Governments strive to balance public health actions in order to contain the spread of the disease while ensuring people’s livelihoods as well as the mitigation of harder social and economic impacts. The United States and Brazil report nearly 40% of COVID-19 cases in the world, and India registered a record worst single-day spike worldwide. Germany announced the cancellation of one of the most popular Christmas markets amid the fear of new waves of the pandemic.
The development of vaccines against COVID-19 gives hope in the fight against the disease. However, possible vaccines are still being investigated and tested, and consequently, may not be globally available by the end of 2020.
WHO
In a recent media briefing, the World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom highlighted that a spirit of solidarity and partnership is essential to end the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Tedros also warned that “Much of this resurgence is occurring in clusters of cases related to gatherings of people, including at stadiums, nightclubs, places of worship and crowds. These types of gatherings can be amplifying events that can be the spark that creates a much larger fire”. However, every country and community is responsible to make its own decisions about how to host these kind of events in a safe way, based on their own level of risk.
WHO Member States have been informed about the establishment of an International Health Regulations (IHR) Review Committee in order to advise about possible changes to the IHR, with the aim to ensure the effectiveness of this legal tool. The Committee will be made up of independent experts, who will examine different aspects of the IHR and exchange information and share findings with the Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response, and with the Independent Oversight Advisory Committee for the WHO Health Emergencies Programme. The first progress report of this committee is expected to be published in November.
WHO Member States have been informed about the establishment of an International Health Regulations (IHR) Review Committee in order to advise about possible changes to the IHR, with the aim to ensure the effectiveness of this legal tool. The Committee will be made up of independent experts, who will examine different aspects of the IHR and exchange information and share findings with the Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response, and with the Independent Oversight Advisory Committee for the WHO Health Emergencies Programme. The first progress report of this committee is expected to be published in November.
United Nations
The United Nations (UN) launched a Policy Brief on COVID-19 and transforming the tourism sector, which has been devastated by the pandemic.
In the first five months of this year, international tourist arrivals decreased by more than half and some $320 billion dollars in exports from tourism were lost, and overall, 120 million direct jobs in tourism are at risk. This policy report has identified five priority areas in order to aid the recovery of the sector: (1) mitigate the socio-economic impacts of the crisis, (2) build resilience across the entire tourism value chain, (3) maximize the use of technology in the tourism sector, (4) promote sustainability and green growth, and (5) foster partnerships to enable tourism to further support the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
In the first five months of this year, international tourist arrivals decreased by more than half and some $320 billion dollars in exports from tourism were lost, and overall, 120 million direct jobs in tourism are at risk. This policy report has identified five priority areas in order to aid the recovery of the sector: (1) mitigate the socio-economic impacts of the crisis, (2) build resilience across the entire tourism value chain, (3) maximize the use of technology in the tourism sector, (4) promote sustainability and green growth, and (5) foster partnerships to enable tourism to further support the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
IMF
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) issued the 2020 External Sector Report: Global Imbalances and the COVID-19 crisis. The report highlights the fact that the outlook for 2020 is highly uncertain, as the pandemic has caused a sharp decline in global trade, lower commodity prices and tougher external financing conditions. In the near term, policy efforts should continue to focus on providing relief and promoting economic recovery. In order to adjust to external shocks, such as the fall in commodity prices or tourism losses, countries with flexible exchange rates should allow them to adjust as needed.
The report also states that both tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade should be avoided, especially on medical equipment and supplies, and recent restrictions on trade need to roll back. Over the medium term, economic and policy distortions that predated the crisis may persist or worsen, implying the need for reforms.
The report also states that both tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade should be avoided, especially on medical equipment and supplies, and recent restrictions on trade need to roll back. Over the medium term, economic and policy distortions that predated the crisis may persist or worsen, implying the need for reforms.
Australia
Stage 3 restrictions apply in Victoria from August 6. Stage 3 restrictions applicable in the whole State of Victoria include the limitation of movement, as people are only allowed to leave their home for four reasons: shopping for food or essential items, work and study, care and caregiving and daily exercise. Shops, markets and shopping centers are allowed to open with limited capacity, and applying strict social distancing and hygiene measures.
