3rd June 2020 - Wilson James
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3rd June 2020 19
COVID-19 REPORT
SUMMARY
• The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases globally is now over 6.45 million, with over 382,000 deaths, according to
Worldometer.
• Civil unrest continues across the United States as thousands of people protest the killing of African American
citizen George Floyd in Police custody. Mr Floyd’s death has been ruled a homicide following an official post-
mortem. Several cities have imposed curfews, and President Donald Trump has vowed to deploy the military to
quell the demonstrations.
• “Too many died” says the man behind the Swedish COVID-19 response Anders Tegnell, saying more should have
been done early on to stem the tide of the virus spreading.
• Italy reopens borders to Europe with no quarantine.
• Ibuprofen to be given to sick patients in the UK with COVID-19 to see if the drug can help with patients breathing.
The anti-inflammatory benefits of the drug could help according to scientists from London's Guy's and St Thomas'
hospital and King's College, amid early concerns it might have been detrimental to take for people with the virus.
• Black people are almost four times more likely to die of COVID-19, according to the Office of National Statistics,
while Asians are up to twice as likely to die.
• Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer, has lashed out at Boris Johnson’s “mismanagement” of recent easing of
restrictions warning they risked a second wave of infections.
GLOBAL MAP OF CASES OF COVID-19
Source: Centre’s for Disease Control and Prevention 02.06.2020
COVID -19/RAS/3rd June 2020 2
COVID-19 REPORT
UK UPDATE
TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES
277,985
UK DAILY CASES
1,613
For an interactive map of COVID-19 deaths in England & Wales click here. TOTAL DEATHS
39,369
LIVE STATISTICS
UK WIDE – Public Health England
SCOTLAND - Scottish Government
NORTHERN IRELAND: NISRA
• The total number of weekly COVID-19-related deaths in England and Wales fell to 2,589 in the week ending 22nd
May, according to the Office for National Statistics. This weekly figure is the lowest since March.
• Government ministers are considering relaxing the travel quarantine rules due to come into effect on 8th June.
The new regulations would require visitors to the UK to self-isolate for 14 days, with some exemptions made for
certain professions (e.g. lorry drivers) and regions (e.g. the Channel Islands). Some businesses and MPs are
concerned that the rules are too strict and could damage the travel industry, so officials are looking at potentially
expanding the list of exemptions, which may include travel corridors to countries with low infection rates, for
example.
• MPs return to Parliament today after a ‘virtual commons’ lasting since April ends. Only 50 MPs will be allowed in
the chamber and a mile-long queuing system to vote will be introduced to manage social distancing.
• Demand for lettings in the UK is up by 22% compared to last year, according to Rightmove. The property giant’s
data shows demand plummeted at the height of the lockdown but has surged since estate agents reopened on
13th May. Property experts say supply is struggling to match the demand that could lead to an overall increase in
rental prices as more tenants bid for fewer properties.
• Meanwhile in property sales, a study from Nationwide shows house prices fell 1.7% in May, the largest drop in 11
years. Nationwide warned that the medium-term outlook for the property market is uncertain.
• The Northern Ireland Executive has confirmed that hotels and tourist accommodations will be allowed to reopen
from 20th July, with limited occupancy and social distancing rules in place. Caravan parks and self-catering
COVID -19/RAS/3rd June 2020 3COVID-19 REPORT
properties may be able to open earlier following further review.
• Spanish tourism minister María Reyes Maroto has said the UK’s coronavirus figures will need to improve before
the country can consider allowing British tourists to visit. This comes after a similar announcement made by
Greece last week.
• Northern Ireland’s contact tracing programme has shown signs of success over its first two weeks of operation,
having been in touch with 388 infected people and subsequently 518 contacts. The Department of Health has
appealed for anyone showing symptoms to arrange a test by calling 119 or through the NHS website.
• Head teachers have reported attendance levels ranging from 40% - 70% after primary schools in England
reopened this week. Some families have opted to keep their children home for the time being, and some local
authorities have not yet opened schools in their areas.
COVID -19/RAS/3rd June 2020 4UK UPDATE Source: Public Health England 02.06.2020
REGIONAL UPDATES
TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES
6,452,761
TOTAL DEATHS
382,485
PATIENTS RECOVERED
(Johns Hopkins University, 2020) 3,067,697
COUNTRIES/REGIONS
213
CLICK HERE FOR LIVE REPORTED
CASES
(Worldometer, 03.06.2020)
CLICK HERE FOR GRAPH
DETAILS
*Above figures via Worldometer. Figures will vary between sources.
