This week saw the number of coronavirus cases recorded worldwide pass five million, just days after the UK followed many other European countries in launching the first phase of easing lockdown restrictions.
As Britons headed outdoors to enjoy a mini heatwave that saw temperatures soaring nationwide, the debate over when to reopen primary schools also grew increasingly heated. Government ministers were sticking to the 1 June target, and the British Medical Association changed its guidance to back the plan, but many local councils and teaching unions remain unconvinced.
There was further debate as a divisive Tory immigration bill that would bar “low-skilled workers” from entering Britain passed its first reading. And the government triggered yet more controversy by tabling its long-promised bill to reform terrorism laws.
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Brits planning their summer holidays are hoping they may be able to head off abroad after all, following reports that so-called “air bridges” may be formed to allow travel between countries with low coronavirus infection rates.
In the US, President Donald Trump set eyes rolling once again by revealing that he is taking malaria drug hydroxychloroquine to fend off Covid-19, despite public health officials warning that it may be unsafe. But Trump seems willing to take a gamble to protect his health as he fights to retain his presidency - a challenge that he looks set to lose, according to a respected vote model that is predicting the incumbent will suffer a “historic” defeat in the November election.
Over in East Asia, Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen warned China that she would “not accept” any attempt to “downgrade” her country, as she was sworn in for a second term. Her defiant stance reflects growing national self-belief in Taiwan, as the island’s push for independence is bolstered by global praise for its swift and effective response to the coronavirus pandemic.
By contrast, a question mark remains over the wisdom of Sweden’s handling of the crisis, as the Nordic nation this week records the world’s highest death rate per capita.
On a lighter note, if you’re growing weary of lockdowns and health warnings, we may have the answer.
A luxury furniture brand is seeking a professional bed tester to review its products - meaning one lucky applicant will be paid to sleep through the pandemic.
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