Hong Kong
Asian markets bounced back Friday from the previous day’s steep losses following a strong lead from Wall Street, but an increase in infections across the planet is fanning worries about a second wave. With several US states—particularly Texas, Florida and California—reporting a rebound in cases, there is an increasing sense that leaders will have to stall their economic reopenings and in some cases reimpose containment measures. And the World Health Organization has raised concerns of a new surge in Europe, where lockdown easing has seen flights between countries resume and bars, restaurants and cinemas reopen. Regional director Hans Kluge warned that in 11 nations, “accelerated transmission has led to very significant resurgence that if left unchecked will push health systems to the brink once again in Europe”. However, China, where the disease was first detected late last year, said it had controlled an outbreak in Beijing that had briefly raised fears of a second wave and prompted restrictions.—AFP