6
COVID -19/RAS/3rd June 2020ASIA
Armenia
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has tested positive for COVID-19 along with his wife and four children. In a
self-recorded video published on social media, the Mr Pashinyan explained he has not been experiencing any symptoms
and will work from home.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s annual candlelit vigil to commemorate the 1989 Tiananmen Square Incident has been banned. The
official reason is attributed to concerns over spreading COVID-19, however, there is suspicion that the ban is more
politically motivated. The city has reported just over 1000 infections and four related deaths over the course of
the pandemic, leading event organiser Lee Cheuk-yan to question why this peaceful demonstration was cancelled
while other recreational activities are permitted. This announcement comes after China proposed a new security
law that would make it illegal to undermine the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) authority in Hong Kong. Free
speech which would normally be protected by Hong Kong’s status as a Special Administrative Region. Seven
former UK foreign secretaries have urged Boris Johnson to form a global alliance to co-ordinate the response to
the China-Hong Kong crisis.
India
A cyclone moving across the Arabian Sea to the Indian coastal city of Mumbai has intensified. Cyclone Nisarga is
approaching from the south-west and has already forced tens of thousands of people to higher ground. This is the
first serious cyclone to make landfall in the city since 1891. Mumbai is the worst affected COVID-19 city in India
with over 40,000 confirmed cases and almost 1,400 deaths. Around 150 patients from the recently built COVID-19
field hospital have had to be evacuated. The storm comes less than two weeks after cyclone Amphan hit India’s
east coast.
Chaos has been reported on India’s trains as the country reopens its rail services after more than two months of
lockdown. Huge crowds have gathered at train stations making social distancing impossible and causing police to
intervene to get the crowds to thin out. Questions have been raised over the thinking behind this strategy as
India’s cases of COVID-19 continue to rise above 200,000 confirmed cases. Cases have jumped by 8,909 over the
previous day, one of the highest jumps in cases recorded. The government has been keen to get the economy
moving again, stating that the lockdown was now unaffordable. One Indian professor on infectious diseases has
said, “Beyond a point, it’s hard to sustain a lockdown that has gone on for so long – economically, socially and
psychologically”.
Pakistan
Cases have been spiking as the government has lifted restrictions on public gatherings and businesses. Tuesday 2nd
June saw the highest single-day spike in cases for the second consecutive day with 4,065 new cases taking the
country’s tally to 80,463. There are also fears of a polio resurgence as 40 million children have missed their
vaccinations due to COVID-19 restrictions. Alongside Afghanistan, Pakistan is one of only two countries where
polio is still endemic. Polio officials are not allowed to talk to the media and there are fears the government may
be covering up figures of the disease, with sources reporting the disease having resurfaced all over Pakistan.
AFRICA
Malawi
Malawi has seen a recent surge in COVID-19 cases with growing concern it will increase further as migrant
workers stranded in South Africa return home. Quarantine measures are in place, however, it was reported 400
persons escaped from quarantine last week and returned to mostly rural areas where the virus is likely to spread.
7
COVID -19/RAS/3rd June 2020Nigeria
Nigeria has lifted restrictions on religious gatherings and hotels as it begins to ease its lockdown measures. Social
distancing and masks are mandatory together with temperature checks in public places.
South Africa
The sale of alcohol is now permitted in South Africa after the government banned purchases as part of its COVID-
19 measures. Total COVID-19 infections in South Africa has reached over 32,000 and COVID-19 deaths currently
stand at 755. A South African court has found some of the COVID-19 related lockdown restrictions
“unconstitutional and invalid”. The country has some of the most stringent COVID-19 containment measures in
the world but has now reduced its alert level from the highest of 5 to 3. Alcohol sales have resumed but
gatherings are still banned unless for funerals. Travel between provinces is also still prohibited along with
international flights.
Cameroon
Cases in Cameroon have risen after a reopening of schools on 1st June. The country reported 254 new cases on
that day with 188 new cases reported on Tuesday 2nd. The government has had to put in social distancing
measures in place and introduce the use of hand sanitiser and face masks.
Sudan
The army in Sudan have used barbed wire and concrete to block off roads leading to their headquarters in the
capital Khartoum, ahead of the anniversary of a massacre that took place there a year ago. More than 100 people
were killed opposite the site when the army cleared a protest camp on June 3rd last year.
Tanzania
Tanzania has adopted a more relaxed approach to the COVID-19 pandemic compared to some of its African
neighbours. They have not imposed a lockdown instead focussing on keeping their economy functioning. Their
health minister has said they have only got four patients in the hospitals in Dar Es Salaam. However, the US
embassy has issued fresh travel advice suggesting that its citizens avoid socialising and leaving their homes, as
they think that the local healthcare facilities have the potential to be quickly overwhelmed.
