnson-led government who has promised to keep ‘hugging’ under review in the third stage of unlocking, which is due on May 17.</p>

<p>However, the authorities have still warned locals not to forget that the "virus has not gone away" especially because many UK adults have not yet been administered the first dose of the coronavirus vaccine.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-allows-dancing-without-distancing-at-nightclub-test-event-381974" hreflang="en">UK allows dancing without distancing at nightclub test event</a></strong></p>

<p>“We are on the cusp of being able to move to the next step of relaxation; it’s absolutely right that vaccines have been spectacularly successful but not everybody is protected,” former chief scientific adviser Sir Mark Walport, a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) said in a local radio programme. "We've got 35% of adults who are not vaccinated and 60% who have only had one dose and the truth is the virus has not gone away."</p>

<p>Walport also advised locals to learn from past mistakes and not relax completely. "The mistake that has been made repeatedly, really, is relaxing just slightly too early. What we need to do is get the numbers right down. It's important that we don’t act as an incubator for variant cases that might be able to resist immunity," he said.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, locals hope&nbsp;the government stands by its word and open indoor gatherings from May 17 and widen the limit of outdoor gatherings to 30. However, the government has not yet made any official announcement.</p>


As people in the UK finally got to step out without worrying about the coronavirus lockdown restrictions, they were left wanting for more. When people stepped out to have lunches and soak in the summer sun, 'hi5' and fistbumps transformed into elbow-bumps and hugs turned into a distant memory.

As people in the UK finally got to step out without worrying about the coronavirus lockdown restrictions, they were left wanting for more. When people stepped out to have lunches and soak in the summer sun, 'hi5' and fistbumps transformed into elbow-bumps and hugs turned into a distant memory. However, while locals have made peace with donning face masks and social distancing, they refuse to live in a world where they cannot hug their loved ones. Also read | One in four people experience side effects after Covid vaccines, large-scale study finds This request has reached the Boris Johnson-led government who has promised to keep ‘hugging’ under review in the third stage of unlocking, which is due on May 17. However, the authorities have still warned locals not to forget that the "virus has not gone away" especially because many UK adults have not yet been administered the first dose of the coronavirus vaccine. Also read | UK allows dancing without distancing at nightclub test event “We are on the cusp of being able to move to the next step of relaxation; it’s absolutely right that vaccines have been spectacularly successful but not everybody is protected,” former chief scientific adviser Sir Mark Walport, a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) said in a local radio programme. "We've got 35% of adults who are not vaccinated and 60% who have only had one dose and the truth is the virus has not gone away." Walport also advised locals to learn from past mistakes and not relax completely. "The mistake that has been made repeatedly, really, is relaxing just slightly too early. What we need to do is get the numbers right down. It's important that we don’t act as an incubator for variant cases that might be able to resist immunity," he said. Meanwhile, locals hope the government stands by its word and open indoor gatherings from May 17 and widen the limit of outdoor gatherings to 30. However, the government has not yet made any official announcement.

UK locals urge government to let them 'hug' as Covid lockdown eases

<p>Several thousand music fans on Friday became the first people in Britain in more than a year to legally dance, drink and listen to music in a nightclub, as part of a test to see whether social distancing measures can be eased without triggering new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> outbreaks.</p>

<p>The afternoon admission gig at a warehouse in Liverpool, northwest England, is one of a series of pilot events sponsored by the UK government and closely monitored by public health officials. The 3,000 attendees, all local residents, were to be tested before and after the event, while researchers will study air quality and movement in the venue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Once inside, clubbers could dance to DJs including Lewis Boardman and Jayda G. With no restrictions on mixing with others.</p>

<p>"Today is going to be monumental,"&nbsp;said DJ Yousef, co-founder of Liverpool's Circus nightclub, which organized the event.</p>

<p>"Once you go over the threshold, the whole point of today is to go back to pre-COVID conditions, which of course is no social distancing, no masks. You can interact with people you don't know,"&nbsp;he told the BBC. He said the reaction of ticket-buyers to that news had been 'disbelief'&nbsp;as well as excitement.</p>

<p>"We are very excited," Leah Lawless, 18, said as she waited with her friends to get into the warehouse. She said the past year had been "Hard,&nbsp;It's been boring, a bit sad, depressing and not the best.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-to-reopen-bars-nightclubs-from-april-29-for-vaccinated-customers-380804">Hong Kong to reopen bars, nightclubs from April 29 for vaccinated customers</a></strong></p>

<p>A second clubbing event will be held in the same venue on Saturday, and 5,000 fans will attend a concert headlined by the band Blossoms at Liverpool's Sefton Park on Sunday. The test events will culminate at Wembley Stadium on May 15, where a one-quarter capacity crowd of 21,000 will watch the FA Cup soccer final.</p>

<p>Britain has recorded more than 127,000 coronavirus deaths, Europe's highest toll. But a fast-moving vaccination campaign has given almost two-thirds of adults at least one shot, and the government is gradually lifting the restrictions on social and economic life that were in place over much of the last 14 months.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Most shops and services are open, but indoor drinking, dining and entertainment will not resume before May 17 at the earliest. Some social distancing rules will be in place until at least June 21.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Experiences elsewhere in Europe are encouraging. Organizers of a Barcelona concert last month attended by 4,500 mask-wearing fans who had been screened for the virus say the event produced no significant outbreaks.</p>


Several thousand music fans on Friday became the first people in Britain in more than a year to legally dance, drink and listen to music in a nightclub, as part of a test to see whether social distancing measures can be eased without triggering new coronavirus outbreaks.

Several thousand music fans on Friday became the first people in Britain in more than a year to legally dance, drink and listen to music in a nightclub, as part of a test to see whether social distancing measures can be eased without triggering new coronavirus outbreaks. The afternoon admission gig at a warehouse in Liverpool, northwest England, is one of a series of pilot events sponsored by the UK government and closely monitored by public health officials. The 3,000 attendees, all local residents, were to be tested before and after the event, while researchers will study air quality and movement in the venue. Once inside, clubbers could dance to DJs including Lewis Boardman and Jayda G. With no restrictions on mixing with others. "Today is going to be monumental," said DJ Yousef, co-founder of Liverpool's Circus nightclub, which organized the event. "Once you go over the threshold, the whole point of today is to go back to pre-COVID conditions, which of course is no social distancing, no masks. You can interact with people you don't know," he told the BBC. He said the reaction of ticket-buyers to that news had been 'disbelief' as well as excitement. "We are very excited," Leah Lawless, 18, said as she waited with her friends to get into the warehouse. She said the past year had been "Hard, It's been boring, a bit sad, depressing and not the best. Also read | Hong Kong to reopen bars, nightclubs from April 29 for vaccinated customers A second clubbing event will be held in the same venue on Saturday, and 5,000 fans will attend a concert headlined by the band Blossoms at Liverpool's Sefton Park on Sunday. The test events will culminate at Wembley Stadium on May 15, where a one-quarter capacity crowd of 21,000 will watch the FA Cup soccer final. Britain has recorded more than 127,000 coronavirus deaths, Europe's highest toll. But a fast-moving vaccination campaign has given almost two-thirds of adults at least one shot, and the government is gradually lifting the restrictions on social and economic life that were in place over much of the last 14 months. Most shops and services are open, but indoor drinking, dining and entertainment will not resume before May 17 at the earliest. Some social distancing rules will be in place until at least June 21. Experiences elsewhere in Europe are encouraging. Organizers of a Barcelona concert last month attended by 4,500 mask-wearing fans who had been screened for the virus say the event produced no significant outbreaks.