The Metropolitan area of Melbourne entered stage 4 restrictions from August 2. In Melbourne, it is mandatory to wear face masks whenever leaving the house, which is only allowed for the reasons stated in the previous paragraph. There is a curfew from 8 pm and 5 am. Restaurants and cafes are only allowed to trade as takeaway and delivery. No restaurant or bar sitting is allowed. General retail stores are only allowed to operate contactless pick-up, delivery and ‘click and collect’.
The Metropolitan area of Melbourne entered stage 4 restrictions from August 2. In Melbourne, it is mandatory to wear face masks whenever leaving the house, which is only allowed for the reasons stated in the previous paragraph. There is a curfew from 8 pm and 5 am. Restaurants and cafes are only allowed to trade as takeaway and delivery. No restaurant or bar sitting is allowed. General retail stores are only allowed to operate contactless pick-up, delivery and ‘click and collect’.
Canada
A USDA GAIN Report, published on August 27, overviews the impacts of COVID-19 on the Canadian agricultural sector. The report highlights the effects of the pandemic and mitigation measures on the foodservice sector. The national restaurant industry association estimates losses between $15 and $35 billion USD in 2020. Sales fell in March, as the closure of non-essential businesses, movement restrictions and measures to limit public interactions entered into force. Since May, restaurants are allowed to gradually reopen. At this moment, strict social distancing and hygienic measures are still applicable in the whole country. However, foodservice sales continue to recover, as in May, sales increased 47% compared to the previous month.
The report also highlights the impacts on the retail sector, which adapted quickly to the new consumer demand. E-commerce retail sales doubled between February and May.
The report also highlights the impacts on the retail sector, which adapted quickly to the new consumer demand. E-commerce retail sales doubled between February and May.
Chile
The retail food sector in Chile changed as a result of strict social distancing measures, as well as strict sanitary and hygiene protocols applied in the country, according to a USDA GAIN Report. As a result, the pandemic accelerated the trend towards online shopping, which increased by 60% in May, compared to the same month in 2019. This trend was followed by the development of e-commerce and online platforms.
China
The China Association of Science and Technology held its 22nd meeting on August 18. The highlights of the session are the following: (1) the trajectory of the pandemic is still hard to predict, as many features of the disease are not yet fully understood; (2) it is necessary to prevent the overlap of COVID-19 with the seasonal flu, especially during fall and winter, which is likely to make the disease even harder to identify; and (3) living with the COVID-19 is the new normality, which requires both routine containment measures and emergency preparedness, with a view to balancing economic and social life with COVID-19 response.
China’s National Health Commission (NHC) ordered local authorities to perform regular COVID-19 testing at wholesale markets and neighboring areas, in an effort to control the spread of the disease.
In late August, China relaxed some COVID-19 lockdown measures in Urumqi city, in Xinjiang. The city experienced a strict lockdown since mid-July, and has reported no new cases since mid-August.
Hong Kong expects 5 million people to take part in a massive voluntary COVID-19 testing program. The city has already performed mass testing in various high-risk groups, such as care workers, as well as in buildings where confirmed cases were reported. This massive testing plan is aimed to help to contain the third wave of the disease.
The pandemic mitigation measures have a strong impact in the city’s economy, as Hong Kong GDP is expected to drop from 6% to 8% this year. Hong Kong’s GDP has already shrank 9% in the second quarter, compared to the same period of the previous year.
Hong Kong announced the partial easing of social-distancing measures, after considering the desire to gradually resume social and economic activities. However, in case of a possible outbreak, social-distancing measures will be strengthened again. Restaurants are allowed to offer dine-in service until 9 pm, cinemas can open by half capacity, and face masks are not mandatory while exercising outdoors.
China’s National Health Commission (NHC) ordered local authorities to perform regular COVID-19 testing at wholesale markets and neighboring areas, in an effort to control the spread of the disease.
