Millions return to work after 2 months

Rome, May 4

Millions of people were allowed to return to work in Italy on Monday as Europe’s longest lockdown started to ease.

Italy, the first European country to be hit by the pandemic and a nation with one of the world’s highest death tolls, started stirring after its two-month shutdown.

In all, 4.4 million Italians were able to return to work, and restrictions on movement were eased. As the day progressed, traffic in downtown Rome picked up, construction sites and manufacturing operations resumed, and flower vendors returned to the Campo dei Fiori market for the first time since March 11.

As infection rates have fallen in large parts of Europe, tentative efforts to restart public life are gathering pace.

Belgium allowed some companies to open offices to employees, though remote work is still encouraged.

Like Italians, Greeks, Spaniards and many others in Europe, Belgians are being told to wear masks on public transport. Italians still have to carry certifications explaining why they are out.

Businesses in Greece and restaurants in Lebanon opened their doors under new conditions. Greece, which began lifting its seven-week lockdown on Monday, dropped a similar requirement for people to send an SMS or carry a self-written permit justifying being outdoors.

Greek hair salons and some stores such as those selling books and sports goods reopened, with strict hygiene and distancing measures.

On Europe’s western edge, Iceland also reopened hair salons — along with high schools, dentists and other businesses — after the country tamed its virus outbreak. In the Middle East, Lebanon is allowing restaurants to open at 30% capacity during the day starting from Monday.

But many business owners say they won’t reopen because they would be losing more money if they operate under such restrictions in a faltering economy. Cafes, clubs and bars have been ordered to stay shut through June. —Agencies

6.3 mn UK workers furloughed, curbs not to go next week

London: More than a fifth of employees in Britain have been furloughed, with $9.9 billion claimed from the government to sustain their wages during the coronavirus lockdown, tax authorities said on Monday. HM Revenue and Customs said on Twitter that 6.3 million workers from 8,00,000 employers had been furloughed. That accounts for 23% of Britain’s 27.9 million employees, according to the most recent labour market data. Meanwhile, the UK government planned a staggered workday for commuters as part of its coronavirus lockdown exit strategy, along with screens between co-workers and new hygiene rules. However, Downing Street has hinted that lockdown measures are not likely to be lifted when a statutory review takes place this week. PM Boris Johnson is likely to need “extra time” to set out a blueprint for easing the lockdown, No 10 says.