The UK government is setting out the details on how to make workplaces safer now that the economy is reopening. The United Kingdom's Health Secretary, Matt Hancock reportedly said that the government needs to get the economy working again and that they're providing the guidelines today.
“This stuff isn’t straight forward but we’ll be coming forward with a huge amount of more detail on how to make workplaces safe today,” explained Hancock, “We work not only with employers but also with the trade unions who last night called what we’re coming out with a step forward,” he added.
Recently, the UK's Prime Minister, Boris Johnson announced a reopening phased plan for the British economy. Johnson called UK residents to stay at home working if possible and urged people not to take public transportation.
Johnson encouraged construction and manufacturing sector workers to return to work. He also allowed individuals to go outside to exercise and sit on park benches for an unlimited amount of time. Primary schools are reopening on June 1, and the government will consider reopening the hospitality industry (like shops and restaurants) in July.
The Prime Minister also highlighted that things could change if infection rates go up.
This move was heavily criticized since some consider this message confusing, calling for clearer guidelines.
There are officially 223,060 infected individuals in the United Kingdom, making the country one of the most affected ones in the whole Europe (only surpassed by Spain). The death toll currently stands at 32,065.
ECB’s Villeroy: Quarantine Cost About 6 percent of France’s GDP
The European Central Bank Governing Council member, Francois Villeroy claimed that the quarantine measures cost about 6 percent of France's yearly economic activity.
“These two months cost us 6% of annual growth in losses on annual growth,” he said during an interview, “The loss over the whole of the year will be even higher because as things recover activity will be partial,” he added.
There are at the moment 177,423 reported infected individuals in France, as well as a death toll of 26,643.
By 7:38 GMT the Euro went up by 0.07 percent, hitting the 1.0814 level, advanced against the Pound Sterling, adding 0.14 percent and hitting the 0.8769 level, as well as increasing 0.01 percent against the Swiss Franc, hitting the 1.0514 level. On the other hand, it went down 0.06 percent against the Japanese Yen. The Pound Sterling went down 0.06 percent against the US dollar, falling to the 1.2328 level.