Germany reimposes virus lockdowns, Djokovic tests positive

by Femke Colborne and AFP bureaus

Germany on Tuesday reimposed coronavirus lockdowns on more than 600,000 people and tennis world number one Novak Djokovic tested positive for the illness — two major setbacks in global efforts to restore a sense of normality to everyday life.

The moves highlighted how quickly the virus can resurface and spread, and how much more nations will need to do to reassure people that large gatherings are safe, after several other players tested positive following a tournament hosted by Djokovic.

To that end, Saudi Arabia announced the annual hajj pilgrimage will be dramatically scaled back this year, to only about 1,000 Muslim faithful who are already in the kingdom — a far cry from last year’s 2.5 million.

The news was not all bad: England moved to reopen pubs, restaurants, hotels and hairdressers from July 4.

But a trio of US health officials led by Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious diseases expert, warned lawmakers that the global pandemic presented “historic” challenges.

“COVID-19 activity will likely continue for some time,” the experts said.

So far, more than 9.1 million cases have been detected worldwide, and more than 470,000 people have succumbed to the virus, according to an AFP tally from official sources. (AFP)

[cec_corona flag=false country_code=DE]