lockdown | Common News Update

Apr122021 by adminNo Comments

Back in business: Pubs, hairdressers and shops reopen as lockdown eases

Business

Businesses have wasted little time in welcoming back customers after lockdown measures eased across the UK at midnight.Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged the nation to "behave responsibly" as non-essential shops, hairdressers, salons, pubs, restaurants and gyms reopened in England. In Wales, people can now also visit non-essential shops and travel across the border to other areas of the UK from today.Meanwhile, people in Northern Ireland are now allowed to meet 10 others outside as the "stay at home" order has been scrapped.Live COVID updates from across the UK and around the world ...

Apr62021 by adminNo Comments

Light pollution: How lockdown has darkened our skies

Science

One of the positive impacts of lockdown is that there has been a big reduction in light pollution. A nationwide star count found a 10% drop in the amount of people who could only see 10 or fewer stars, an indicator of severe light pollution.Light pollution can impact human health and wildlife by disturbing biological cycles and behaviours.The BBC's Justin Rowlatt visited the Kielder Observatory in Northumberland, an area that benefits from some of the darkest skies in England, to explore the impact of less light.Let's block ads! (Why?) BBC News - Science & Environment

Apr32021 by adminNo Comments

Italy enters 3-day Easter lockdown amid vaccination snags

Health

ROME -- Italy entered a three-day nationwide coronavirus lockdown Saturday to deter Easter travel and get-togethers even as the country's variant-fueled spike in new infections began to wane.The government had announced last month that it would place all regions into the strictest “red zone” lockdown over the Easter weekend to limit the chances of contagion, taking the same precautions it enforced over Christmas and New Year’s.Travel between regions and visits to relatives were being limited through Monday. Nonessential shops were closed and restaurants and bars were only open for take-out.“People are tired, but they are aware that protecting health is essential in these times,” said Maj. Fabio Palletta, a Carabinieri military police officer manning a checkpoint in Rome on Saturday, one of...

Apr32021 by adminNo Comments

Covid-19: Italy returns to strict lockdown for Easter

World

EPAItaly has entered a strict three-day lockdown to try to prevent a surge in Covid-19 cases over Easter.All regions are now in the "red zone" - the highest tier of restrictions - as the country battles a third wave, with about 20,000 new cases a day.Non-essential movement is banned, but people are allowed to share an Easter meal at home with two other adults.Churches are also open, but worshippers are being told to attend services within their own regions.For the second year, Pope Francis will deliver his Easter message to an empty St Peter's Square.Following the holiday weekend, different regions will then remain in either "orange zone" or "red zone" restrictions until the end of the month.Italy's restrictions come as countries across Europe try to control a surge in cases of the virus, ...

Mar282021 by adminNo Comments

Covid: Another lockdown ‘last thing in world’ that government wants

Health

Getty ImagesThe "last thing in the world" the government wants is another lockdown, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has said, adding it is on track with the lockdown easing plan.He said dates "could be delayed if the situation deteriorates" but ministers were confident in the "cautious path".It comes as the head of NHS England urged people not to "squander the gains" made in recent months.On Monday in England, two households or groups of up to six can meet outside.The "stay at home" guidance will also be lifted, outdoor sports facilities will reopen and small weddings can take place. The next stage - due no earlier than 12 April - will allow non-essential retail, restaurants and pubs to reopen.In Wales, the "stay local" rule was lifted on Saturday and six people were allowed to meet outsid...