UK allows dancing without distancing at nightclub test event

Circle of protection: Belgian university comes up with innovative idea for social distancing

<p>The US has been one of the hardest-hit countries by the deadly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus,</a> and now as the country is returning back to normalcy, the authorities are contemplating the social distancing rule.</p>

<p>On Sunday, US' top pandemic advisor, Anthony Fauci, revealed that the experts at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) were reviewing a Massachusetts study that claims there is "no substantial difference" in coronavirus cases in schools that are observing a three-foot rule, in comparison to the ones maintaining the six-foot rule.</p>

<p>"The CDC is very well aware that data are accumulating making it look more like three feet are OK under certain circumstances," Fauci said on a local network.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/can-the-world-learn-from-south-africas-vaccine-trials-370380" hreflang="en">Can the world learn from South Africa’s vaccine trials?</a></strong></p>

<p>He also added, though, that the data is still being assessed by the experts and the results of the findings will be revealed "soon", on basis of which the rule will be set.</p>

<p>While the six-foot social distancing rule has been adopted globally, the US schools are finding it difficult to reopen institutes with the existing six-foot rule as they claim the rule makes it difficult to function without adding portable classrooms or shortening the school day.</p>

<p>However, may teacher unions have insisted on six-foot distancing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The study in question is led by the Beth Deaconess Medical Center in Massachusetts which surveyed 215 school districts and claims that it found "no substantial difference in the number of cases of Covid-19 among either students or staff" between the three-foot and six-foot distanced schools' coronavirus cases.</p>

<p>Experts believe that the three-foot social distancing rule will also help offices, sports venues and public areas. However, some are hesitant about lending support to the three-foot rule as they believe it can add to the already increasing coronavirus cases in the country.</p>


The US has been one of the hardest-hit countries by the deadly coronavirus, and now as the country is returning back to normalcy, the authorities are contemplating the social distancing rule.

The US has been one of the hardest-hit countries by the deadly coronavirus, and now as the country is returning back to normalcy, the authorities are contemplating the social distancing rule. On Sunday, US' top pandemic advisor, Anthony Fauci, revealed that the experts at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) were reviewing a Massachusetts study that claims there is "no substantial difference" in coronavirus cases in schools that are observing a three-foot rule, in comparison to the ones maintaining the six-foot rule. "The CDC is very well aware that data are accumulating making it look more like three feet are OK under certain circumstances," Fauci said on a local network. Also read | Can the world learn from South Africa’s vaccine trials? He also added, though, that the data is still being assessed by the experts and the results of the findings will be revealed "soon", on basis of which the rule will be set. While the six-foot social distancing rule has been adopted globally, the US schools are finding it difficult to reopen institutes with the existing six-foot rule as they claim the rule makes it difficult to function without adding portable classrooms or shortening the school day. However, may teacher unions have insisted on six-foot distancing. The study in question is led by the Beth Deaconess Medical Center in Massachusetts which surveyed 215 school districts and claims that it found "no substantial difference in the number of cases of Covid-19 among either students or staff" between the three-foot and six-foot distanced schools' coronavirus cases. Experts believe that the three-foot social distancing rule will also help offices, sports venues and public areas. However, some are hesitant about lending support to the three-foot rule as they believe it can add to the already increasing coronavirus cases in the country.

US contemplating changing 3-foot social distancing rule: Anthony Fauci

A Japanese dance company is using an innovative style of performance to promote social distancing, where the audience sits in separated cubicles and watches an avant-garde production through mail slots and peepholes.

Japanese dance company offers new viewing experience

Keeping your social distance in a bubble: that is what several dancers of the Stuttgart Ballet group did, all dressed up in their classical costumes, when they jumped inside a PVC bubble on Friday (February 26) to perform for German artist Florian Mehnert.

Artists in a bubble - keeping social distance in corona times

<p>Visitors to the world's largest snow maze in Manitoba, Canada will find something unexpected as they're getting lost,&nbsp;more space.</p>

<p>According to&nbsp;owner Angie Masse,&nbsp;"With COVID and everything, we wanted to make it bigger. And so this year, it's about 91 percent bigger."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The larger layout and staggering the times visitors can enter the maze, are a nod to social distancing guidelines. For many who have been quarantined in their homes and dealing with travel restrictions, it's a chance to stretch their legs and add a little adventure.</p>

<p>We love outdoor entertainment...then we're like, we need to do something in the winter time and I guess we we love mazes as well. So, there we go -now we're into snow mazing."</p>

<p>For Masse, who runs a corn maze in the warmer seasons, expanding the maze was no small undertaking.</p>

<p>The massive labyrinth is 240 feet by 240 feet (73 meters by 73 meters) and took six weeks to build due to unusually warm weather and the expanded size.</p>


Visitors to the world's largest snow maze in Manitoba, Canada will find something unexpected as they're getting lost, more space. According to owner Angie Masse, "With COVID and everything, we wanted to make it bigger.

Visitors to the world's largest snow maze in Manitoba, Canada will find something unexpected as they're getting lost, more space. According to owner Angie Masse, "With COVID and everything, we wanted to make it bigger. And so this year, it's about 91 percent bigger." The larger layout and staggering the times visitors can enter the maze, are a nod to social distancing guidelines. For many who have been quarantined in their homes and dealing with travel restrictions, it's a chance to stretch their legs and add a little adventure. We love outdoor entertainment...then we're like, we need to do something in the winter time and I guess we we love mazes as well. So, there we go -now we're into snow mazing." For Masse, who runs a corn maze in the warmer seasons, expanding the maze was no small undertaking. The massive labyrinth is 240 feet by 240 feet (73 meters by 73 meters) and took six weeks to build due to unusually warm weather and the expanded size.

World's largest snow maze now even bigger for social distancing

<p>Social distancing has become a buzzword in pandemic times. Coronavirus came into our lives and changed EVERYTHING. We had to adopt new ways and behaviours in our daily lives we did not think would become compulsory just a year ago.</p>

<p>We may have all of modern medicine and knowledge at our disposal and quickly devise out rules to tackle pandemic, but few of us know that rules of social distancing and pandemic control were formally set up by a man 432 years ago.</p>

<p>The man, or the doctor, was Quinto Tiberio Angelerio. During his stay in Italian port town of Alghero, he noticed early signs of the bubonic plague in 1852 and decided to take quick action.</p>

<p>50-year-old Dr Angelerio had recently come from Sicily, which had seen an epidemic in 1575.</p>

<p>Angelerio wrote a book based on his knowledge and experience and prescribed 57 rules for public to follow. The rules are strikingly familiar to those we are following today to combat COVID-19 pandemic</p>

<p>One of the most striking of his rules was of social distancing. He prescribed that each citizen should carry a measured stick and keep a six-foot distance from other people.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The doctor advised people to stay inside their homes. He said that only one person from a household should head out to run essential errands. He asked people to thoroughly wash and disinfect their homes.</p>

<p>He advised against handshakes, holding meetings, organising entertainment programs.</p>

<p>He insisted that food shops erect railings so that customers can maintain distance from one another.</p>

<p>Dr Angelerio hounded local authorities to establish a cordon around the city so that infection doesn't spread to neighbouring districts.</p>

<p>These measures appear normal to us today, but 400 years ago, this was markedly a forward-thinking exercise carried out by Dr Angelerio.</p>

<p>His efforts met with stiff resistance initially as public and local authorities rubbished his plan. They thought he was unnecessarily worrying and talking about an apocalyptic situation. Undeterred, Dr Angelerio directly met the viceroy and got a go-ahead.</p>

<p>His efforts paid off and the infection was succesfully contained. It did not spread to adjacent districts.</p>

<p>It was a time before modern medicine and next to nothing was known about how diseases are caused. The general understanding was that diseases were caused due to "bad air" and Vinegar was considered an excellent antiseptic.</p>

<p>The traditional 'medical treatments' consisted of bizarre practices such as bathing in urine.</p>

<p>It was hence commendable on Dr Angelerio's part to come up with a list of rules based on his advanced medical knowledge.</p>


Social distancing has become a buzzword in pandemic times. Coronavirus came into our lives and changed EVERYTHING. We had to adopt new ways and behaviours in our daily lives we did not think would become compulsory just a year ago.