Equatorial Guinea
The country has told the WHO representative in its country to leave, accusing the individual of “falsifying” the
country’s tally of COVID-19 cases. However, currently Dr. Nkurunziza is unable to leave due to flight restrictions.
AMERICAS
El Salvador
At least 14 people are dead after Tropical Storm Amanda hit El Salvador causing major flooding and landslides.
President Nayib Bukele has declared a state of emergency for the next 15 days.
United States
Civil unrest continues for an eighth night across the country as thousands protest against police brutality and
racism in the wake of George Floyd’s death. Curfews are still in place in many cities including New York,
Washington DC and LA. Protesters defied curfew laws in Washington DC gathering outside the White House. The
protest remained peaceful with some Police officers joining the crowd and kneeling. Attacks on Police have
increased across the US. In Las Vegas, a Police officer is in critical condition after being shot on Monday 1st June,
with another officer attacked in New York city, and 4 officers shot in St Louis.
Former US president George Bush released a statement in the wake of the disturbances stating he was
‘anguished’ by the death of George Floyd and ‘disturbed by injustice and fear’ ... ‘we have resisted the urge to
speak out, because this is not the time for us to lecture. It is time for us to listen. It is time for America to examine
8
COVID -19/RAS/3rd June 2020our tragic failures -- and as we do, we will also see some of our redeeming strengths," the statement said.
Former President Barak Obama published an essay on Monday 1st June stating "if we want to bring about real change,
then the choice isn’t between protest and politics. We have to do both. We have to mobilize to raise awareness, and we
have to organize and cast our ballots to make sure that we elect candidates who will act on reform."
Minneapolis school board has terminated its contract with the Minneapolis Police department in the wake of
George Floyd’s death.
The US announced on Tuesday 2nd June its first COVID-19 infection in a dog. The dog from New York State and
both its owners tested positive. All are expected to make a full recovery.
Brazil
Brazil has recorded another record number of new daily COVID-19 deaths. They currently have over 555,000
confirmed cases, second only to the US, with over 31,000 deaths. The country is deeply divided over how to
handle the crisis with health officials and state governors seemingly at odds with the President over whether to be
in lockdown. Several major cities have started to reopen with Sao Paulo seeing some commerce and people going
to the beaches in Rio after a weekend of tension and rioting in the cities.
Mexico
More than 10,000 people have died in Mexico due to COVID-19 making it the 7th worst affected country in respect
to deaths. The death toll represents over 10% of the 97,326 confirmed cases. The number of cases continues to
rise steeply even as restrictions are lifted, with a low level of testing masking perhaps an even worse pandemic
than figures suggest. The worst affected states are Mexico City and Baja California, with most states remaining in
the ‘red zone’ questions have been raised as to why restrictions are being eased.
EUROPE
For a full list of changes to travel restriction in Europe please click here. The list is frequently updated.
Netherlands
The Netherlands relaxed its partial lockdown as of 1st June, allowing businesses and public venues to reopen to
the public with social distancing in place. Museums are allowing a restricted number of visitors with advance
booking only, and the Rijksmuseum has even rehung some paintings to aid social distancing. Bars, cafes, and
restaurants have also reopened, again with a reduced number of customers at one time, but without the
takeaway-only restrictions imposed by other countries. The country has confirmed 46,545 cases of infection and
5,692 related deaths to date over the course of the pandemic.
Sweden
Sweden have admitted that their COVID-19 response could have been better. Their top epidemiologist, Anders
Tegnell has said there was “room for improvement” in the country’s controversial soft approach to curbing the
spread of the virus. They have a higher mortality rate than neighbours Norway, Denmark, and Finland.
Germany
Germany will lift a travel ban for EU member states plus Britain, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland
from 15th June as long as there are no entry bans or large-scale lockdowns in those countries. Germany has had
another rise of unemployment in May with the total unemployment figures now at 2.8 million. Germany airline
carrier Lufthansa has reported net losses of $2.1 billion in the first quarter and has said it will undergo “far-
reaching” restructuring as a result of the pandemic.
9
COVID -19/RAS/3rd June 2020Italy
Italy has reopened to travellers from Europe, three months after the country went into lockdown with hopes of
reviving the tourism industry as the summer season begins. The country was the first in Europe to be hit hard by
the virus as it was forced to implement a crippling nationwide lockdown that has seen unemployment rise and
businesses struggle to cope causing growing civil unrest.