In late August, China relaxed some COVID-19 lockdown measures in Urumqi city, in Xinjiang. The city experienced a strict lockdown since mid-July, and has reported no new cases since mid-August.
Hong Kong expects 5 million people to take part in a massive voluntary COVID-19 testing program. The city has already performed mass testing in various high-risk groups, such as care workers, as well as in buildings where confirmed cases were reported. This massive testing plan is aimed to help to contain the third wave of the disease.
The pandemic mitigation measures have a strong impact in the city’s economy, as Hong Kong GDP is expected to drop from 6% to 8% this year. Hong Kong’s GDP has already shrank 9% in the second quarter, compared to the same period of the previous year.
Hong Kong announced the partial easing of social-distancing measures, after considering the desire to gradually resume social and economic activities. However, in case of a possible outbreak, social-distancing measures will be strengthened again. Restaurants are allowed to offer dine-in service until 9 pm, cinemas can open by half capacity, and face masks are not mandatory while exercising outdoors.
Germany
According to a recent USDA GAIN Report, COVID-19 triggered structural changes in the German restaurant sector. The report identified five different trends: (1) delivery services are expected to gain importance; (2) restaurants, especially chain restaurants, invest in digitalization strategies, such as apps for customers; (3) automation in the kitchen and a reduction of staff; (4) chains are expected to raise prices in order to raise funds addressed to investment; (5) small and independent businesses and restaurants may not endure these new structural changes in the sector.
Greece
Amid a rise of infections in August, Greece Prime Minister warned about new restrictive measures if the pandemic is not eased in the country. According to experts, the spike of new cases could be due either to an increase in tests or because more visitors have been tested during Greece’s peak tourism season. Tourism is the main driver of Greece’s economy, which is expected to contract by up to 10% this year. Therefore, it is necessary that both the visitors and citizens adhere to the prevention rules.
On August 11, Greece imposed more rigorous measures, amid a rise of new cases. The measures were applicable until August 23, and included the closure of bars and restaurants at midnight. The existing flight restrictions to Greece were extended to September 15.
On August 11, Greece imposed more rigorous measures, amid a rise of new cases. The measures were applicable until August 23, and included the closure of bars and restaurants at midnight. The existing flight restrictions to Greece were extended to September 15.
India
According to a USDA GAIN Report issued on August 14, storms led to the collapse of three large cranes at the port of Mumbai, which may affect operations during the clearance of the damages, which are expected to last one month. According to local media reports, Cochin Port increased 6% of cargo volume during July, compared to the same month last year. This increase is due to greater demand for produce and medical equipment from the Middle East, as Cochin has a direct shipping line to Dubai. Exporters are increasingly opting for sea transport, as air freight rates have nearly doubled.
Another USDA GAIN Report issued on August 25 indicates that Mumbai port container movement increased by 19% in July, compared to the previous month, which indicates a strong recovery, especially in exports. Kandla port container traffic increased by 9%, compared to the same period in the previous year. In Chennai, container traffic improved in July and August, and it is expected that the port will be able to handle normal levels of traffic within the next four months. However, Cochin port reports slow truck movements. The most recent weekly port situation indicates that truck movement in Kolkata and Cochin continues to be slow. However, port operations are normal in Mundra.
The Weekly Food Retail Update USDA GAIN Report of August 24, indicates that after two and a half months, the agricultural produce market committee (APMC) in Navi Mumbai lifted all restrictions on the entry of vegetable trucks. Traders expect the increase in arrivals will lead to lower vegetable prices.
Another USDA GAIN Report issued on August 25 indicates that Mumbai port container movement increased by 19% in July, compared to the previous month, which indicates a strong recovery, especially in exports. Kandla port container traffic increased by 9%, compared to the same period in the previous year. In Chennai, container traffic improved in July and August, and it is expected that the port will be able to handle normal levels of traffic within the next four months. However, Cochin port reports slow truck movements. The most recent weekly port situation indicates that truck movement in Kolkata and Cochin continues to be slow. However, port operations are normal in Mundra.
