Domestic Politics
German Chancellor Angela Merkel is under quarantine after a doctor, who gave her a pneumococcus vaccine, tested positive for the coronavirus. Reports say that there is no indication to show that she has the virus. She will continue to work from home. [Politico]
As the cases across Greece continue to rise, Greek authorities announced a total lockdown to prohibit all non-essential transport and movement of people. According to the newly enforced restrictions, essential travel includes traveling for work, purchasing food or medicines, visiting a doctor, walking a pet, or exercising by oneself or in groups of two. [Politico]
For the first time, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the activation of the “general escape clause”, which is reserved for when the EU or the eurozone faces a severe economic downturn or negative growth. [Politico]
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called for a European “Marshall Plan” to provide financial aid to the countries struggling to combat the Covid-19 outbreak. At a press conference, he expressed the need for “an extraordinary fiscal effort” that goes beyond the national level. [Politico]
International Relations
Iran released French researcher Roland Marchal, who was in Iranian custody since June 2019, when he was charged with plotting against Iran's national security. This comes after France released an Iranian prisoner that was under the threat of extradition to the United States. [Al Jazeera]
Technology
Due to unprecedented usage, Netflix and YouTube announced their decision to reduce streaming quality in Europe to prevent the internet from collapsing. A Netflix spokesperson said that this move would reduce Netflix traffic by around 25%. [CNN]
Health
Germany, seeking to strengthen its fight against Covid-19, announced its decision to ban social gatherings of more than two people, unless they live together or the gathering is work-related. [BBC]
Italy witnessed 651 deaths in one day on Sunday and 793 on Saturday due to Covid-19, bringing the nation's total to 5,476. In order to curb further escalation, Italian authorities banned all travel within the country.
Image Source: The Mercury News
