A woman gets tested for Covid-19 in Hyderabad, India on April 6, 2021. -

Mahesh Kumar A / AP / SIPA

We take stock of the evolution of the coronavirus epidemic in the world on Tuesday.

London will reopen its businesses next Monday, other European countries such as Portugal and Greece are opting for relief, but restrictions are growing elsewhere in the face of the pandemic.

Outbreak in India and containment in Bangladesh

In India, the megalopolis state of Bombay, the most affected by the coronavirus, has implemented new measures, as the country recorded for the first time more than 100,000 new cases of Covid-19 in 24 hours.

The Bombay authorities decided on new restrictions on Sunday: advanced curfew from 8 p.m. to 7 p.m., confinement on weekends, closure not only of bars and restaurants, cinemas, swimming pools, places of worship and public places, but also of private offices. , ban on any meeting of more than four people.

Neighboring Bangladesh began a seven-day lockdown on Monday to combat an outbreak of the virus, with all domestic travel suspended and stores closed.

Thousands of people fled the capital Dhaka on Sunday, or bought food before the lockdown.

A peak in Iran

In the Middle East, Iran announced Monday the highest number of contaminations since December 4, with 13,890 cases detected in 24 hours, and its capital Tehran was placed on maximum health alert.

Saudi authorities have said that only people who have been vaccinated or immunized will be allowed to make the small pilgrimage (umrah) to Mecca during the month of Ramadan, which begins in mid-April.

The United Kingdom is falling apart

Conversely, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, encouraged by the improvement in the situation in the United Kingdom, confirmed the reopening on April 12 in England of non-essential businesses such as hairdressers, pub terraces and bathrooms. gyms.

On the other hand, he refused to commit to a date for the return of trips abroad, banned until May 17 except for an essential reason.

“We don't want to see the virus re-import into this country from overseas.

There is a resurgence in some parts of the world, ”he said at a press conference.

To keep control over the virus, the government plans to step up screening, with two tests per week offered to the entire population, and is considering a controversial health passport system for mass gatherings in England, such as football matches and events in England. room.

Relief in Portugal and Greece

On this Easter Monday, Portugal is also carefully loosening the screw: museums, colleges and café terraces have reopened, more than two months after their closure, the second stage of a gradual deconfinement plan.

Gatherings will however be limited to four people per table on the terraces, while group lessons remain prohibited in sports halls and museums will have to adapt their opening hours.

In Greece, most stores were allowed to reopen on Monday, except department stores and shopping malls, despite still worrying figures.

However, people who wish to visit the stores must make an appointment and the number of people who can be in a store at the same time is limited, up to 20 people.

This measure does not apply, however, to the two largest cities in the country after Athens, Thessaloniki and Patras, where the epidemic is particularly virulent.

IMF extends emergency aid

Elsewhere in the world, this Monday brought its share of new measures to limit the spread of the virus, which has killed at least 2.85 million since its appearance.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced the extension of emergency aid to 28 of the world's poorest countries to help them reduce their debt and better cope with the impact of the pandemic .

Chile for its part closes its borders from Monday, for the entire month of April.

In Ukraine, new restrictions have also entered into force, the Kiev city hall having announced the almost total stop of public transport, while schools for the youngest, including kindergartens, were closing.

Health

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