Social distancing has become a buzzword in pandemic times. Coronavirus came into our lives and changed EVERYTHING. We had to adopt new ways and behaviours in our daily lives we did not think would become compulsory just a year ago. We may have all of modern medicine and knowledge at our disposal and quickly devise out rules to tackle pandemic, but few of us know that rules of social distancing and pandemic control were formally set up by a man 432 years ago. The man, or the doctor, was Quinto Tiberio Angelerio. During his stay in Italian port town of Alghero, he noticed early signs of the bubonic plague in 1852 and decided to take quick action. 50-year-old Dr Angelerio had recently come from Sicily, which had seen an epidemic in 1575. Angelerio wrote a book based on his knowledge and experience and prescribed 57 rules for public to follow. The rules are strikingly familiar to those we are following today to combat COVID-19 pandemic One of the most striking of his rules was of social distancing. He prescribed that each citizen should carry a measured stick and keep a six-foot distance from other people. The doctor advised people to stay inside their homes. He said that only one person from a household should head out to run essential errands. He asked people to thoroughly wash and disinfect their homes. He advised against handshakes, holding meetings, organising entertainment programs. He insisted that food shops erect railings so that customers can maintain distance from one another. Dr Angelerio hounded local authorities to establish a cordon around the city so that infection doesn't spread to neighbouring districts. These measures appear normal to us today, but 400 years ago, this was markedly a forward-thinking exercise carried out by Dr Angelerio. His efforts met with stiff resistance initially as public and local authorities rubbished his plan. They thought he was unnecessarily worrying and talking about an apocalyptic situation. Undeterred, Dr Angelerio directly met the viceroy and got a go-ahead. His efforts paid off and the infection was succesfully contained. It did not spread to adjacent districts. It was a time before modern medicine and next to nothing was known about how diseases are caused. The general understanding was that diseases were caused due to "bad air" and Vinegar was considered an excellent antiseptic. The traditional 'medical treatments' consisted of bizarre practices such as bathing in urine. It was hence commendable on Dr Angelerio's part to come up with a list of rules based on his advanced medical knowledge.

Check out this 400-year-old social distancing manual

Unprecedented pandemic, Unprecedented lockdowns, Unprecedented social distancing, Unprecedented economic carnage, Unprecedented challenges, Unprecedented change, 'UNPRECEDENTED: 2020 ROUNDUP'

WION Wideangle: Unprecedent 2020 Round-Up

Times Square's famous new year countdown goes socially distanced with a touch of glamour

<p>The stage being built on the West Front of the Capitol can hold 1,600 spectators for a close-up view of President-elect <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;as he takes the oath of office. The reviewing stand under construction in front of the White House will be ready for the inaugural parade and thousands of cheering onlookers as the marchers pass by. And the National Mall is prepared to accommodate many more.</p>

<p>But the traditional pomp and circumstance of America’s quadrennial version of a coronation is colliding with the grim reality of a pandemic that is likely to still be raging on Jan. 20. For that reason, Biden’s team is signaling that he wants a very different kind of inauguration.</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trumps-close-advisor-scott-atlas-resigns-from-covid-19-taskforce-346573">Donald Trump's close advisor, Scott Atlas, resigns from COVID-19 taskforce</a></strong></p>

<p>If he had won reelection, President Donald Trump was expected to shrug off the health threats in favor of huge crowds for his inauguration. But Biden has already indicated that his will not be business as usual. In a statement Monday, the newly appointed chief executive of Biden’s inaugural committee hinted at the looming balancing act between health and politics.</p>
<img alt="The reviewing stand in Washington, between the White House and Lafayette Square, on Monday, Nov. 30, 2020. The pomp and circumstance of America’s quadrennial presidential inauguration is colliding with the grim reality of a pandemic that is likely to still be raging on January 20, 2021. (Doug Mills © 2020 The New York Times)" data-align="center" data-caption="The reviewing stand in Washington, between the White House and Lafayette Square, on Monday, Nov. 30, 2020. The pomp and circumstance of America’s quadrennial presidential inauguration is colliding with the grim reality of a pandemic that is likely to still be raging on January 20, 2021. (Doug Mills © 2020 The New York Times)" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6316f866-76a9-49c8-beef-fc3e47e72508" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Joe%20Biden%20inauguration%20%282%29.jpg" />
<p>“We will honor the American inaugural traditions and engage Americans across the country while keeping everybody healthy and safe,” said Tony Allen, the president of Delaware State University and the committee’s chief executive.</p>

<p>What could that look like?</p>

<p>Aides to the president-elect are being coy. But Biden’s approach to campaigning during the pandemic — which included drive-in rallies, socially distanced news conferences and a largely virtual national convention — provides a blueprint for how events might be reshaped for the COVID era.</p>

<p>On Capitol Hill, where the official inaugural ceremonies are arranged by a bipartisan congressional committee, lawmakers and aides have quietly been at work since long before the election trying to reimagine what a transfer of power during a pandemic might look like.</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-appoints-white-houses-first-all-female-communication-team-346323">Joe Biden appoints White House's first all-female communication team</a></strong></p>

<p>The short answer is: quite a bit less crowded.</p>

<p>The organizers are determined that Biden take the oath of office and deliver an address to the nation outside the West Front of the Capitol, preserving an iconic tableau that has often set the tone for a new presidency. But to make it happen, they are likely to slash the number of officials flanking Biden. Those who do make the cut — Supreme Court justices, former presidents, top House and Senate leaders and the Joint Chiefs of Staff among them — will be required to socially distance and wear masks. Some may be asked to take coronavirus tests.</p>

<p>The most difficult challenge may be keeping away crowds. Congress typically distributes 200,000 tickets for seats near the platform. Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., who is overseeing the planning on Capitol Hill, has indicated that number could be cut drastically.</p>
<img alt="The reviewing stand in Washington, between the White House and Lafayette Square, on Monday, Nov. 30, 2020. The pomp and circumstance of America’s quadrennial presidential inauguration is colliding with the grim reality of a pandemic that is likely to still be raging on January 20, 2021. (Doug Mills © 2020 The New York Times)" data-align="center" data-caption="The reviewing stand in Washington, between the White House and Lafayette Square, on Monday, Nov. 30, 2020. The pomp and circumstance of America’s quadrennial presidential inauguration is colliding with the grim reality of a pandemic that is likely to still be raging on January 20, 2021. (Doug Mills © 2020 The New York Times)" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f6b58329-62d9-475d-804a-29e167a5bf1c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Joe%20Biden%20inauguration.jpg" />
<p>Inaugural planners are still debating whether they can salvage a luncheon in National Statuary Hall at the Capitol, where more than 200 dignitaries and guests have honored the new president since the 1950s. They may also alter or cancel a smaller signing ceremony in the ornate President’s Room off the Senate floor. A traditional military review on the East Front of the Capitol, on the other hand, may still go on in some form.</p>

<p>The planning has been overshadowed by congressional Republicans, including Blunt, who have not refuted the president’s baseless claims that he defeated Biden. Blunt turned heads during a television appearance over the weekend, when he refused to unequivocally congratulate Biden as the victor. But Paige Waltz, a spokesperson for the congressional inaugural committee, said Monday that while “the electoral process is still playing out,” Blunt’s team would begin coordinating with Biden’s.</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazilian-president-jair-bolsonaro-alleges-lot-of-fraud-in-us-election-2020-346316">Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro alleges 'lot of fraud' in US election 2020</a></strong></p>

