COVID-19: What you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic on 14 October
The Netherlands has new rules on mask wearing. Image: REUTERS/Eva Plevier
Explore and monitor how COVID-19 is affecting economies, industries and global issues
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COVID-19
- This daily round-up brings you a selection of the latest news updates on the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, as well as tips and tools to help you stay informed and protected.
- Top stories: A fragile global economic recovery; 'partial lockdown' in the Netherlands; $12 billion in funding for developing countries announced.
1. How COVID-19 is affecting the globe
Confirmed cases of COVID-19 have now passed 38.1 million globally, according to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center. The number of confirmed deaths stands at over 1.08 million.
The Czech Republic has reported more than 8,000 new coronavirus cases - its second-highest daily total.
Oil prices have slipped, with concerns about falling demand due to a rise in cases across Europe and the US.
The World Bank's executive board has approved $12 billion in new funding for developing countries. The money will finance the purchase and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, tests and treatments.
The UK has reported its highest daily death toll from COVID-19 since June, with 143 new deaths reported on Tuesday.
France faces increased coronavirus restrictions as cases, deaths and hospitalizations all increased yesterday.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said that the unprecedented response to the COVID-19 pandemic has contained risks to the financial system. But a prolonged recession or policy misjudgements could fuel growing global vulnerabilities.
Peru has reopened the ruins of Machu Picchu - for one Japanese tourist. He'd waited almost seven months, while trapped in the country because of the pandemic.
What is the World Economic Forum doing to manage emerging risks from COVID-19?
2. Risks to the global economy remain
The IMF has issued slightly improved global economic growth forecasts at the start of its annual meetings with the World Bank, thanks to stronger-than-expected recoveries in the world's wealthiest countries and China.
But, poor countries and other emerging market economies face a worsening picture. “The story is less dire than we thought three months ago, but dire nonetheless,” IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said during a panel discussion that was held virtually.
The update came with warnings about the fragility of the recovery. Failure to overcome the pandemic, maintain stimulus and tackle mounting debt also pose a risk to the recovery.
“If we cut these lifelines that have been extended to families and businesses before we are out of the health crisis, this could be catastrophic in terms of bankruptcies, unemployment and undoing all that has been done so far,” Georgieva added.
3. 'Partial lockdown' in the Netherlands
The Netherlands will see increased restrictions from today, in a return to a 'partial lockdown', Prime Minister Mark Rutte said.
Bars and restaurants will be closed, public gatherings of more than four people and alcohol sales in the evenings are banned, as the country hopes to contain a rise in COVID-19 cases.
“Today we are announcing new and sturdy measures and in fact we are going to a partial lockdown,” Rutte said in a televised news conference yesterday.
Other measures include the mandatory wearing of cloth masks for people aged 13 and over when in indoor spaces, and a restriction on retail opening hours.
Schools will remain open, with these measure in place for at least four weeks. They'll be reviewed after two - and if they're proving ineffective, further restrictions could be introduced.
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