shot-button
Subscription Subscription
Home > News > World News > Article > Countries struggle to define new normal

Countries struggle to define 'new normal'

Updated on: 21 May,2020 07:15 AM IST  |  Rome
Agencies |

What a return to normal looks like varies widely. In Italy, where good food is an essential part of life itself, once-packed restaurants and cafes are facing a huge financial hit as they reopen with strict social distancing rules

Countries struggle to define 'new normal'

Servicemen of Russia's Emergencies Ministry disinfect Moscow's Leningradsky railway station. As on Wednesday, COVID-19 cases in Russia reach 3,08,705, with 8,764 cases in the past 24 hours, and death toll stands at 2,972 with 135 new casualties. Pic/AFP

As nations around the world loosen restrictions, people are discovering that "the new normal" is anything but. Yet some realities have emerged: schools, offices, public transport, bars and restaurants are now on the front lines of post-lockdown life.


What a return to normal looks like varies widely. In Italy, where good food is an essential part of life itself, once-packed restaurants and cafes are facing a huge financial hit as they reopen with strict social distancing rules. The losses are forecast to pile up to $32 billion this year.


Education is also facing a radical rethink. Cambridge became the first university in the UK to cancel all face-to-face lectures for the upcoming school year. In South Korea, high school seniors had their temperatures checked and used hand sanitisers as they returned to school on Wednesday. Many governments, including several US states, are in fierce disagreement over what the new normal should even be.


Pak records 1,932 new cases, 48 deaths

Pakistan recorded 1,932 new COVID-19 cases and 46 fatalities during the last 24 hours, taking the total number of infections to 45,898 with 985 deaths, the health ministry said on Wednesday. Pakistan has started easing in phases the Coronavirus lockdown and partially resumed its domestic air services.

Catch up on all the latest Crime, National, International and Hatke news here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates.

Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!


Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK