Worldwide / 162

Al-Aqsa Mosque and Dome of the Rock closed by coronavirus

March 17, 2020

In historic footage shared on social media, loudspeakers at mosques in the small Gulf state can be heard emitting a changed adhan, or call to prayer - something unthinkable for many Muslims. Iraq's most influential Shiite cleric, Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, whose Friday sermon from Karbala provides guidance for millions, last week urged people to abide by a ban on mass prayers.

Senate meeting over coronavrius bill despite warning against large gatherings

March 17, 2020

Still, some 40 Republicans voted against it, including Gohmert. The new aid proposal comes after Congress passed an $8.3 billion plan to handle the outbreak. Senate Democrats on Monday proposed a $750 billion aid package to combat the spread of the coronavirus, which over the past several days has hurtled affected areas in the USA into a near shutdown.

Iran death toll from virus climbs to 988

March 17, 2020

Out of over 183,500 confirmed cases, the death toll now exceeds 7,100, while more than 79,900 have recovered, according to Worldometer, a website that compiles new case numbers. President Hassan Rouhani reiterated his call for people to refrain from travelling. Harirchi's story is a microcosm of what has happened in Iran in the pandemic.

Malaysia restricts travel, shuts schools and businesses to combat coronavirus

March 17, 2020

Schools also have to close. There is no curfew per se, but the public is encourage to stay at home as all public movement and mass gatherings are being restricted. The government is also shutting down all government and private premises "except those involved in essential services namely water, electricity, energy, telecommunications, postal, transportation, irrigation, oil, gas, fuel, lubricants, broadcasting, finance, banking, health, pharmacy, fire, prison, port, airport, safety, defence, ...

Croatian minister considers proposal on temporary restrictions to enter European Union rational

March 17, 2020

European Union countries should carry out health screening on one side of the border only and "all border controls should be applied in a proportionate manner and with due regard to people's health". The free movement of goods and people across member states is viewed as one of the key achievements of the European Union. This is the only way to prevent shortages of medical equipment or food.

Northeastern Student Tests Positive For Coronavirus

March 17, 2020

Beginning today, all face-to-face instruction will transition to online and remote learning through at least April 5. Students that reside on campus have also been notified they should prepare to move out of the dorms by 5 p.m. In a message to the campus community, UA President Gary Miller said the changes were made in response to the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. However, we understand that not all of our students have the ability to make it home during this time.

Chief elections officials issue statement on status of March 17 primaries

March 17, 2020

In some states, polling locations have been relocated to mitigate the risks of the coronavirus . The Ohio Association of Election Officials has pushed the state legislature to let counties reduce staffing at polling locations since 2015.

After COVID-19 hit, Princess Cruises now reports 2019 data breach

March 17, 2020

A cruise ship with at least five confirmed cases of coronavirus is frantically searching for a place to dock after being denied several ports of entry into the Caribbean. A total of 3,700 passengers and 1,100 crew members were expected to be on board. Tony Evers indicated at 4:18 am on Monday, March 16, the 29 Wisconsin passengers from the Grand Princess cruise ship were safely returned to their homes.

World Health Organization urges urgent testing for COVID-19

March 17, 2020

Later, Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, the technical lead for WHO Health Emergencies Program, added that countries need to increase the number of labs, availability of test kits, and the number of people who can conduct those tests. Handwashing and coughing into your elbow can reduce the risk for yourself and others. According to AFP data, based on official sources, more than 169,710 cases have been registered in 142 countries and territories.

Karnataka reports two new coronavirus cases

March 17, 2020

Medical Education Minister Dr Sudhakar K, said, "The techie returned from the United States via London on March 8 on the same flight as the fourth patient who tested positive". On Monday , Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa took a slew of measures to contain the spread of the dreaded virus and held a video conference with all the Deputy Commissioners across the state.

Canada closing borders to non-citizens, non-residents

March 17, 2020

The prime minister cited the close relationship between Canada and the USA for the reason behind the exception for American citizens. Airline operators will also be required to screen all travellers for symptoms of the virus to prevent sick people from boarding.

Coronavirus: Prime Minister advises against mass gatherings

March 17, 2020

He also advised that people should work from home wherever possible. Unnecessary travel should be reduced and stopped. He also said that if one person in a household shows the symptoms, all of the household should stay at home. He said it was essential to ensure "those with the most serious health conditions are largely shielded from social contact for around 12 weeks". "I think the fact that you can have two schools a mile apart and one school's open and one school's closed, that's a very ...

