Coronavirus, one billion people under lockdown worldwide. Measures country by country
Well-being — di Andrea Barolini
Lockdowns, school closures, sealed borders. Here are the measures that have been adopted around the world to tackle coronavirus.
Coronavirus, one billion people under lockdown worldwide. Measures country by country
Lockdowns, school closures, sealed borders. Here are the measures that have been adopted around the world to tackle coronavirus.
The number of people subjected to lockdown measures around the world due to coronavirus stands at nearly one billion. An incredible figure, involving (for now) 35 nations. But even those who have not chosen to compel citizens to stay at home have adopted preventive measures in the face of the pandemic. Here is the current situation around the world, according to analyses carried out by the AFP agency and broadcaster Al Jazeera.
Countries that have introduced lockdown for the entire population
Italy
As is well known, Italy is the first country to have ordered its entire population not to leave home. The latest figures reported by Civil Protection put the number of deaths in the past 24 hours at 651, bringing the total to 5,476. Meanwhile, 7,024 people have recovered: 952 more in a single day. In addition, the number of newly infected is falling: 3,957, compared with 4,821 the previous day. These are positive figures, but they should be treated with caution: it will be necessary to verify whether the trend is confirmed over the course of the week.
Spain
The state of emergency was declared on 14 March. 46 million Spaniards are not permitted to leave home except for essential activities: grocery shopping, going to work where remote working is not possible, visiting a pharmacy or attending medical appointments and tests. Madrid has also ordered the closure of its borders with France and Portugal.
France
From noon on Tuesday 17 March, France imposed a lockdown on its entire population for two weeks. The measure will in all likelihood be extended by the government in the coming days. To leave home, as in Italy, a self-declaration form is required. Failure to comply with the rules carries a fine of 135 euros, which could be significantly increased (up to several thousand euros) according to information that has emerged from the government.
A combination picture shows residents posing on their balconies and the window of their homes with an object significant to them during the lockdown imposed by the Belgian government in an attempt to slow down the #COVID19 in Brussels. Yves Herman, Reuters
Belgium
Total lockdown was imposed from Wednesday 18 March. The entire population has been asked to remain at home until at least 5 April. Here too, leaving home to make essential purchases is permitted.
Austria
The Kurz government announced the introduction of lockdown measures later than neighbouring countries. On 20 March, the Vienna government announced that the prohibition on leaving home would be extended until 13 April. No self-declaration forms are required, however.
Read also: La relazione pericolosa tra coronavirus e inquinamento atmosferico
Tunisia
The lockdown began on Sunday 22 March and is scheduled to last until 4 April. The government has stated that it will remain possible to continue working in sectors deemed "vital" to the nation.
Morocco
Following a series of preventive measures, which also included a partial lockdown, on 19 March the government announced the entry into force of a general ban. This despite the fact that the number of cases in the North African country is still below 100.
Venezuela
In Venezuela, the Maduro government announced a "total quarantine" of the country. All professional activities have been suspended, with the exception of those related to food distribution, security, healthcare services and transport.
Argentina
It was the second country in Latin America to decree a "preventive and compulsory" lockdown for its entire population of 44 million inhabitants. The measure is in place, for now, until 31 March.
Deserted streets, digital dancing as Argentina goes into lockdown reuters.com/article/us-hea…
Colombia
Total lockdown in Colombia is due to begin on the evening of tomorrow, Tuesday 24 March, and will last three weeks, as announced by President Iván Duque in an address to the nation.
Lebanon
In Lebanon, the ban on leaving home was introduced on 15 March, alongside the establishment of a "public health state of emergency". The lockdown will last at least until 29 March and entails the near-total closure of businesses, shops and public administration offices.
#Coronavirus : la Suisse durcit ses mesures mais qualifie le confinement de “politique spectacle”
france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr/auvergne-rhone…
france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr/auvergne-rhone…
Israel
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu introduced a lockdown on the population from 19 March, instructing the police to enforce the measure. Going out to buy food and medicines is permitted.
Countries that have introduced partial lockdown measures
United States
In the United States, President Donald Trump has so far stated that he does not intend to impose a lockdown on the entire population. However, the measure has already been introduced by numerous federal states: California, New York, New Jersey, Illinois, Pennsylvania and Nevada. The three largest cities in the country — New York, Los Angeles and Chicago — are affected. More than 100 million residents are not permitted to leave their homes. Flights arriving from Europe have also been banned.
#lockdown in NYC
I've never seen the situation this empty......
I've never seen the situation this empty......
Germany
The government of Chancellor Angela Merkel — herself infected with coronavirus — has imposed lockdown in only two regions: Bavaria and Saarland, from Friday 20 March.
China
The province of Hubei, the world's first major coronavirus hotspot, has been isolated from the rest of China since the end of January. The measure was, however, partially lifted from 14 March, thanks to the effectiveness of the measures adopted by Beijing.
Portugal
The state of emergency in Portugal was declared on 19 March. However, only those who are infected or who suspect they may be must comply with a mandatory lockdown, Prime Minister António Costa announced.
Countries that have adopted other measures against coronavirus
United Kingdom
The government of Boris Johnson has not imposed any lockdown, although it has urged the population to limit non-essential contact and movement. Elderly people and pregnant women have been asked to remain in isolation for three months.
Poland
In Poland, schools have been temporarily closed and public gatherings, as well as sporting and cultural events, have been banned. Health checks at borders have also been imposed.
Switzerland
Bern has banned gatherings of more than five people but has, for now, ruled out the possibility of a population lockdown, taking the view that those who have adopted one have engaged in "political theatre".
Czech Republic
The government has closed schools, pubs, theatres, cinemas and other venues where large numbers of people can gather.
Hungary
From 16 March, borders in Hungary have been closed. Only Hungarian citizens returning from abroad are permitted to cross them.