The Commission has invited Schengen Member States and Schengen Associated States to extend the temporary restriction on non-essential travel to the EU for another 30 days, until 15 June. While some EU and Schengen Associated States are taking preliminary steps towards easing the measures for fighting the spread of the pandemic, the situation remains fragile…
Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, Prime Minister of Mongolia by John Grogan, Chairman of the Mongolian British Chamber of Commerce On the evening of Saturday 25th January I organised the annual Burns supper in Ulaanbaatar where the night-time temperature can drop to -40c. A piper from Glasgow dressed in a kilt and fortified by the finest Scotch whisky…
As we move into the next stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, countries across Europe are beginning to ease their respective lockdowns, and this is causing challenges to all of our communities as it is an experience unprecedented in recent human history. But there are examples of how to reopen, and reopen safely. In recent weeks,…
The UK Government has faced calls for greater transparency over the scientific advice given to ministers on the coronavirus outbreak. The calls came after it was revealed that the Prime Minister’s top aide, Dominic Cummings, had been attending meetings of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE). Ministers have said they are following ‘the best…
A new opinion poll has revealed that an overwhelming majority of British citizens want any coronavirus contact-tracing app to take account of civil liberties and people’s privacy. The Survation poll for the Open Knowledge Foundation has found widespread support for the introduction of a contact-tracing app in the UK at 65 per cent, but 90…
Yesterday 4th May, the Commission registered €7.4 billion, equivalent to $8 billion, in pledges from donors worldwide during the Coronavirus Global Response pledging event. This includes a pledge of €1.4 billion by the Commission. This almost reaches the initial target of €7.5 billion and is a solid starting point for the worldwide pledging marathon, which begins today….
Today 29th April is International Dance Day and a Finnish folk dance group is showing how you can fight COVID-19 with polka. At the moment most of the world is in lockdown mode, but the Finnish folk dance group Polokkarit has found a way to combine dancing and social distancing. Ever since Finland introduced official…
Are you among the many who are getting restless with the seemingly never-ending confinement? If so, that is perfectly understandably and a feeling that will be shared by people everywhere. But spare a thought also for those whose jobs are directly on the line during the terrible health crisis. One of the sectors worst hit by…
The WHO has published guidance on adjusting public health and social measures for the next phase of the COVID-19 response. Some governments have suggested that the detection of antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, could serve as the basis for an “immunity passport” or “risk-free certificate” that would enable individuals to travel…
More than 4,000 fire and rescue service staff from across the UK are volunteering to support the NHS and other key services in the fight against Covid-19, including driving ambulances and delivering food to vulnerable people. A further 10,000 FRS staff are on standby to assist as and when required. These figures – collated by the National Fire…
