US, Britain rush supplies to virus-hit India as Italy opens up
- Date: 27-Apr-2021
- Source: Jordan Times
- Sector:Healthcare
- Country:Middle East
US, Britain rush supplies to virus-hit India as Italy opens up
NEW DELHI “” The United States and Britain rushed ventilators and vaccine materials to virus-stricken India on Monday while Italy lifted many COVID-19 restrictions in a bid to kickstart a near normal summer.
India is battling a catastrophic, record-breaking outbreak that has overwhelmed hospitals and set crematoriums working at full capacity.
A day-after-day surge has seen patients' families take to social media to beg for oxygen supplies and available hospital beds, forcing the capital New Delhi to extend a week-long lockdown.
But in Europe, it was a story of hope as bars, restaurants, cinemas and concert halls were reopening across Italy on Monday.
And in a boost for businesses, the parliament in Rome was to debate the government's 220-billion-euro ($266-billion) EU-funded recovery plan.
Prime Minister Mario Draghi has admitted to taking a "calculated risk" with the reopenings, with virus statistics improving but COVID-19 deaths still mounting by hundreds every day.
"Finally!" said Daniele Vespa, the 26-year-old head waiter at Baccano, a restaurant near Rome's Trevi Fountain, as he readied for the return of customers.
"Hopefully... we can soon reopen inside as well," he told AFP, adding: "It's the start of a return to normality."
France is also hoping for further improvement with millions of children returning to primary