Germany imposes border controls with 5 countries in virus fightback

March 17, 2020

Cars drive north to the German-Danish border crossing near Flensburg before border controls take effect. Seehofer said the virus has been spreading in Germany and its neighboring countries, but has not reached its peak yet. Sehofer stressed that border controls would be temporary. Under the Corona virus, they have urged citizens to desist from social activity. "This sparked a lot of questions and unrest in the neighbouring states", he said.

BC Health Officials ban gatherings of over 50 people

March 17, 2020

Bonnie Henry said in a joint statement. Last week the province announced that it was banning all gatherings of more than 250 people. Provincial health officials have challenged the federal government to ban visitors from the United States.

Province Taking Action To Protect Workers

March 17, 2020

In response to events here at home and around the world, private-sector economists have revised the economic outlook used to develop the 2020 Ontario Budget scheduled to be released next Wednesday. David Fisman, an epidemiologist at the University of Toronto's Dalla Lana School of Public Health, has argued for weeks that the limited testing being done in Canada would put the country at a severe disadvantage.And that means officials must adopt population-wide strategies to stop the spread ...

Inslee to order all bars/restaurants to close to fight virus

March 17, 2020

Inslee said King County, the epicenter of the outbreak, will implement the restrictions immediately. "If we are living a normal life right now, we are just not doing our job as Washingtonians". The ban will not apply to grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations and banks. Gov. Jay Inslee issued an executive order Sunday night closing restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues, in addition to banning gatherings of more than 50 people.

Canada is closed: PM Trudeau locks down country over coronavirus

March 17, 2020

He addressed the nation from self-isolation at Rideau Cottage, updating Canadians on the measures being taken to combat the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. "They're getting outta Dodge". Mr Trudeau said the borders will remain open for shipping, but said his government will restrict flights to Canadian airports in four major cities.

China's imported coronavirus cases exceed new local infections for second day

March 17, 2020

Zhao Lijian's comments fall in line with a conspiracy theory that has recently gained popularity in China. Robert Redfield, director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), said in the video that some patients who were previously diagnosed to have died from the flu were found to have actually died from the coronavirus.

China reports 21 new cases on Monday

March 17, 2020

The 37-year-old woman, surnamed Li, is a Chinese citizen who lives and works in Massachusets. She'd attended a company meetingfrom February 26-27 where another attendee later tested positive for coronavirus , she told Chinese authorities.

Spanish King renounces inheritance from father amid scandal

March 17, 2020

A later report in Britain's Daily Telegraph said that 52-year-old King Felipe was also a beneficiary of the fund, which it said had been set up when Juan Carlos was still on the throne. From that moment on, his abdication seemed as if it was just a matter of time, and he announced it in June 2014. Soon after the media reports, Spain's hard-left party Podemos called for an investigation into suspected money laundering by Juan Carlos .

Dow skids almost 3,000 points - biggest drop since 1987

March 17, 2020

The circuit breaker was also triggered for the third time in the last week, leading to a 15-minute halt in trading shortly after the opening. Millions of Americans began their work week holed up at home Monday against the coronavirus outside their doors, as the escalating outbreak shifted the nation's daily routines in ways never before seen in USA history.

2,000 Charleston cruise passengers released without coronavirus screening

March 17, 2020

As of Saturday, federal officials said more than 2,900 individuals from the Grand Princess cruise shop - 2,400-plus passengers and some 500 crew - have since left the boat when it arrived in the harbor March 9th. A cruise ship due in Wellington with a suspected coronavirus case is missing the capital and Melbourne-bound. The person will be tested today with results expected tomorrow.

Province ramps up response to COVID-19 pandemic

March 17, 2020

The only other death in Canada was in B.C.at the Lynn Valley Care Care Centre in North Vancouver, where there has been a cluster of cases. "Hospitals will only undertake urgent and emergency procedures and will postpone all non-urgent, scheduled surgeries", Dix said.

Coronavirus: The Prime Minister’s full statement

March 17, 2020

External borders remain open, as do the country's schools. "However, it is very likely, based on other viral infections, that yes, once a person has had the infection they will generally be immune and won't get it again". This is a significant period of time. So far, 36 people in the United Kingdom have died from the virus. Last Friday, the coronavirus pandemic wiped out most of the world's major sporting events in an unprecedented 24 hours .

Coronavirus death toll now tops 2,000

March 17, 2020

The World Health Organization has said most people will recover from the virus, and nearly 74,000 have, mostly in China, where the virus is believed to have originated. The Italian government has effected a near-total lockdown and approved €25 billion for emergency measures, including incentives for workers and and baby-sitting vouchers for parents.