The Weekly Food Retail Update USDA GAIN Report of August 24, indicates that after two and a half months, the agricultural produce market committee (APMC) in Navi Mumbai lifted all restrictions on the entry of vegetable trucks. Traders expect the increase in arrivals will lead to lower vegetable prices.
Italy
The European Commission (EC) approved €2 billion Italian guarantee scheme to support trade credit insurance market in the context of the COVID-19 outbreak. Trade credit insurance protects companies supplying goods and services against the risk of nonpayment by their clients. Given the economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak, the risk of insurers not being willing to issue this insurance has become higher. Executive Vice-President Ms. Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said “This €2 billion Italian scheme will contribute to ensuring that trade credit insurance remains available to all companies so that they can secure their commercial exchanges (…) We continue working closely with Member States to ensure that national support measures can be put in place in a coordinated and effective manner, in line with EU rules”.
It is estimated that Italy lost nearly 70% of foreign tourists in August, which equals to almost €2 billion in lost income.
In order to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission, Italy toughened controls on travelers from Spain, from August 13. However, there are no restrictions to enter to Italy if travelers come from all EU countries (excluding Croatia, Greece, Malta, Spain, Romania and Bulgaria), all Schengen countries, the UK and, Andorra, Monaco, Vatican City and San Marino. Travelers from Croatia, Greece, Malta and Spain are required to take a PCR test. A 14 day quarantine is required for travelers from the following countries: Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Romania, Rwanda, Rwanda, Thailand, Tunisia and Uruguay. Travelers from countries not listed above, are not allowed to enter to Italy.
It is estimated that Italy lost nearly 70% of foreign tourists in August, which equals to almost €2 billion in lost income.
In order to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission, Italy toughened controls on travelers from Spain, from August 13. However, there are no restrictions to enter to Italy if travelers come from all EU countries (excluding Croatia, Greece, Malta, Spain, Romania and Bulgaria), all Schengen countries, the UK and, Andorra, Monaco, Vatican City and San Marino. Travelers from Croatia, Greece, Malta and Spain are required to take a PCR test. A 14 day quarantine is required for travelers from the following countries: Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Romania, Rwanda, Rwanda, Thailand, Tunisia and Uruguay. Travelers from countries not listed above, are not allowed to enter to Italy.
Netherlands
The CPB Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis issued its latest world trade monitor, which highlights that world trade volume rebounded in June with a 7.6% growth compared to May. However, countries such as Japan experienced a 2.6% fall in imports, China and countries in the Easter-Europe suffered a fall in exports, and both imports and exports fell in Africa and the Middle East.
New Zealand
On August 11, the Government of New Zealand confined the most important metropolis in the country after the detection of new infections. This measure affected more than 1.7 million people.
With this confinement, in the beginning of only three days, but extended until August 30, the Government aimed to prevent the appearance of a possible outbreak. Businesses were able to trade without physical contact with customers, for example through phone or online orders, delivery and pick-up, and citizens were asked to work from home, if possible. In addition to this, it is mandatory to wear face masks on public transport in the whole country.
New Zealand was one of the countries which had been less affected by the pandemic, and just the second week of August the country celebrated the milestone of exceeding 100 days without any case of the virus among its population.
Romania
A recent USDA GAIN Report highlights the transformation of the Romanian retail and foodservice sectors. Despite restaurants being allowed to open since July 15, the Government extended the state of alert by 30 days. Only outdoor sitting was allowed until mid-August. Although the Government of Romania seeks to support these sectors, many small and medium-sized companies are at risk of going out of business. Since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak in February, Romanian consumers have increased online shopping instead of shopping in traditional markets and modern retail outlets.
Singapore
Singapore relaxed COVID-19 related travel restrictions for travelers from ‘low risk’ territories such as mainland China, Macau, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and Australia (excluding the state of Victoria) are subject to a seven-day-stay home, instead of the 14-days requirement for travelers from all other regions.