<p>One uncertainty for lawmakers: whether Trump will agree to attend his successor’s inauguration given his complaints about what he calls a rigged election. If he declines, he will be only the fourth president to deliver such a snub, after John Adams, John Quincy Adams and Andrew Johnson.</p>

<p>But Democrats have signaled that they have seen no partisan interference in the planning process and expect a smooth inauguration.</p>

<p>“While the pandemic will make this inauguration look different than previous years, we are committed to creating a safe ceremony that reflects the significance of the occasion,” Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Blunt’s Democratic counterpart, said in a statement.</p>

<p>Given the worsening pandemic, it is unclear whether Biden might seek to proactively discourage Americans from traveling to the nation’s capital to witness the inauguration in person by gathering on the Mall in the shadow of the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. Those spaces are usually open to the public without restrictions during the ceremony.</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-to-nominate-indian-american-neera-tanden-as-budget-chief-report-346315" hreflang="en">Joe Biden to nominate Indian-American Neera Tanden as budget chief: Report&nbsp;</a></strong></p>

<p>In December 2008, the committee organizing the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama issued a news release announcing that “for the first time, the entire length of the National Mall will be opened to the public so that more people than ever before will be able to witness the swearing-in of the president from a vantage point in sight of the Capitol.”</p>

<p>Biden’s committee has no plans to issue a statement like that.</p>

<p>One thing is definite: Biden’s inauguration will not be the kind of over-the-top celebration that Trump has often talked about wanting, with Army tanks and fighter jets. Instead, people close to Biden suggest that he will use the model of his campaign, which sought to preserve some of the excitement of big political events while devising them to minimize the spread of the virus.</p>

<p>At the Democratic National Convention, Biden delivered his acceptance speech between recorded video segments highlighting the diversity of the nation. At rallies, the former vice president often spoke in front of people gathered in their cars, honking their horns. And when he declared victory in Wilmington, Delaware, his campaign launched fireworks.</p>

<p>Could there be a drive-in inaugural celebration? Might a parade of cars with Delaware license plates — Biden’s home state — be a safe way to ring in his presidency? The Biden inaugural committee is not saying.</p>

<p>Addisu Demissie, who helped design and run the Democratic National Convention this summer, said the trick would be to combine in-person elements from a traditional inauguration with virtual, Internet-based moments that bring in voices of people who cannot travel to attend the celebration.</p>

<p>“To me, that’s the core challenge,” Demissie said. “You have to include the traditional elements. But you can’t just take the model that existed four, eight or 12 years ago and put it on Zoom. You have to create some new traditions. The circumstances demand that.”</p>

<p>After spending months warning about the dangers of hosting large gatherings indoors — and criticizing Trump for doing so — Biden is unlikely to host fancy inaugural balls where hundreds of supporters are crammed into ballrooms.</p>

<p>That would be a sharp departure from the past three inaugurations. Obama hosted elaborate galas attended by A-list Hollywood celebrities for both of his inaugurations, including a late-night concert at the Lincoln Memorial that hundreds of thousands of people attended. Trump held three official balls.</p>

<p>A parade is also in question.</p>

<p>Newly inaugurated presidents have often participated in a slow drive along Pennsylvania Avenue and then watched local marching bands and other floats from the reviewing stand near Lafayette Park. The stand for January is ready, but hosting a parade would invite large crowds to gather along the route, something that Biden is likely to want to avoid.</p>

<p>A scaled-back celebration could also be cheaper to put on because of fewer security and travel costs, though Demissie said that producing video and broadcasting from remote locations for a more virtual inauguration would also be costly.</p>

<p>There were signs Monday that though Biden may not be trying to top his predecessor, who raised a record $107 million for his 2017 festivities, he would welcome donations from wealthy individuals and corporations.</p>

<p>Biden’s team indicated that it would accept donations of up to $500,000 from individuals and up to $1 million from corporations, according to an official involved in the planning. The cap is set by each president and has fluctuated over the years, as incoming executives have used the inauguration to set the tone for their presidencies. Obama, for instance, banned corporate gifts altogether in 2009 and capped individual gifts at $50,000 before easing restrictions in 2013. Trump, on the other hand, accepted $5 million from Sheldon Adelson, the conservative casino mogul.</p>

<p>Biden’s team has sent something of a mixed message. His inauguration will not accept donations from fossil fuel companies, defined as “companies whose primary business is the extraction, processing, distribution or sale of oil, gas or coal,” or their executives — a group that gave Trump about $10 million. Nor will Biden accept funds from registered lobbyists.</p>

<p>But that is a relatively small subset of Washington’s lucrative influence industry, and Biden’s team indicated that it would still accept some gifts from corporations and trade associations, which typically shower incoming presidents’ inaugurations with cash to promote goodwill with officials. It remained to be seen whether Biden would put together the kind of exclusive, VIP packages that typically woo big donors.</p>

<p>He also selected Katie Petrelius, the national finance director who oversaw an effort that raised record sums for his campaign, to serve in a similar role as the top fundraiser for his inauguration, according to a person familiar with the appointment.</p>


The stage being built on the West Front of the Capitol can hold 1,600 spectators for a close-up view of President-elect Joe Biden as he takes the oath of office.

