(Bangalore) The Indian megalopolis of Bangalore is reconfigured on Tuesday in the face of the persistence of the coronavirus pandemic, which is causing new confinements across the planet, is plunging global economies and imposing a mixed national holiday in France.
Published on 14 July 2020 at 6 a.m. 37 Updated at 8 a.m. 55
Alexandre MARCHAND in New Delhi, with AFP offices around the world
France Media Agency
Over 13 million people in Bangalore and its region, in the south from India, hurry to fill their fridge and cupboards before locking themselves in from Tuesday evening, officially for about a week, one of the most important local changes in terms of population decreed in the world.
Public transport will be suspended and only essential services and shops authorized to open in this headquarters of Indian high technology. “People are afraid: the government has announced only ten days of confinement, but it could be extended to one or two months,” Seema, a resident of the city, who accumulated enough supplies to hold a month.
The virus is spreading virulently in India, which sees its COVID disease curves – 19 soar and still no peak in sight. With nearly 24 00 0 dead, the South Asian giant remains far from the heavy price paid by the United States, bereaved by more than 135 00 0 deaths, the worst national record.
All around the globe, the pandemic is still raging, with at least 569 879 deaths for approximately 13 millions of proven cases, according to an established count by AFP from official sources Monday at 15 h. WHO is alarmed at seeing “too many countries (going) in the wrong direction” and undermining public confidence, for lack of clear messages.
Savings in the red
The coronavirus shock wave also continues to be felt on economic indicators, which plunged into red at levels unthinkable just a few months ago.
The gross domestic product of the United Kingdom thus fell by 19, 1% from March to May compared to the previous quarter. Even more dizzying unscrewing for Singapore: the economic activity of the city-state of Southeast Asia collapses by 41, 2% in April-June, compared to the period January-March.
In France, the pandemic spoils the festive spirit of 14 July, feast day national. The virus got the better of the traditional military parade on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, a first since the end of the Second World War, and led to the cancellation of many fireworks and pyrotechnic shows across the country.
Only 2000 French soldiers, half less than usual, will parade in circles on the emblematic Place de la Concorde in front of President Emmanuel Macron, but without the usual audience of families and onlookers. In the evening, fireworks will be fired from the Eiffel Tower, surrounded by an exclusion perimeter to avoid gatherings.
After London and Paris, Tuesday kicks off the first Milan Virtual Fashion Week, coronavirus requires, with two flesh and blood appointments, including the heavyweight Dolce & Gabbana. Weeks of hybrid fashion which however struggle to convince.
“Digital still has a long way to go – light years away – before it can replace the live show,” recently commented on the WWD fashion bible, saying that the films broadcast by the brands “were missing all in all a “wow” factor (..), that moment when a collection – or a single dress – takes your breath away ”.
Mandatory mask in English stores
The international community is increasing health restrictions and containment measures to try to contain the new virus pending the development of a vaccine, a frantic race in which many laboratories are involved.
California, one of the main sources of the disease in the United States and the first state in the country to impose general confinement in March, announced Monday the extension to the whole state of the closure of bars, indoor dining rooms, cinemas, zoos and aquariums.
The return to restrictions also implies the closure of a series of public places and shops – including offices, shopping centers, hairdressers and places of worship – in around thirty counties at risk, including Los Angeles.
In Colombia, around 3.5 million people have been strictly confined since Monday in the two main cities, Bogota and Medellín. Hong Kong and Quebec have also announced new measures to try to stop the contagion.
After long hesitation, the British government has decided to make the wearing of masks compulsory in stores in England from 24 July to avoid a resumption of the epidemic, measure hailed as beneficial, but late.
A second wave of new coronaviruses this winter could indeed make up to 120 00 0 dead in UK hospitals in a “reasonable worst case scenario” without adequate preparation, according to a study from the Academy of Medical Sciences.