UK Also Imposes Movement Restrictions... US Has Third Highest Confirmed Cases After Italy and China

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] On the 23rd (local time), the United Kingdom joined the ranks of countries imposing movement restrictions to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). The United States, with a rapid increase in confirmed cases centered in New York, surpassed Spain to become the country with the third highest number of confirmed cases worldwide.

According to AP News and others, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced in a national address that a more stringent movement restriction order would be implemented that evening. Until now, unlike other European countries severely affected by COVID-19 such as Italy and France, the UK had not restricted the movement of its citizens. However, with nearly 1,000 new confirmed cases reported on that day alone and the spread accelerating, the government finally decided to impose movement restrictions.

Accordingly, from that evening, people in the UK must stay at home except for essential shopping, exercise, medical treatment, and commuting for essential work. In addition to restaurants, cafes, and pubs that had already been closed, all stores except supermarkets and pharmacies will be shut. Furthermore, no more than two people can gather in public places unless they live together. All social events such as weddings and baptisms, except funerals, are also prohibited. If these measures are not followed, the police may issue fines or order dispersal. These measures will be in effect for three weeks.

Lockdown measures have already been implemented in Europe. In Italy, known as the "Wuhan of Europe," non-essential businesses ceased operations and production activities the day before, and Greece issued a nationwide curfew.

On this day, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases worldwide exceeded 350,000. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), stated at a press conference, "The pandemic is accelerating," noting, "It took 67 days to reach the first 100,000 cases since the initial confirmed case, but only 11 days to add the next 100,000 cases, and just 4 days to reach the third 100,000 cases."

The United States is a notable hotspot for rapid spread. The cumulative number of confirmed cases surpassed 40,000, making it the country with the third highest number of COVID-19 patients after China and Italy. Particularly, New York State, the hardest-hit area, exceeded 20,000 cases. Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that 5,707 new cases were reported in one day, bringing the total to 20,875. This number is even larger than France, which ranks seventh worldwide with 20,123 confirmed cases.

In Italy, the cumulative number of COVID-19 deaths and confirmed cases exceeded 6,000 and 60,000 respectively on this day. However, the rate of increase has slowed compared to before, suggesting that the spread may be somewhat easing. Giulio Gallera, head of health administration in Lombardy, Italy, said, "It is too early to declare victory," but added, "We may see a ray of light at the end of the tunnel."

In Latin America, including Brazil, confirmed COVID-19 cases are increasing belatedly. In Brazil, where more than 300 new cases were reported in one day, the government announced that starting this day, influenza vaccinations would be administered nationwide to help distinguish between COVID-19 and influenza infections. To facilitate this, drive-thru influenza vaccination centers have been established in major Brazilian cities such as S?o Paulo.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.