The stage being built on the West Front of the Capitol can hold 1,600 spectators for a close-up view of President-elect Joe Biden as he takes the oath of office. The reviewing stand under construction in front of the White House will be ready for the inaugural parade and thousands of cheering onlookers as the marchers pass by. And the National Mall is prepared to accommodate many more. But the traditional pomp and circumstance of America’s quadrennial version of a coronation is colliding with the grim reality of a pandemic that is likely to still be raging on Jan. 20. For that reason, Biden’s team is signaling that he wants a very different kind of inauguration. Also read| Donald Trump's close advisor, Scott Atlas, resigns from COVID-19 taskforce If he had won reelection, President Donald Trump was expected to shrug off the health threats in favor of huge crowds for his inauguration. But Biden has already indicated that his will not be business as usual. In a statement Monday, the newly appointed chief executive of Biden’s inaugural committee hinted at the looming balancing act between health and politics. “We will honor the American inaugural traditions and engage Americans across the country while keeping everybody healthy and safe,” said Tony Allen, the president of Delaware State University and the committee’s chief executive. What could that look like? Aides to the president-elect are being coy. But Biden’s approach to campaigning during the pandemic — which included drive-in rallies, socially distanced news conferences and a largely virtual national convention — provides a blueprint for how events might be reshaped for the COVID era. On Capitol Hill, where the official inaugural ceremonies are arranged by a bipartisan congressional committee, lawmakers and aides have quietly been at work since long before the election trying to reimagine what a transfer of power during a pandemic might look like. Also read| Joe Biden appoints White House's first all-female communication team The short answer is: quite a bit less crowded. The organizers are determined that Biden take the oath of office and deliver an address to the nation outside the West Front of the Capitol, preserving an iconic tableau that has often set the tone for a new presidency. But to make it happen, they are likely to slash the number of officials flanking Biden. Those who do make the cut — Supreme Court justices, former presidents, top House and Senate leaders and the Joint Chiefs of Staff among them — will be required to socially distance and wear masks. Some may be asked to take coronavirus tests. The most difficult challenge may be keeping away crowds. Congress typically distributes 200,000 tickets for seats near the platform. Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., who is overseeing the planning on Capitol Hill, has indicated that number could be cut drastically. Inaugural planners are still debating whether they can salvage a luncheon in National Statuary Hall at the Capitol, where more than 200 dignitaries and guests have honored the new president since the 1950s. They may also alter or cancel a smaller signing ceremony in the ornate President’s Room off the Senate floor. A traditional military review on the East Front of the Capitol, on the other hand, may still go on in some form. The planning has been overshadowed by congressional Republicans, including Blunt, who have not refuted the president’s baseless claims that he defeated Biden. Blunt turned heads during a television appearance over the weekend, when he refused to unequivocally congratulate Biden as the victor. But Paige Waltz, a spokesperson for the congressional inaugural committee, said Monday that while “the electoral process is still playing out,” Blunt’s team would begin coordinating with Biden’s. Also read| Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro alleges 'lot of fraud' in US election 2020 One uncertainty for lawmakers: whether Trump will agree to attend his successor’s inauguration given his complaints about what he calls a rigged election. If he declines, he will be only the fourth president to deliver such a snub, after John Adams, John Quincy Adams and Andrew Johnson. But Democrats have signaled that they have seen no partisan interference in the planning process and expect a smooth inauguration. “While the pandemic will make this inauguration look different than previous years, we are committed to creating a safe ceremony that reflects the significance of the occasion,” Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Blunt’s Democratic counterpart, said in a statement. Given the worsening pandemic, it is unclear whether Biden might seek to proactively discourage Americans from traveling to the nation’s capital to witness the inauguration in person by gathering on the Mall in the shadow of the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. Those spaces are usually open to the public without restrictions during the ceremony. Also read| Joe Biden to nominate Indian-American Neera Tanden as budget chief: Report In December 2008, the committee organizing the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama issued a news release announcing that “for the first time, the entire length of the National Mall will be opened to the public so that more people than ever before will be able to witness the swearing-in of the president from a vantage point in sight of the Capitol.” Biden’s committee has no plans to issue a statement like that. One thing is definite: Biden’s inauguration will not be the kind of over-the-top celebration that Trump has often talked about wanting, with Army tanks and fighter jets. Instead, people close to Biden suggest that he will use the model of his campaign, which sought to preserve some of the excitement of big political events while devising them to minimize the spread of the virus. At the Democratic National Convention, Biden delivered his acceptance speech between recorded video segments highlighting the diversity of the nation. At rallies, the former vice president often spoke in front of people gathered in their cars, honking their horns. And when he declared victory in Wilmington, Delaware, his campaign launched fireworks. Could there be a drive-in inaugural celebration? Might a parade of cars with Delaware license plates — Biden’s home state — be a safe way to ring in his presidency? The Biden inaugural committee is not saying. Addisu Demissie, who helped design and run the Democratic National Convention this summer, said the trick would be to combine in-person elements from a traditional inauguration with virtual, Internet-based moments that bring in voices of people who cannot travel to attend the celebration. “To me, that’s the core challenge,” Demissie said. “You have to include the traditional elements. But you can’t just take the model that existed four, eight or 12 years ago and put it on Zoom. You have to create some new traditions. The circumstances demand that.” After spending months warning about the dangers of hosting large gatherings indoors — and criticizing Trump for doing so — Biden is unlikely to host fancy inaugural balls where hundreds of supporters are crammed into ballrooms. That would be a sharp departure from the past three inaugurations. Obama hosted elaborate galas attended by A-list Hollywood celebrities for both of his inaugurations, including a late-night concert at the Lincoln Memorial that hundreds of thousands of people attended. Trump held three official balls. A parade is also in question. Newly inaugurated presidents have often participated in a slow drive along Pennsylvania Avenue and then watched local marching bands and other floats from the reviewing stand near Lafayette Park. The stand for January is ready, but hosting a parade would invite large crowds to gather along the route, something that Biden is likely to want to avoid. A scaled-back celebration could also be cheaper to put on because of fewer security and travel costs, though Demissie said that producing video and broadcasting from remote locations for a more virtual inauguration would also be costly. There were signs Monday that though Biden may not be trying to top his predecessor, who raised a record $107 million for his 2017 festivities, he would welcome donations from wealthy individuals and corporations. Biden’s team indicated that it would accept donations of up to $500,000 from individuals and up to $1 million from corporations, according to an official involved in the planning. The cap is set by each president and has fluctuated over the years, as incoming executives have used the inauguration to set the tone for their presidencies. Obama, for instance, banned corporate gifts altogether in 2009 and capped individual gifts at $50,000 before easing restrictions in 2013. Trump, on the other hand, accepted $5 million from Sheldon Adelson, the conservative casino mogul. Biden’s team has sent something of a mixed message. His inauguration will not accept donations from fossil fuel companies, defined as “companies whose primary business is the extraction, processing, distribution or sale of oil, gas or coal,” or their executives — a group that gave Trump about $10 million. Nor will Biden accept funds from registered lobbyists. But that is a relatively small subset of Washington’s lucrative influence industry, and Biden’s team indicated that it would still accept some gifts from corporations and trade associations, which typically shower incoming presidents’ inaugurations with cash to promote goodwill with officials. It remained to be seen whether Biden would put together the kind of exclusive, VIP packages that typically woo big donors. He also selected Katie Petrelius, the national finance director who oversaw an effort that raised record sums for his campaign, to serve in a similar role as the top fundraiser for his inauguration, according to a person familiar with the appointment.

Joe Biden’s inauguration: Expect smaller crowds and more social distancing

Throngs of faithful lined the exterior of Mexico City's San Hipolito Church to pray to San Judas Tadeo, the Saint petitioned for "lost causes,'' in the midst of the pandemic.

Social distancing forgotten as throngs pray to San Judas Tadeo in Mexico

<p>Pakistan authorities have closed more than 100 restaurants and six wedding halls in the financial capital of Karachi over violations of social distancing rules amid a sudden increase in COVID-19 deaths.</p>

<p>The government has also imposed a lockdown in some of the city's high-risk areas to contain the spread of the coronavirus. A similar crackdown over social distancing rules has also been ordered in other parts of the country.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-reports-694-new-covid-19-cases-records-6-fresh-deaths-330595"><strong>Also read: Pakistan reports 694 new Covid-19 cases, records 6 fresh deaths</strong></a></p>

<p>Pakistanis have been seen routinely violating social distancing since last month when wedding halls were allowed to open on the condition they adhere to such rules.</p>

<p>Authorities earlier reported 13 out of the country's 15 single-day COVID-19 fatalities in southern Sindh province, of which Karachi is the capital.</p>

<p>Pakistan has reported 313,431 confirmed cases with 6,499 deaths.</p>


Pakistan authorities have closed more than 100 restaurants and six wedding halls in the financial capital of Karachi over violations of social distancing rules amid a sudden increase in COVID-19 deaths.

Pakistan authorities have closed more than 100 restaurants and six wedding halls in the financial capital of Karachi over violations of social distancing rules amid a sudden increase in COVID-19 deaths. The government has also imposed a lockdown in some of the city's high-risk areas to contain the spread of the coronavirus. A similar crackdown over social distancing rules has also been ordered in other parts of the country. Also read: Pakistan reports 694 new Covid-19 cases, records 6 fresh deaths Pakistanis have been seen routinely violating social distancing since last month when wedding halls were allowed to open on the condition they adhere to such rules. Authorities earlier reported 13 out of the country's 15 single-day COVID-19 fatalities in southern Sindh province, of which Karachi is the capital. Pakistan has reported 313,431 confirmed cases with 6,499 deaths.

