In some countries, the coronavirus is still peaking, with authorities scrambling to respond to spikes in cases and deaths. In others, people are returning to normal life. Here’s what the pandemic looks like around the world.
In the US, multiple protests are taking place.
Friday was Labor Day, and employees from various major companies including Amazon and Whole Foods went on strike — demanding better wages, rent suspensions and government protections for essential workers on the front lines of the pandemic.
There were also protests on the other side of the spectrum — people angry about governments ordering beaches and businesses to close. People held rallies in Massachusetts, California, Nevada and other places, calling the mandatory closures “fascism” and “tyranny.”
In Australia, restrictions have loosened in some states, and the federal government is considering ending the nationwide lockdown early. In Queensland state, residents are now allowed to go out for recreational activities like picnics or boating.
While people are still expected to observe social distancing, residents flocked outdoors today, eager for fresh air after weeks at home.
In China, businesses are reopening and people are cautiously resuming normal life. Several of Beijing’s most iconic sightseeing spots, like the Forbidden City, also reopened — albeit with new restrictions, like a cap on daily visitors.
In Spain, authorities are preparing to ease restrictions after seven weeks of a nationwide state of emergency. Most people will be able to do limited sports activities or take short walks every day under the loosened guidelines.
With case numbers slowly going down, Madrid authorities closed an emergency hospital on Friday. The field hospital treated more than 4,000 people during its 41 days of operation.
