Virus-confined Med states wilt in record heat wave

Across the Mediterranean with its tantalising beaches, a record heatwave has hit countries just as they cautiously ease COVID-19 lockdowns, stoking hopes the new season will help fight the virus. The mercury has shot above 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) and the suffocating heat since the weekend is forecast to run for several more days. On the holiday island of Cyprus, poised to further ease lockdown measures this week, authorities issued a…