COVID-19: Pakistan shuts restaurants with no distancing

<p>Madrid’s famous Royal Theatre had to cancel a Sunday night opera production after a group of spectators loudly protested over being allocated seats too close to each other amid a steep surge in coronavirus infections in the Spanish capital.</p>

<p>The incident, in which the orchestra twice tried to start playing before giving up, occurred two days after the theatre welcomed facemask-wearing spectators, including King Felipe VI, for the opening of the season with the aptly named “A Masked Ball” by Giuseppe Verdi.</p>

<p>The opera house said in a statement that the occupancy rate on Sunday was just over half of all seats, below the regional limit of 75%, although it had no control over people buying more tickets for certain areas.</p>

<p>“All safety requirements were respected. Viewers were wearing masks, temperature was taken and sanitizer gel was available,” Chairman Gregorio Maranon told reporters on Monday, adding that the theatre would consider changes to address viewers’ concerns over health risks.</p>

<p>The theatre said a minority of viewers had forced the cancellation by shouting and clapping, despite being offered the chance to relocate to other seats or claim refunds.</p>

<p>The protest originated in the seats in the upper section, where tickets are cheaper, a video posted by El Pais newspaper showed.</p>

<p>But there was also a lack of social distancing in the lower and more expensive section, a video tweeted by Spanish writer Rosa Montero showed.</p>

<p>“There was a total lack of distancing,” she wrote.</p>

<p>A partial lockdown of some areas of Madrid started on Monday, triggering protests by residents of poorer neighbourhoods who complained of ghetto-like restrictions.&nbsp;</p>


Madrid’s famous Royal Theatre had to cancel a Sunday night opera production after a group of spectators loudly protested over being allocated seats too close to each other amid a steep surge in coronavirus infections in the Spanish capital.

Madrid’s famous Royal Theatre had to cancel a Sunday night opera production after a group of spectators loudly protested over being allocated seats too close to each other amid a steep surge in coronavirus infections in the Spanish capital. The incident, in which the orchestra twice tried to start playing before giving up, occurred two days after the theatre welcomed facemask-wearing spectators, including King Felipe VI, for the opening of the season with the aptly named “A Masked Ball” by Giuseppe Verdi. The opera house said in a statement that the occupancy rate on Sunday was just over half of all seats, below the regional limit of 75%, although it had no control over people buying more tickets for certain areas. “All safety requirements were respected. Viewers were wearing masks, temperature was taken and sanitizer gel was available,” Chairman Gregorio Maranon told reporters on Monday, adding that the theatre would consider changes to address viewers’ concerns over health risks. The theatre said a minority of viewers had forced the cancellation by shouting and clapping, despite being offered the chance to relocate to other seats or claim refunds. The protest originated in the seats in the upper section, where tickets are cheaper, a video posted by El Pais newspaper showed. But there was also a lack of social distancing in the lower and more expensive section, a video tweeted by Spanish writer Rosa Montero showed. “There was a total lack of distancing,” she wrote. A partial lockdown of some areas of Madrid started on Monday, triggering protests by residents of poorer neighbourhoods who complained of ghetto-like restrictions.

Opera show suspended in Madrid after public protests for lack of social distancing

<p>South Korea on Sunday extended level two social distancing for a week until September 27, which limits indoor gatherings to below 50 and outdoor to less than 100, and may tighten limits for the Chuseok holiday when people traditionally reunite with families.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said the level 2 restrictions need to be kept ahead of Chuseok as "cases with untraceable origins are steadily increasing and fewer tests being carried out on weekends means we should be on high alert."</p>

<p>Social distancing policies for the September 30 to October 02 holiday will be announced in the coming days.</p>

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<p>South Korea reported 82 new coronavirus cases as of midnight Saturday, the lowest daily infections since mid August, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.</p>

<p>Of the total, 72 were locally transmitted, bringing the total tally to 22,975, with 383 deaths.</p>

<p>Clusters of infections from a church and political rally sparked a second wave of outbreaks in August, driving the daily tally to more than 400, before the numbers began dropping to the low 100s in early September.</p>


South Korea on Sunday extended level two social distancing for a week until September 27, which limits indoor gatherings to below 50 and outdoor to less than 100, and may tighten limits for the Chuseok holiday when people traditionally reunite with families.

South Korea on Sunday extended level two social distancing for a week until September 27, which limits indoor gatherings to below 50 and outdoor to less than 100, and may tighten limits for the Chuseok holiday when people traditionally reunite with families. Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said the level 2 restrictions need to be kept ahead of Chuseok as "cases with untraceable origins are steadily increasing and fewer tests being carried out on weekends means we should be on high alert." Social distancing policies for the September 30 to October 02 holiday will be announced in the coming days. div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"> × South Korea reported 82 new coronavirus cases as of midnight Saturday, the lowest daily infections since mid August, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of the total, 72 were locally transmitted, bringing the total tally to 22,975, with 383 deaths. Clusters of infections from a church and political rally sparked a second wave of outbreaks in August, driving the daily tally to more than 400, before the numbers began dropping to the low 100s in early September.

South Korea keeps social distancing curbs ahead of major national holiday

Media waited in line on Wednesday morning (September 2) as temperature checks were carried out on everyone before entering for a press screening on the day the Venice Film Festival officially opens.

Temperature checks and social distancing the norm at this year's Venice Film Festival

<p>South Korean authorities reported the highest daily rise in novel coronavirus cases since early March on Sunday, saying tougher social distancing rules may be needed as outbreaks continued to spread from a Seoul church and other gatherings.</p>

<p>The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) reported 397 new infections as of midnight Saturday, up from the previous day’s 332 and marking more than a week of daily three-digit rises.</p>

<p>That brings South Korea’s total infections of the new coronavirus to 17,399 with 309 COVID-19 deaths, it said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-says-children-aged-12-and-over-should-wear-masks-like-adults-322519"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;WHO says children aged 12 and over should wear masks like adults</strong></a></p>

<p>From Sunday, the government extended second-tier social-distancing rules which had been in place in Seoul to other areas of the country, banning in-person church meetings and closing nightclubs, buffets and cyber cafes.</p>

<p>Health authorities say they may eventually deploy the toughest stage 3 social-distancing rules, where schools and business are urged to close, if the rate of increase in new infections does not slow soon.</p>

<p>“We’re on the brink of a nationwide pandemic as the number of new cases are increasing in all 17 regions across the country,” said Jung Eun-Kyeong, Director General at the KCDC at a briefing on Sunday.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-coronavirus-deaths-top-800000-as-nations-ramp-up-measures-322460"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;World coronavirus deaths top 800,000 as nations ramp up measures</strong></a></p>

<p>“Please stay home as much as possible, unless you absolutely need to (be out) for necessities, or for work and visits to doctors.”</p>

<p>Families posted notes on social media saying they had cancelled vacation plans to nearby hotels and the southern resort island of Jeju to comply with government guidelines.</p>

<p>On Friday, health authorities said South Korea’s coronavirus infections were back “in full swing” as hundreds of infections have started to come out from the Sarang Jeil Presbyterian Church run by a far-right preacher.</p>

<p>Jung said a total of 841 confirmed cases were related to the church so far.</p>

<p>Members of the church attending an anti-government protest in Seoul on Aug. 15 have also led to new cases across the country, while another recent cluster has been linked to a Starbucks store.</p>


South Korean authorities reported the highest daily rise in novel coronavirus cases since early March on Sunday, saying tougher social distancing rules may be needed as outbreaks continued to spread from a Seoul church and other gatherings.