COVID-19: City of Vancouver suspending ‘non-essential’ services

March 17, 2020

This brings the provincial death toll to four - all related to the care centre in North Vancouver. Last week, Henry issued a provincial health officer order cancelling all gatherings of more than 250 people. Casinos have also been closed. In his statement, Stewart also said he had spoken already with the federal Housing Minister and would soon be in touch with B.C.'s housing minister and the deputy prime minister, and stressed the need to work with Ottawa and Victoria to "make sure our ...

Trump offered German firm cash for USA coronavirus vaccine

March 17, 2020

The vaccine company in question has denied reports of Trump's courtship. The U.S. government has spoken with many (more than 25) companies that claim they can help with a vaccine. "If we are successful in developing an effective vaccine, then it should help and protect people across the world", he said . "With their decision to offer a possible vaccine to everyone, they sent a clear statement to everyone about their feelings towards the crisis, Germany is not for sale".

Brothers Cleaned Out All Local Stores Buying 18K Bottles Of Hand Sanitizer

March 16, 2020

The pair had first started scooping up the supplies on March 1, a day after the first coronavirus-related death in the United States was announced. In the end, Noah had driven 1,300 miles and filled a U-Haul truck to the brim. As millions of people around the country search for these products to help fight the spread of the coronavirus , the Colvin brothers are sitting on 17,700 bottles of hand sanitizer alone with no idea how to sell them.

France holds local elections despite coronavirus pandemic

March 16, 2020

Religious buildings would remain open but gatherings and ceremonies should be postponed . It follows President Emmanuel Macron appearing on national television on Thursday and saying the "national crisis" meant all schools, colleges and universities will close from Monday.

Covid-19 Arrives in Manitoba

March 16, 2020

Brent Roussin. The woman had recently travelled to the Philippines where she was exposed to the virus. She's been tested and results are expected back in 24 to 48 hours. Routledge provided an update on the province's response to COVID-19, and answered questions related to efforts in First Nations communities. Those who have already booked appointment times will be contacted via email regarding cancellations.

NY orders restaurants, bars, movie theaters shut

March 16, 2020

With testing for the novel strain of the coronavirus (COVID-19) ramping up throughout the state, NY has seen 221 newly confirmed cases the last 24 hours, bringing the statewide total to 950. Albany International Airport reported it remains fully operational, though some of the airlines that serve it are considering a reduction in service and it is subject to state and federal directives.

Filipinos on quarantined Grand Princess cruise ship to return home

March 16, 2020

A woman photographs the Golden Princess as it sits at anchor off Akaroa, New Zealand, yesterday. . Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Saturday New Zealand had banned all cruise ships from entering the country until June 30 and all travelers coming from overseas must self-isolate for 14 days upon their arrival.

‘Nobody should lose their job’: Ontario to protect workers during COVID-19

March 16, 2020

Five cases are listed as resolved. That's a smaller increase than the 43 new cases announced in the province Sunday morning. He said the province is taking the advice from Ontario's chief medical officer of health. More than 8,460 people have been tested for cornavirus across the province. "These are unprecedented times but in hard times like these, we learn a lot".

US health department hit by cyber attack during coronavirus

March 16, 2020

At this time, it seems that no data was obtained during the attacks, according to one of Bloomberg's anonymous sources. Meanwhile on Sunday , false text messages began circulating disinformation that the Trump administration was preparing for a national quarantine, something the NSC declared as "FAKE", late Sunday night.

Latest key points about coronavirus in the UK

March 16, 2020

Health Secretary Matt Hancock told BBC television on Sunday "We are going to take the powers to make sure that we can quarantine people if they are a risk to public health". Ministers are planning to give police the power to arrest people with coronavirus who are not self-isolating, the Health Secretary has confirmed.

Virus scare tightens European Union nations' border controls

March 16, 2020

The controls took effect at 8 a.m. Monday. Seehofer said people will be banned from entering and leaving Germany , except for those who commute across the borders for work. It is not a shutdown, "a French Interior Ministry source told AFP". In Berlin, national police chief Dieter Romann also said: "We are not closing the borders".

Italy records 368 new coronavirus deaths in 24 hours

March 16, 2020

The number of deaths increased by 368 to 1,809. "The numbers have continued to grow". The country, which has been on lockdown since last week, reports that nearly 2,000 people have recovered from the coronavirus in the nation. Most cases in Lombardy have been in small towns in areas like Bergamo and Brescia, but there have been fears of a major spread into Milan itself, which could overwhelm hospitals.