South Africa
On August 18, South Africa applied level 2 lockdown measures. This level continues to apply physical distancing and other mitigation measures. There is a curfew from 10 pm until 4 am daily, and face masks are mandatory in public places. There are also limitations of the number of people in public places such as restaurants, fitness centers or museums, while night clubs are closed. Borders remain closed, except for ports of entry and other exceptions.
During the last weeks the number of new infections has decreased.
South Korea
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) issued a report titled Economic Survey of Korea, which states that South Korea suffered limited economic damage, as the country applied measures to contain the virus and to limit its impact to households and businesses. Thanks to these responses, South Korea is experiencing the shallowest recession among the OECD countries. However, the report recommends continuing economic support measures until a full recovery, while ensuring fiscal plans in order to preserve fiscal sustainability in the long term.
Several COVID-19 new infections in Seoul led to the closure of schools and kindergartens, which resumed online classes. Since May 20, when initial restrictions were eased and South Korea resumed in-person lessons, more than 300 students have been infected.
Spain
Spain will receive close to €140 billion over the next six years from the recovery fund approved by the European Union, being the second biggest recipient of aid after Italy. The EU fund involves €390 billion in grants and €360 billion in low-interest loans.
The reopening of schools is planned in the coming weeks, amid fears of a resurgence of COVID-19 cases and growing concerns about the conditions of the reopening. The Spanish Health Minister announced the closure of nightclubs, reduced opening hours for bars and restaurants and banned smoking in public spaces if a two-meter distance cannot be observed, in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. In addition to this, Catalonia banned social gatherings of more than 10 people, in order to curb down the spread of new cases. The Regional Government in Murcia also announced that social gatherings would be limited to a maximum of six people if they do not live together.
Turkey
Turkey registered a surge of new COVID-19 cases, as the Government imposed stronger measures, such as the banning of certain events and celebrations in order to prevent the spread of the disease. In addition to this, public institutions may implement flexible working methods, such as shifts or working out of the office.
United Kingdom
International travelers entering to the UK are subject to a 14-day quarantine, applying to UK residents and visitors to the UK, traveling by train, ferry, coach, air, or any other mean of transport. However, there is a list of countries and territories that have been assessed as no longer presenting an unacceptably high risk to British people traveling abroad. Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) travel advice is based on risks to British nationals, including in-country public health assessments. Some of the last added countries are Austria, Croatia, France and Laos, among others.
United States
The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) application deadline has been extended from August 28 to September 11. The CFAP is intended to provide direct relief to producers of agricultural commodities who faced a 5% or greater price decline, or who had losses due to market supply chain disruptions due to COVID-19 and faced additional significant marketing costs. Almonds, pecans, pistachios and walnuts are included. The program will provide $16 billion in direct support based on actual losses for agricultural producers.
On August 25, the US Government announced an additional $1 billion for the Farmers to Families Food Box Program, as part of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) authorization. The additional funding allows the program to continue critical support to farmers, distributors and American families in need. The Farmers to Families Food Box program has provided over 75 million boxes until late August to families in need across the country. Entities that applied under the previous solicitation, including current vendors, must resubmit a proposal to participate in the third round. There have already been two rounds of purchasing and distribution. The second round began on July 1, and finished on August 31.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new guidelines for schools, as children across the country return to the classroom. The new guidelines address how schools can work with public health officials in case of COVID-19 infection. Rather than shut down the whole school for a long period of time, the guidelines indicate an initial short-term class suspension and cancellation of events and after-school activities.
The information above is a review of actions the INC has compiled from government sources, international organizations and press media. This news article is not intended to be exhaustive and it does not reflect the opinions of the INC. While the publishers believe that all information contained in this publication was correct at the time of publishing, they can accept no liability for any inaccuracies that may appear or loss suffered directly or indirectly by any reader as a result of any advertisement, editorial, photographs or other materials published in this news article.
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