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Coronavirus Updates: Ireland Becomes First European Country To Renew Shutdown

By

Elizabeth Kim

Published Oct 20, 2020

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People walk past a closed pub in Dublin, Ireland, on Oct. 7, 2020. Ireland is partially locked down as a number of new restrictive measures triggered by rising COVID-19 cases in the country came into effect on Wednesday.

 

CHINE NOUVELLE/SIPA/Shutterstock

By

Elizabeth Kim

Published Oct 20, 2020

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This is our daily update of breaking COVID-19 news for Tuesday, October 20th, 2020. Previous daily updates can be found here, and up-to-date statistics are here.

New York City is in Phase 4 of reopening now, which includes zoos, botanical gardens, museums, and gyms. Certain parts of Brooklyn and Queens are under a zoned shutdown. A look at preparing for the spread of coronavirus is here, and if you have lingering questions about the virus, here is our regularly updated coronavirus FAQ. Here are some local and state hotlines for more information: NYC: 311; NY State Hotline: 888-364-3065; NJ State Hotline: 800-222-1222.

Here's the latest:

With coronavirus cases surging across much of Europe, Ireland has become the first country in the continent to announce a return to a national lockdown.

Beginning Wednesday night, all non-essential stores will be closed and residents are encouraged to stay at home. While they can go outside to exercise, the activity is restricted to within three miles of an individual's home. Restaurants will only be open for takeout or delivery. Schools will remain open.

The restrictions are set to last six weeks.

“While we have slowed the spread of the virus, this has not been enough and further action is required,” said Micheal Martin, the country's leader, during a national address on Monday night.

He added: “If we pull together over the next six weeks we will be able to celebrate Christmas in a meaningful way … the journey will not be easy but the future is in our hands. We must each dig deep and persevere.”

The country recorded more than 1,000 new cases on Monday. According to the Guardian, cases in Ireland are still less than those of Britain, France and Spain, but the healthcare system has limited capacity, especially for intensive care.

The highest infection rates lie at the border with Northern Ireland, which last week ordered a closure of schools, pubs and restaurants. The policy represents one of the strictest measures taken in the United Kingdom, which has implemented a three-tiered system of renewed restrictions. Wales is set to begin a national lockdown on Friday.

Meanwhile, France over the weekend instituted a nightly curfew in nine cities, including Paris, and asked people throughout the country to limit gatherings to six people.

Italy, the European country which was hardest hit at the beginning of the pandemic, also announced a raft of new measures. Local mayors were granted the power to shut down public spaces after 9 p.m. to limit gatherings, while drinking outside restaurants and bars will be prohibited after 6 p.m.

“We mustn’t waste time,” said Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on Sunday. “The country can’t allow another lockdown that would severely compromise the entire economy.”

Tagged

covid-19 updates

coronavirus

Elizabeth Kim

Elizabeth Kim is a reporter on the People and Power desk who covers mayoral power. She previously covered the pandemic, housing, redevelopment and public spaces. A native of Queens, she speaks fluent Mandarin. Got a tip? Email [email protected]

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