AUSTRALIA / OCEANIA
Australia
Australia is set for its first recession in 29 years as the country starts to feel the effect of COVID-19 and the
devastating bush fires that swept the nation. Figures only represent the first three months of the year and are
predicted to get considerably worse for the second quarter as the true scale of the downturn in tourism and
lockdown has had on the economy start to become apparent. The Australian government has pledged hundreds
of billions of dollars to support businesses.
New Zealand
Professional sport could return to stadiums as early as next week with the government about to decide whether
to lift all COVID-19 restrictions. On Monday 8th June, the Prime Minister will decide whether to bring the country’s
alert system down to 1, which would lift limits on mass gatherings.
MIDDLE EAST
Iran
Iran has been the worst COVID-19 affected country in the Middle East with the highest number of recorded cases.
Iran's President Hassan Rouhani announced on Saturday 30th May that Mosques will reopen. The country has been
classified into ‘white’ – low risk zones for infection, ‘orange’ – medium risk zones and ‘red’ - high risk zones.
Mosques will reopen across all zones with social distancing instructions to follow. The government has warned of
a second, stronger wave of infections after reporting its highest daily number of cases in the past two months. The
government has been trying to reopen businesses, schools, and mosques but it appears the public have not
listened to the government’s advice on social distancing and not attending public gatherings.
Turkey
Turkey has begun to relax its COVID-19 measures and as of June 1st Turkish airlines re-commenced domestic
flights. All travellers will be issued with a personal code from a coronavirus tracking app and passengers not
approved by the Ministry of Health will not be allowed to travel
Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar has reopened after over two months in lockdown. It is thought to be the longest closure in
the market’s 500-year history. All visitors will be required to wear face masks and be subject to temperature
checks prior to entry. The number of visitors allowed in at a time will also be restricted.
UAE
The United Arab Emirates has offered the US embassy hundreds of tests to screen embassy staff, but the gesture
was “politely declined” due to privacy concerns. According to a US official the offer raised a “red flag” due to the
involvement of Chinese technology firms. The UAE testing facility opened in late March as a joint venture between
the Chinese genomics company BGI and Abu Dhabi ruling family linked artificial intelligence group G42.
The country’s only listed airline carrier Air Arabia has also announced further job cuts due to the impacts of
COVID-19.
10
COVID -19/RAS/3rd June 2020WILSON JAMES ADVISORY
Our Risk Advisory Service regularly publish articles and advisories covering a myriad of subjects. These
publications can be found within our Insights section on our Risk Advisory Service website.
What does the new European recovery fund really mean for Europe post-COVID-19?
The European Union (EU), in the form of a Franco-German partnership, is looking to bolster investment in other EU
states struggling with the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Both the leaders of France and Germany
have recently proposed a joint coronavirus recovery scheme to the European Commission of a €500 million
borrowing fund from the financial markets.1 While on the face of it this seems like a substantial move forward, the
way this money is to be lent underlies the true thinking of the different EU governments.
The more frugal northern nations do not want to end up shouldering the burden of the debt of other EU countries
and there have been disputes between different factions of the EU, creating somewhat of a north-south divide.
This has been primarily: Austria, Sweden, Denmark and the Netherlands (known as the ‘frugal four’), but to some
extent Finland and Germany, on the one side and France acting as a buffer to Italy and Spain on the other. Though
there are other EU countries facing substantial economic issues, these countries provide the backbone of the EU
and by showing a divide, in what had been a mostly harmonious relationship pre-COVID-19, has led some to
believe this pandemic may be the end of the EU. The countries most in need of financial help, such as Italy and
Spain, have consistently emphasised the term ‘solidarity’ while the ‘frugals’, as they have been coined, have
referred more to ‘conditionality’ and ‘sound economic policies’ when talking of recovery funds. Read more.
Growing discontent towards the cancellation of Tiananmen Square Memorial vigil
It was announced on Monday 1st June that Hong Kong’s annual candlelit vigil to commemorate the 1989 Tiananmen
Square Incident is to be cancelled for the first time in its 30-year history. The official reason is attributed to
concerns over spreading COVID-19. However, the city has reported just over 1000 infections and four related
deaths over the course of this pandemic, leading event organiser Lee Cheuk-yan to question why this peaceful
demonstration has been cancelled while other recreational activities are permitted. This announcement comes
after China proposed a new security law that would make it illegal to undermine the Chinese Communist Party
(CCP)’s authority in Hong Kong, free speech which would normally be protected by Hong Kong’s status as a Special
Administrative Region. Although the COVID-19 threat may be far from over, this has led many to suspect the ban is
more politically motivated. Read more.
11
COVID -19/RAS/3rd June 2020COVID19@wilsonjames.co.uk / riskadvisory@wilsonjames.co.uk @WJltd @WJ_Ltd www.linkedin.com/company/wilson-james
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