5 June 2020 Update from A Semi-Locked Down Ghent

28 Corona related deaths and 82 new infections were reported yesterday. The figure is slightly up on the day but remains under the 100 threshold. A major relaxation of the Corona restriction becomes effective as of 8 June. PM Sophie Wilmès said: “We started by banning everything.  There was a lockdown.  Starting 8 June we will think differently.  Freedom is our point of departure.  Everything will be possible, except the things that are banned.” While we are moving into the “new normal” the full extent of the impact of COVID-19 is not yet known, it is clear that it goes well beyond the immediate deaths and morbidity. The impact is likely to be felt for long after COVID-19 itself has been dealt with, with there being long-lasting implications for cancelled elective healthcare, mass unemployment, and extended social isolation. Every century has six or seven years, which represent main turning points. 2020 is certainly a candidate to become one of those few key years, shaping this century is: a deadly virus challenging economy, globalisation, mobility and consumption and even creating the general consensus that freedom of movement belongs among our highest goods. Today’s picture demonstrates that it’s not all gloom and doom and that vacationing in your own city can be an enjoyable alternative to long distance traveling – Ketelvaart, Ghent, Belgium