South Korean authorities reported the highest daily rise in novel coronavirus cases since early March on Sunday, saying tougher social distancing rules may be needed as outbreaks continued to spread from a Seoul church and other gatherings. The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) reported 397 new infections as of midnight Saturday, up from the previous day’s 332 and marking more than a week of daily three-digit rises. That brings South Korea’s total infections of the new coronavirus to 17,399 with 309 COVID-19 deaths, it said. Also read: WHO says children aged 12 and over should wear masks like adults From Sunday, the government extended second-tier social-distancing rules which had been in place in Seoul to other areas of the country, banning in-person church meetings and closing nightclubs, buffets and cyber cafes. Health authorities say they may eventually deploy the toughest stage 3 social-distancing rules, where schools and business are urged to close, if the rate of increase in new infections does not slow soon. “We’re on the brink of a nationwide pandemic as the number of new cases are increasing in all 17 regions across the country,” said Jung Eun-Kyeong, Director General at the KCDC at a briefing on Sunday. Also read: World coronavirus deaths top 800,000 as nations ramp up measures “Please stay home as much as possible, unless you absolutely need to (be out) for necessities, or for work and visits to doctors.” Families posted notes on social media saying they had cancelled vacation plans to nearby hotels and the southern resort island of Jeju to comply with government guidelines. On Friday, health authorities said South Korea’s coronavirus infections were back “in full swing” as hundreds of infections have started to come out from the Sarang Jeil Presbyterian Church run by a far-right preacher. Jung said a total of 841 confirmed cases were related to the church so far. Members of the church attending an anti-government protest in Seoul on Aug. 15 have also led to new cases across the country, while another recent cluster has been linked to a Starbucks store.

South Korea reports biggest rise in coronavirus cases since March

Partygoers flood water park in Wuhan, the original epicentre of coronavirus

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<p>Some restaurants and bar owners in Florence, Italy have revived a medieval practice to keep their businesses running amid plagues. Florence's Wine Window Association have opened few 'wine windows' across the city.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What are wine windows?</strong></h2>

<p>Wine windows are little hatches that are carved into the concrete walls of wineries and shops so that drinks could be served from a distance to prevent transmission.</p>

<p><img alt="cnn" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4e19301d-b2d0-40c3-a415-4cbb1faaabec" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2813%29_20.jpg" /></p>

<h2><strong>When was it introduced?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>These windows were introduced back during the bubonic plague that swept through Europe in the 1600s. Sellers during that time used such hatches to distance themselves from the buyers. The bar owners used metal pallet, instead of hands, to receive the payment through the window and used to disinfect it with vinegar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These windows are still spotted in old households.&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B4uemWdo64f/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">👍 #winewindow #buchettadelvino</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/_nadyaslair_/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Nadya B</a> (@_nadyaslair_) on <time datetime="2019-11-11T13:06:46+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Nov 11, 2019 at 5:06am PST</time></p>
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<p>The official website of Wine Window Association read: "During this time, some enterprising Florentine Wine Window owners have turned back the clock and are using their Wine Windows to dispense glasses of wine, cups of coffee, drinks, sandwiches and ice cream — all germ-free, contactless!"</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CAGC56mCGjG/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">I finally used a "buchetta del vino" which means "wine window" also if it is now smartly used to provide coffee. Finally a good espresso ❤️☕ Thanks to @vivoli_il_gelato</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sunflorence_tours/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> MARTINA🌻Sunflorence</a> (@sunflorence_tours) on <time datetime="2020-05-12T16:26:18+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">May 12, 2020 at 9:26am PDT</time></p>
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<p>The president of the association, Matteo Faglia, in an interview to Insider said: "People could knock on the little wooden shutters and have their bottles filled directly from the Antinori, Frescobaldi and Ricasoli families, who still produce some of Italy’s best-known wine today."</p>


Some restaurants and bar owners in Florence, Italy have revived a medieval practice to keep their businesses running amid plagues. Florence's Wine Window Association have opened few 'wine windows' across the city.

Some restaurants and bar owners in Florence, Italy have revived a medieval practice to keep their businesses running amid plagues. Florence's Wine Window Association have opened few 'wine windows' across the city. What are wine windows? Wine windows are little hatches that are carved into the concrete walls of wineries and shops so that drinks could be served from a distance to prevent transmission. When was it introduced? These windows were introduced back during the bubonic plague that swept through Europe in the 1600s. Sellers during that time used such hatches to distance themselves from the buyers. The bar owners used metal pallet, instead of hands, to receive the payment through the window and used to disinfect it with vinegar. These windows are still spotted in old households. View this post on Instagram 👍 #winewindow #buchettadelvino A post shared by Nadya B (@_nadyaslair_) on Nov 11, 2019 at 5:06am PST × The official website of Wine Window Association read: "During this time, some enterprising Florentine Wine Window owners have turned back the clock and are using their Wine Windows to dispense glasses of wine, cups of coffee, drinks, sandwiches and ice cream — all germ-free, contactless!" View this post on Instagram I finally used a "buchetta del vino" which means "wine window" also if it is now smartly used to provide coffee. Finally a good espresso ❤️☕ Thanks to @vivoli_il_gelato A post shared by MARTINA🌻Sunflorence (@sunflorence_tours) on May 12, 2020 at 9:26am PDT × The president of the association, Matteo Faglia, in an interview to Insider said: "People could knock on the little wooden shutters and have their bottles filled directly from the Antinori, Frescobaldi and Ricasoli families, who still produce some of Italy’s best-known wine today."

Medieval-aged ‘wine windows’ make comeback in Italy to run businesses amid pandemic

<p>Vietnam reintroduced social distancing measures in the central city of Danang on Sunday after the country reported four locally transmitted coronavirus cases over the past two days, the first in more than three months.</p>

<p>The Southeast Asian country was back on high alert after the government on Saturday confirmed its first community infection since April, and another case early on Sunday, both in the tourism hot spot of Danang.</p>

<p>The two new cases included a 17-year-old boy in Quang Ngai province and a 71-year-old woman in Danang, the government said late on Sunday, bringing the total number of reported cases in the country to 420.</p>

<p>Authorities gave no further detail on how the new infections were contracted nor whether they were believed to be linked.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bus-crash-kills-13-on-high-school-reunion-trip-in-vietnam-316094"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Bus crash kills 13 on high school reunion trip in Vietnam</strong></a></p>

<p>The city`s social distancing measures would come into force until further notice, the government said on its website.<br />
Danang will stop receiving inbound tourists for 14 days and all religious, sports and cultural events will be suspended.</p>

<p>Wearing masks in public places in the city is now compulsory and gatherings of more than 30 people at public places are banned, the government said.</p>

<p>The detection of the new cases, which come as Vietnam seeks to revive its economy and resume international commercial flights, has prompted authorities to step up a crackdown on illegal immigrants.</p>

<p>State media said dozens of migrants from China have been detected in Danang over recent days.</p>

<p>Thanks to strict quarantine measures and an aggressive and widespread testing programme, Vietnam has kept its virus total to an impressively low level with no deaths.</p>


Vietnam reintroduced social distancing measures in the central city of Danang on Sunday after the country reported four locally transmitted coronavirus cases over the past two days, the first in more than three months.

Vietnam reintroduced social distancing measures in the central city of Danang on Sunday after the country reported four locally transmitted coronavirus cases over the past two days, the first in more than three months. The Southeast Asian country was back on high alert after the government on Saturday confirmed its first community infection since April, and another case early on Sunday, both in the tourism hot spot of Danang. The two new cases included a 17-year-old boy in Quang Ngai province and a 71-year-old woman in Danang, the government said late on Sunday, bringing the total number of reported cases in the country to 420. Authorities gave no further detail on how the new infections were contracted nor whether they were believed to be linked. Also read: Bus crash kills 13 on high school reunion trip in Vietnam The city`s social distancing measures would come into force until further notice, the government said on its website. Danang will stop receiving inbound tourists for 14 days and all religious, sports and cultural events will be suspended. Wearing masks in public places in the city is now compulsory and gatherings of more than 30 people at public places are banned, the government said. The detection of the new cases, which come as Vietnam seeks to revive its economy and resume international commercial flights, has prompted authorities to step up a crackdown on illegal immigrants. State media said dozens of migrants from China have been detected in Danang over recent days. Thanks to strict quarantine measures and an aggressive and widespread testing programme, Vietnam has kept its virus total to an impressively low level with no deaths.

