麻豆社

Pascale Harter introduces analysis, reportage and personal reflections from correspondents around the world.

In India, the financial capital Mumbai has recorded more than 50,000 coronavirus cases, taking it past the peak in China鈥檚 Wuhan where the virus first emerged. The surge coincides with India鈥檚 decision to relax measures after three months of strict lockdown; opening markets, shopping malls, places of worship and offices, in order to minimise economic hardships. But, says Yogita Limaye, hospitals need more help as Mumbai enters even more unstable times.

There鈥檚 been widespread revolt in Minnesota, where George Floyd was killed by a police officer kneeling on his neck. So much so that the Minneapolis City Council has announced plans to disband the police and introduce community-based public safety programmes instead. At the core of these actions is an acknowledgement that police tactics have disproportionately targeted African Americans. Jo Erickson is originally British, but moved to Minneapolis a few years ago. She has had first-hand experience of the policing there.

Being under lockdown is not comparable to being a blindfolded hostage, and yet they have something in common. When your usual routine is stolen, the more it makes you think. You travel the landscape of the mind, and sometimes find unexpected things there. During lockdown in Ireland, no guests have been allowed to the home. But former hostage Brian Keenan has had unexpected visitors to his garden. They were a fox, an owl and a squirrel, and inspired a philosophical tale about our times.

Presenter: Pascale Harter
Producer: Bethan Head

(Image: A man walks inside a hospital constructed to treat coronavirus patients in Mumbai, India. Credit: Reuters/Francis Mascarenhas)