How the world is coping with coronavirus this week:
Bahamas
Less than three weeks after it reopened to international visitors, the Bahamas closed its borders to tourists from the United States. The country’s national airline announced it would cease all outgoing flights from the US Visitors from Canada, the UK and European Union will be permitted, if they show a negative COVID-19 test. (Miami Herald)
Japan
Although the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games were rescheduled for July of next year due to the coronavirus pandemic, a recent survey showed less than a quarter of people in Japan favor holding the event next summer. The majority wanted the games either postponed again or canceled, and more than half said they were dissatisfied with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s response to the pandemic. (Japan Times)
Nepal
Nepal is battling a “double-whammy” of unchecked coronavirus spread and devastating floods. There are still more than two months to go until the end of monsoon season, but already 200 people are dead or missing. Major towns in like Birgunj and Janakpur are under water and more rain is predicted. In addition, the lockdown imposed to combat the spread of COVID-19 has been lifted. (Annapurna Express)
Ireland
Ireland has one of the lowest rates of coronavirus infections in the European Union, and while it has lifted its 14-day quarantine requirement for 15 European countries with a similar or lower rate, it has announced it could introduce further travel restrictions for countries with high instances of COVID-19. One of the measures the government is considering is to require a coronavirus test before arrival in the country. (Reuters)
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India
Two months ago, Kerala was an outlier in the battle against COVID-10 in India, but in the last few weeks cases have surged. Experts say one of the reasons is that with the easing of the lockdown many have moved out of their homes and are not taking enough precautions. The state government says now that the virus is transmitting through coastal communities. (BBC News)
