News from across Europe

[AlbertC]

Beginning next week, Bavaria will implement a face mask requirement for all people in most public places including shopping and using public transit. They are the third German state to make this announcement.

Face mask requirements take hold across Germany | DW | 20.04.2020

Bavaria has become the third German state to introduce a face mask requirement in public. The state hardest-hit by the coronavirus pandemic will now oblige people to cover their mouth and nose in most public spaces.

www.dw.com

 

[AlbertC]

Bavaria have cancelled this year's Oktoberfest:

'Bitter pill': Bavaria cancels Oktoberfest over fears of coronavirus spread

Famed German beer festival usually attracts around 6 million visitors a year

www.theguardian.com

 

[Richard White]

Bavaria have cancelled this year's Oktoberfest:

'Bitter pill': Bavaria cancels Oktoberfest over fears of coronavirus spread

Famed German beer festival usually attracts around 6 million visitors a year

www.theguardian.com

I understand why but I think this is overkill.

 

[SunriseChampion]

Don't worry, Oktoberfest at my place!

 

[AlbertC]

Coronavirus: France mandates masks for schools and transport

France will make face masks compulsory on public transport and in secondary schools when it starts easing its coronavirus lockdown on 11 May, Prime Minister Edouard Philippe has said.

Schools will reopen gradually, starting with kindergartens and primary schools.

Pupils aged 11-15 will be expected to wear face masks.

It comes as hard-hit Spain also outlined its lockdown exit plan, aiming for what its prime minister called "a new normality" by the end of June.

Coronavirus: France mandates masks for schools and transport

Face masks will be compulsory on public transport and in secondary schools when France lifts curbs.

www.bbc.com

 

[AlbertC]

Germany braces for 'worst recession' in post-war history

29 April 2020

The German economy will suffer the biggest slump in its history this year over the coronavirus crisis, the government warned Wednesday, pushing Europe's top economy into a painful recession.

German gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to shrink by a record 6.3 percent as demand for exports plummets and lockdown restrictions weigh on domestic consumption, Economy Minister Peter Altmaier said in Berlin.

"We will experience the worst recession in the history of the federal republic" founded in 1949, Altmaier said.

"The effects of the coronavirus pandemic will push our economy into a recession after 10 years of growth."

https://www.thelocal.de/20200429/german-economy-set-for-biggest-slump-in-50-years-minister

 

[AlbertC]

Coronavirus: The lure of mafia money during the crisis

5 May 2020

As the Covid-19 death toll grows, Italy's organised crime gangs have been looking to make millions. Many Italians feel they have no option but to accept the lifeline the mob is offering.

Coronavirus: The lure of mafia money during the crisis

Italian businesses are crumbling in the crisis, leaving a familiar "benefactor" to fill the vacuum.

www.bbc.com

 

[AlbertC]

@SunriseChampion

Bundesliga football to resume later this month:

Bundesliga season to restart on 16 May, German league announces

The Bundesliga season will restart on Saturday 16 May, the German Football League has said

www.theguardian.com

 

[SunriseChampion]

@SunriseChampion

Bundesliga football to resume later this month:

Bundesliga season to restart on 16 May, German league announces

The Bundesliga season will restart on Saturday 16 May, the German Football League has said

www.theguardian.com

Sooooo stoooooked!!!!!

I got a text about it from a bestie who I go to casinos with as soon as I mentioned gambling at work to my colleague.

It's like he heard me from 150km away, where he lives!

 

[AlbertC]

Coronavirus: EU urges closing external borders until mid-June

The European Commission has called on EU member states to uphold travel bans on non-essential travel to the bloc. EU officials also said priority must be given to restoring frictionless travel within the bloc.

The European Commission on Friday recommended extending travel restrictions for non-EU nationals at the bloc's external borders until June 15, saying "the situation remains fragile both in Europe and worldwide."

Coronavirus: EU urges closing external borders until mid-June | DW | 08.05.2020

The European Commission has called on EU member states to uphold travel bans on non-essential travel to the bloc. EU officials also said priority must be given to restoring frictionless travel within the bloc.

m.dw.com

 

[Richard White]

Coronavirus: EU urges closing external borders until mid-June

The European Commission has called on EU member states to uphold travel bans on non-essential travel to the bloc. EU officials also said priority must be given to restoring frictionless travel within the bloc.

The European Commission on Friday recommended extending travel restrictions for non-EU nationals at the bloc's external borders until June 15, saying "the situation remains fragile both in Europe and worldwide."

Coronavirus: EU urges closing external borders until mid-June | DW | 08.05.2020

The European Commission has called on EU member states to uphold travel bans on non-essential travel to the bloc. EU officials also said priority must be given to restoring frictionless travel within the bloc.

m.dw.com

This is why I'm glad I'm an EU citizen. I can travel there (provided planes start flying again) without much hindrance. Not saying it's ideal but technically I would be able to vacation in Europe this summer.

 

[SunriseChampion]

I'm an EU citizen as well and I'm not going near the place for years. Not because of plague, but the plague doesn't help.

Flights in economy were shit enough without having to wear a mask, for example.

 

[AlbertC]

I'm holding off international air travel until mid-2021 at earliest. Even domestic for that matter. Too much uncertainty with recurring waves as well as we move towards autumn and winter.

I'm not in a hurry to go anywhere. Gonna stick to nearby small roadtrips once things stabilize, and save up for a future vacation budget.

 

[AlbertC]

Germany to spend €750 million on coronavirus vaccine

The German government has agreed a funding program of three-quarters of a billion euros on the development and distribution of a coronavirus vaccine. Researchers hope large-scale trials will help speed up the process.

Germany agreed Monday to spend €750 million ($812 million) on a program to develop and distribute vaccines, Research Minister Anja Karliczek announced.

Around half a billion euros will go towards extending the trial capacities in Germany, and the rest of the money to developing production capacity. The announcement comes following a cabinet meeting led by Chancellor Angela Merkel.

"As soon as a vaccine is found and approved, production must be able to start quickly on a large scale both here in Germany and worldwide," Karliczek said. She called vaccine development the "key" to returning to normal life.

Germany to spend €750 million on coronavirus vaccine – DW – 05/11/2020

The German government has agreed a funding program of three-quarters of a billion euros on the development and distribution of a coronavirus vaccine. Researchers hope large-scale trials will help speed up the process.

m.dw.com

 

[AlbertC]

Portugal pins economic hopes on early reopening of tourism

With about 30 million tourists visiting Portugal every year, the sector is of huge importance for jobs and economic growth. Despite coronavirus fears, authorities are planning to reopen hotels and beaches by mid-June.

Portugal wants tourists to return – DW – 05/12/2020

With about 30 million tourists visiting Portugal every year, the sector is of huge importance for jobs and economic growth. Despite coronavirus fears, authorities are planning to reopen hotels and beaches by mid-June.

m.dw.com