EUROPE

The United Kingdom has recorded more than 1,000 COVID-19 daily deaths for the first time since April as the government struggles to deal with a new, more infectious variant of the coronavirus.

The four nations of the United Kingdom recorded 1,041 deaths within 28 days of a positive test for the virus on Wednesday and a further 62,322 new COVID-19 cases, according to official data.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said she sees clear progress in the extended trade talks with the UK, keeping alive slim hopes that a post-Brexit deal could be reached before the 31 December deadline.

Speaking at the European Parliament this Wednesday, Von der Leyen confirmed that the major problems had been reduced to just two – fair competition in the EU market and fishing rights for EU vessels in UK waters. 

Even though she still spoke only of a “very narrow" path to a deal, she added that nonetheless “I can tell you that there is a path to an agreement."

The four nations of the United Kingdom faced mounting calls Tuesday to scrap. or at least limit, a planned easing of coronavirus restrictions over Christmas following a spike in new infections.

Talks between leaders from across the U.K. over the planned easing are set to resume on Wednesday, a day that will see London and some surrounding areas join other parts of Britain in facing much more stringent restrictions.

Michael Gove, one of the most senior members in the British government, which sets public health policy for England, held talks Tuesday with leaders from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Though no change of plan was announced, further discussions are set to take place on Wednesday.

Chancellor Angela Merkel has been holding crisis talks with regional leaders of Germany's 16 states to agree tougher curbs to control the raging coronavirus epidemic. The closures of non-essential shops and all schools have already been agreed.

The drastic measures hitting shops other than those selling essential goods would be imposed from Wednesday until at least 10 January, according to a draft document prepared by Chancellor Angela Merkel's office.

Schools will also be shuttered, sending pupils into homeschooling, while companies are requested to allow employees to work from home during the period.

Alcohol sales will be banned in public places, thus outlawing the business of mulled wine stands, traditionally popular in the days running up to Christmas.

Many are worried that France’s independent bookshops – already struggling against large retailers and online giants – may not survive being forced to close for a second Covid-19 lockdown.

France’s independent bookshops were forced to close as the country entered a second phase of lockdown on October 30 to stop the recrudescence of Covid-19 cases. Unions and others have criticised the decision and are organising initiatives to support booksellers.

“Since theatres and cinemas are closed, bookshops are the last place where you can have access to culture,” said Anne Martelle, president of the Union of French Booksellers. “Going to a bookshop is a low-risk cultural activity, so it’s a shame to stop it.”