South Korea reports 74 new COVID-19 infections, including church cluster

March 16, 2020

That is well below a February 29 peak of 909. According to the Korea Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (KCDC) reports 63.5 per cent of all confirmed cases in the country were "related to Shincheonji". "We are still investigating who those patients had contact with", KCDC chief Jeong Eun-kyeong told reporters. Starting Sunday, South Korea began to subject visitors from France, Germany, Britain, Spain and the Netherlands to - " special entry procedure " - stricter border checks.

All bars, restaurants to close to dine-in customers in IL

March 16, 2020

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) also announced that all bars, pubs, and wineries in the state will close. IL bars and restaurants will be closed for the next two weeks. Jay Inslee said "hours count and very strong measures are necessary to slow the spread of the disease". Additionally, lawmakers are calling for more action.

Fauci Doubts US Will See Domestic Travel Restrictions 'in the Immediate Future'

March 16, 2020

Anthony Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , said he "would like to see a dramatic decrease in the personal interaction we see" in these places. Fauci dismissed the question and added that social distancing and limiting physical contact between people is one of the most important focuses right now.

Governor Beshear Tests Negative For Coronavirus

March 16, 2020

The three new cases are patients from Jefferson and Clark Counties. Beshear also revealed that he had been tested himself - with results coming back negative - after attending a public event in Louisville where another attendee later tested positive.

Most Malaysia coronavirus cases linked to Islamic gathering

March 16, 2020

He said their appointments on a contract basis was to beef up the manpower capacity at 135 government hospitals across the country in view of the spike in Covid-19 cases since last week. A total of 85 Bruneians attended the gathering, and 18 tested positive. Announcing a US$230 million increase in the previously unveiled $4.7 billion stimulus package, Muhyiddin said he would make a big announcement later in the day, amid talks of a wider lockdown.

Coronavirus threatening 40000 prisoners in Afghanistan, warns Taliban

March 16, 2020

The insurgents had earlier rejected the offer and demanded that up to 5,000 captives are released ahead of talks, citing the US-Taliban deal signed last month that excluded Kabul. "If someone claims this, it will be against the peace accord that we signed on February 29", Shaheen said. The prisoner release mentioned in the US-Taliban deal is meant to open the way for the start of the intra-Afghan negotiations.

PM announces mandatory two week self-isolation for all arrivals in Australia

March 16, 2020

The order, which comes into effect on March 16, is meant to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus in Australia. Scott Morrison has confirmed the Australian government is advising against non-essential public events of 500 people or more from Monday, as it works to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Missouri shooting: Five dead, including gunman

March 16, 2020

Walsh was with the Springfield police for three and a half years, was an army veteran and was active in the army reserves. The other injured officer has been identified as Josiah Overton. A person armed with a gun entered the store and started to shoot customers and employees, police said. He also declined to identify the shooter. Police had no idea of the motive behind the shooting, Williams said.

COVID-19 in Ontario: Here's what you need to know today

March 16, 2020

The number of cases over the weekend nearly doubled, prompting an escalation in the message to Canadians from Dr. Teresa Tam, Canada's chief public health officer. The Liberal government will soon announce a major stimulus package to help those hit by the outbreak. He will be joined by Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland , Health Minister Patty Hajdu, as well as the ministers for families, public safety, and transportation.

Provincial officials advise against school closures in Alberta

March 16, 2020

Teachers and other school staff will still be expected to work, either from home or at their workplace, to ensure these expectations are met. Decisions on how to do this are still to be made, and it may vary depending on the school jurisdiction.

Prominent Canadians in self-isolation amid COVID-19 pandemic

March 16, 2020

The woman has a travel history of being in the United States. Canada's Ontario provincial government reported 39 new cases of COVID-19 Sunday morning, increasing the provincial total to 142. The Eastern Ontario Health Unit would have received the information on the positive test result, then passed it along to the province as required. In response to the increased traffic at grocery stores across the province, the government has issued a statement assuring residents of Ontario's "robust" ...

Number of positive coronavirus tests in United Kingdom rises to 1,140

March 16, 2020

It has been suggested No 10 has performed a U-turn by announcing late on Friday that mass gatherings will be banned from next weekend although schools are expected to remain open. They were in being treated in hospitals in Buckinghamshire, Birmingham, Wolverhampton , Leicester, London and Chester. He gave his "sincere condolences" to the friends and families affected, adding "every single one of us has a role to play" in reducing the spread of the virus .

Coronavirus: Bring your blankets, railways tells passengers

March 16, 2020

To contain the spread of novel coronavirus, the Western Railway (WR) will screen passengers with a travel history to seven countries in the past one month and cancel their train ticket on the spot if they show symptoms of COVID-19, Mumbai Mirror has reported .

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