Vietnamese city reimposes distancing after first local infections in months

<p>Humans may not be the only ones forced to socially distance from each other to avoid deadly diseases.</p>

<p>In the wake of COVID-19, besides changing our lifestyle and reconfiguring it to accommodate sanitisation, people were advised to avoid coming in contact with strangers, for they may be carriers of the deadly virus.&nbsp; Even though it has a low fatality rate, new research suggests how the virus has long-term effects.</p>

<p><strong>What is crown shyness?</strong></p>

<p>Turns out, trees are no different from humans. In a bid to protect their personal space and themselves from life-threatening insects and diseases brought by them, trees may start distancing from each other.</p>

<p>As National Geographic noticed, some do it by mutually pruning their branches at each other, which leads to a breakage of branches that may be facilitating movement of organisms that carry diseases.</p>

<p>Such activity is referred to as “crown shyness”, and is common across forests around the globe. Scientists have noted gaps in between two trees, from where sunlight seeps in. There is no consensus on why this happens, but the trees are definitely distancing from each other.</p>

<h6><img alt="A woman takes her exercise between an avenue of trees in Arundel, in southern England on April 10, 2020 as warm weather tests the nationwide lockdown and the long Easter weekend begins" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6b6b2164-efde-4f2b-b977-8bb9ec79fad8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/trees2.jpg" /><br />
<em>A woman takes her exercise between an avenue of trees in Arundel, in southern England on April 10, 2020 as warm weather tests the nationwide lockdown and the long Easter weekend begins | AFP</em><br />
&nbsp;</h6>

<p><strong>What does it achieve?</strong></p>

<p>This may be to protect oneself and one’s health, and to improve productivity, a notion which has found traction even among humans in the aftermath of the lockdown.</p>

<p>Earlier, many scientists believed that spaces in between existed because the trees were unable to fill space due to lack of light.&nbsp;However, a 1984 research by Putz suggests that trees battle it out among each other to ensure they grow, while striking their neighbours to avoid overlapping.</p>

<p>Besides attacking each other during windy weather, crown shyness may also be a part of conditioning. Many trees have stopped growing tips entirely, coming to terms with the realisation that new foliage will die out anyway. This way, the trees avoid damage.</p>

<p>Regardless of why and how it happens, the gaps in between two trees are very beneficial for all parties involved. Leaves are very important to a tree’s survival, and hence will remain protected in the absence of constant warring with neighbouring trees.</p>

<p>Additionally, less foliage higher up in the tree ensures sunlight penetrates to the innards of the trees, ensuring its balanced dispersal, on which the tree’s health is dependent.</p>

<p>When trees are closely aligned and interlocked with each other, predatory vines may prey on this vulnerability to set up networks. For instance - liana vines commonly achieve this and are common in tropical and temperate forests around the world. These vines also give way to an onset of insects and germs that bring diseases.</p>


Humans may not be the only ones forced to socially distance from each other to avoid deadly diseases. In the wake of COVID-19, besides changing our lifestyle and reconfiguring it to accommodate sanitisation, people were advised to avoid coming in contact with strangers, for they may be carriers of the deadly virus.

Humans may not be the only ones forced to socially distance from each other to avoid deadly diseases. In the wake of COVID-19, besides changing our lifestyle and reconfiguring it to accommodate sanitisation, people were advised to avoid coming in contact with strangers, for they may be carriers of the deadly virus. Even though it has a low fatality rate, new research suggests how the virus has long-term effects. What is crown shyness? Turns out, trees are no different from humans. In a bid to protect their personal space and themselves from life-threatening insects and diseases brought by them, trees may start distancing from each other. As National Geographic noticed, some do it by mutually pruning their branches at each other, which leads to a breakage of branches that may be facilitating movement of organisms that carry diseases. Such activity is referred to as “crown shyness”, and is common across forests around the globe. Scientists have noted gaps in between two trees, from where sunlight seeps in. There is no consensus on why this happens, but the trees are definitely distancing from each other. A woman takes her exercise between an avenue of trees in Arundel, in southern England on April 10, 2020 as warm weather tests the nationwide lockdown and the long Easter weekend begins | AFP What does it achieve? This may be to protect oneself and one’s health, and to improve productivity, a notion which has found traction even among humans in the aftermath of the lockdown. Earlier, many scientists believed that spaces in between existed because the trees were unable to fill space due to lack of light. However, a 1984 research by Putz suggests that trees battle it out among each other to ensure they grow, while striking their neighbours to avoid overlapping. Besides attacking each other during windy weather, crown shyness may also be a part of conditioning. Many trees have stopped growing tips entirely, coming to terms with the realisation that new foliage will die out anyway. This way, the trees avoid damage. Regardless of why and how it happens, the gaps in between two trees are very beneficial for all parties involved. Leaves are very important to a tree’s survival, and hence will remain protected in the absence of constant warring with neighbouring trees. Additionally, less foliage higher up in the tree ensures sunlight penetrates to the innards of the trees, ensuring its balanced dispersal, on which the tree’s health is dependent. When trees are closely aligned and interlocked with each other, predatory vines may prey on this vulnerability to set up networks. For instance - liana vines commonly achieve this and are common in tropical and temperate forests around the world. These vines also give way to an onset of insects and germs that bring diseases.

Trees have been socially distancing to avoid deadly diseases for ages

<p>Residents of a Belgian retirement home are able to soothe the pain of social distancing measures imposed by the coronavirus pandemic by embracing their loved ones through a ‘hug curtain’.</p>

<p>A large plastic curtain on June 14 at the Jardins de Picardie nursing home has proven very popular with the residents, who had not been allowed any visitors for 11 weeks.</p>

<p>The curtain, decorated with flowers and bright colours, is made of a big plastic sheet with two pockets on each side where residents and visitors or staff insert their arms.</p>

<p>After each use, nurses carefully disinfect the plastic curtain.</p>

<p><img alt="The Hug Curtain" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f63ce005-c09b-4036-a892-7d2d56b91b14" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/hug%20curtain%202.jpg" /></p>

<p>Lili Hendrickx, an 86-year old resident of the home, told Reuters the curtain was “the most beautiful invention” she had ever seen.</p>

<p>“It’s terribly emotional for me,” she said, adding that she cried the first time she was able to hug her daughter again.</p>

<p>Visitors were equally enthusiastic.</p>

<p>“The fact that you can meet your loved ones again, it’s a real pleasure, especially physically and emotionally, it feels good,” said Amandine Josefiak, 35, who had come to visit her father at the home.</p>


Residents of a Belgian retirement home are able to soothe the pain of social distancing measures imposed by the coronavirus pandemic by embracing their loved ones through a ‘hug curtain’.

Residents of a Belgian retirement home are able to soothe the pain of social distancing measures imposed by the coronavirus pandemic by embracing their loved ones through a ‘hug curtain’. A large plastic curtain on June 14 at the Jardins de Picardie nursing home has proven very popular with the residents, who had not been allowed any visitors for 11 weeks. The curtain, decorated with flowers and bright colours, is made of a big plastic sheet with two pockets on each side where residents and visitors or staff insert their arms. After each use, nurses carefully disinfect the plastic curtain. Lili Hendrickx, an 86-year old resident of the home, told Reuters the curtain was “the most beautiful invention” she had ever seen. “It’s terribly emotional for me,” she said, adding that she cried the first time she was able to hug her daughter again. Visitors were equally enthusiastic. “The fact that you can meet your loved ones again, it’s a real pleasure, especially physically and emotionally, it feels good,” said Amandine Josefiak, 35, who had come to visit her father at the home.

Retirement home in Belgium offers 'hug curtain' for safe embrace

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