lockdown | Westminster World

Dec62020 by Words: Lubna bin Zayyad Interviews/Inforgraphics: Emily Latimer Production/Video: Mercy Ajisafe Researcher: Tianning Gao. Sub-editor: Emily FerrierNo Comments

‘All my clients wanted to carry on’ -Why this personal trainer refused to shut her business

Breaking News, Business, Covid-19, economy, Explainers, Fitness, Hunger Strike

Image by Jonathan Borba All non-essential businesses and storefronts were ordered to shut down on November 5 ahead of another month-long lockdown. While most shops obliged – (although reluctantly), a few small business owners continued to operate during restrictions. Lauren Sundre*, 27, is a personal trainer in Liverpool who continued to hold gym sessions despite the regional lockdown. “The main thing that made me continue was the fact that all my clients wanted to carry on. I felt this sense of responsibility to ensure they were able to do so. I felt very strongly of the fact that what I did posed no threat - but actually improved people’s health,” she told Westminster World. As a newly qualified personal trainer Lauren will not receive any financial support from the go

Nov302020 by Mengqi ZhangNo Comments

‘Cat-and-mouse game’ between the police and anti-lockdown protesters

Adults, Breaking News, Covid-19, crime, Explainers, London, News, protest

Anti-lockdown demonstrators “give the police quite a run around” while 155 of them were arrested. Outside King’s Cross station on 28 November, the Metropolitan police wait for their quarry — anti-lockdown demonstrators. The police are located all over the square. Photo by Mengqi Zhang Piers Corbyn, the core of the anti-lockdown group had called for “a large peaceful educational march in London” 20 days ago. In anticipation, the Met police had warned protesters to “stay at home” and that “any large gatherings in central London will be prohibited by law.” The protest was supposed to start at 12:00pm, however, a massive police deployment replaced the expected large-scale protest demonstrations. Met officers were attempting to disperse protesters amidst a man holding u

Foreign students staying in London for Christmas break express why

brexit, Christmas, Covid-19, Education, EU talents, Explainers, London, Student, virus

The end of the lockdown approaching did not convince some foreign students to travel back. Seven out of ten interviewed told Westminster:World their decision to stay. Two of them have accepted to be featured on this article. Safety as the first priority Credit:Naima Tazergha "My father is not well and it is crucial to protect him from covid-19, and there is always a risk for me to catch the virus while travelling and submitting it to him." Charlotte is from Stockholm in Sweden. She moved to London this Autumn to study her first year of Interior Design at Regent's university. As the government reached to students to encourage them going back home between the 3rd and 9th of December, some don't even consider thinking about it. She is young but knows the risk- the one of c...

Did Boris Johnson force us into a second lockdown based on fake data?

Covid-19, economy, Explainers, Law, London, News, Opinion, Politics, Student, UK news

Photo By: Andrew Pearsons Prime Minister Boris Johnson is allegedly under the impression that he was fooled into enforcing a national lockdown due to ‘dodgy’ data. According to Government scientists, Covid-19 related deaths could rise to 4,000 a week; 4 times the peak we saw in April. This figure is now being discredited, with conflicting data released last week, suggesting cases were dropping, and the second wave may have peaked before the second lockdown began on November 5. Shops and businesses forced to close during second lockdown. Photo: Amelia Hallsworth Figures released last week show 20,572 cases recorded, down from the previous week’s number of 23,254. A total of 156 deaths were recorded across with the UK, compared to 162 from the week prior.&nb

How are musicians making ends meet during the pandemic?

Business, Covid-19, Music, musicians

(Photo: Ellie East) Many people within the creative industry have been affected by financial hardship due to the Coronavirus pandemic. As a result of this, people are looking for new and creative ways to support themselves. With the introduction of the furlough scheme in March, the government has made an effort to ensure workers do not go without. This however, has been a far cry from the the harsh realities faced by people working within the music industry. With little hope and not much to rely on, music professional Ellie East, 21, and her partner started a small music business - Tracks from Scratch. The business aims to produce affordable live instrumentals made from scratch for singers who aren’t able to use or pay for expensive beats from YouTube. For Ellie, the lockdown ha

Londoners enjoy street food markets during lockdown

Business, Covid-19, Food, LifeStyle, London

While many restaurants and eateries remain closed following government guidelines, some outdoor food markets offer London foodies a bounty of good food, keeping you eating well and remaining safe during lockdown. Maltby Street Market stays open during lockdown. (Photo by Hai Anh Vu) As Coronavirus still rampages throughout Europe, and the United Kingdom recommences with a secondary lockdown, the concern for most communities in London is where and how to enjoy leisure activities within the government guidelines. The customers who arrive to Maltby Street Market in Bermondsey, London, are present not only to pursue light outdoor exercise during the weekend, but also to enjoy delicious meals that are provided by their local eateries. Even during lockdown, street food pur...

Apr152020 by Sera MathewsNo Comments

India under nationwide lockdown

Breaking News, Covid-19, Explainer, Explainers, Health, International, virus

As coronavirus forced countries into some kind of lockdown, India and its 1.37b residents have undergone an unprecedented situation of a total lockdown for 21 days. Watch how the action unfolded and why it is necessary. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2BMeHEkZG0