Worldwide / 56

Officials remind locals to flush only toilet paper

March 20, 2020

During these times when people are hoarding toilet paper, it is surprising to find out what El Pasoans are flushing down their toilets. "They are not flushable, and they are not biodegradable", Mike Magnuson, director of Public Works, said in a statement.

Australia closes borders to stop coronavirus

March 20, 2020

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Arden said the spread of the COVID-19 in other parts of the world had made it increasingly clear New Zealand needed to take even stronger border measures. Announcing the new crowd restrictions, Mr Morrison said there will be a maximum limit of "four square metres provided per person in an enclosed space".

Lebanon militia veteran accused of torture returned to US, Trump says

March 20, 2020

Two American citizens who have been detained in Iran and Lebanon have been released from detention, the Trump administration said on Thursday, as Washington ramped up efforts to get them freed amid the coronavirus outbreak. "We had left the matter to the Lebanese judiciary. We would appreciate you letting him out", he said. "It's hard to put into words how grateful and relieved we are to finally be returning to the United States with Amer", said Fakhoury's family in a statement.

Despite no reported coronavirus, Hawaii won't let cruise ship passengers disembark

March 20, 2020

FILE - In this June 4, 2010, file photo, the Maasdam , a 1258-passenger cruise ship, sits at anchor in Frenchman's Bay off Bar Harbor, Maine. The other ship, the Azmara Pursuit - with 665 passengers and almost 400 crew - had earlier crossed into Chilean waters from the southern Argentine port of Ushuaia.

China's new coronavirus cases from overseas at new high

March 20, 2020

China has reported a total of 80,928 confirmed cases of the COVID-19, of which 3,245 have died and 70,420 patients were discharged after treatment. The Chinese city of Wuhan has reported no new cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) for the first time since the outbreak, the Wuhan Municipal Health Commission said on Thursday .

Coronavirus: University of Ghana students asked to vacate halls by Saturday

March 20, 2020

Additionally, classes will be taught remotely for the remainder of the semester "in order to ensure that students complete the semster as safely as possible". "If you look at the CDC guidance, I think the number one thing is we don't want large crowds of people congregating right now", DeSanis said. Howard University students and alumni are none too pleased in particular about University officials canceling commencement.

Australia Will Close Its Borders to All Non-Citizens and Non-Residents

March 20, 2020

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced Australia will close its borders to all non-citizens and non-residents from tomorrow, March 20, at 9pm. Mr Morrison said about 80 per cent of coronavirus cases in Australia were the result of somebody who had contracted the virus overseas or someone who had direct contact with somebody who returned from overseas.

Erdogan discusses migrant crisis, Syria with Macron, Merkel and Johnson

March 20, 2020

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, German Chancellor Angela Merkel , French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson discussed the humanitarian aid to Idlib, the last rebel-held stronghold in Syria, said the state-run Anadolu agency.

Ontario confirms 43 new coronavirus cases, total rises to 251 active cases

March 20, 2020

Ontario confirmed 23 new cases of novel coronavirus on Wednesday, bringing the total for that province up to 212. Ontario health officials confirmed that province's first death from COVID-19 on Tuesday, a 77-year-old man in the Muskoka region was a close contact of another positive case.

Virus sees new travel bans, bank response

March 20, 2020

Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has this week been advising those Australians still overseas and wanting to return home to do so as soon as possible, with every country in the world now zoned as ' do not travel ' by Smartraveller.

Janta Curfew: All You Need to Know About The 'Self Isolation' Advisory

March 20, 2020

In a almost 30-minute speech, PM Modi asked senior citizens above 60 years to stay indoors and also announced a COVID-19 Special Task Force under Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman . PM Modi has advised citizens to stay indoors on March 22 as much as possible. The drill was also done at Rome to make people practice it when needed.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand endorses former rival Joe Biden

March 20, 2020

Former US Vice President Joe Biden is now closer to winning the Democratic Party's nomination for the presidential election in November . Former Democratic presidential candidate Representative Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) holds a Town Hall meeting on Super Tuesday Primary night on March 3 in Detroit, Michigan.

NY considering stay-at-home order within 48 hours

March 20, 2020

But he says he won't give the order without consulting with the governor. With West Virginia reporting its first case on Tuesday night, all 50 USA states have now observed the fast-traveling virus, which originated in China's Hubei province and has since spread to more than 150 countries.

Trump mulls sending all who cross border illegally to Mexico

March 20, 2020

Homeland Security Department spokeswoman Heather Swift said the president was focused on protecting Americans from the coronavirus and that "all options are on the table". Officials say Trump has the authority to enforce the new policy under a law that says the USA can deny entry if the Surgeon General believes there is a "serious danger" of spreading a communicable disease, the Associated Press reported Wednesday.

United States advises citizens not to travel overseas

March 20, 2020

Level 4 is generally reserved for nations in the midst of war or similar national disruptions, according to the New York Times . Until the upgrade, the department's advice to US citizens was to "reconsider" all worldwide travel under what is known as a "level three" alert.

Atlanta's Old Fourth Distillery Supplies Free Hand Sanitizer

March 20, 2020

While liquor brands like Tito's don't want you to turn your booze into hand sanitizer , craft distilleries around the country who know a thing or two about high-proof alcohol have begun producing hand sanitizer to help out their local communities at a time of great need.

Diocese of Poona suspends Holy Mass and worship

March 20, 2020

Calling the suspension of public Masses, "the most hard decision I have ever made", Bishop Quinn said it is, "based on my desire to protect our people as advised by public officials and health care experts". In a statement, the church issued the directive noting that it had come up with measures to prevent the virus, after the government announced that seven people had so far been infected.

Brazilian president tests negative for coronavirus in 2nd test

March 20, 2020

Brazil has 428 confirmed cases of coronavirus as the country grapples with the virus threat. Brazil confirmed its first coronavirus-related death on Tuesday, when a 62-year-old man who tested positive for the virus died on Monday, four days after being admitted to a hospital in Sao Paulo.

Italy reports deadliest day of coronavirus outbreak

March 20, 2020

An army spokesperson said 15 trucks and 50 soldiers had been deployed to move coffins to neighbouring provinces. Officials also sought help with cremations after the local crematorium was unable to keep up. The novel coronavirus has infected more than 227,000 people globally and killed more than 9,300. "At the moment it is not sensible to say anything else", Giuseppe Conte told Il Corriere della Sera .

Abortion removed from Crimes Act as bill passes third reading

March 20, 2020

The new law is expected to be signed by the nation's governor general. Pro-choice lawmakers and advocates in New Zealand celebrated Wednesday after Parliament voted to remove abortion care from the country's Crimes Act , classifying the procedure as a matter of healthcare rather than criminal activity.

Covid-19: London shutdown underway as transport service scales down

March 20, 2020

But scientists warned that reducing the service risked making carriages even more packed and exposing any key health workers who are trying to reach hospitals to coronavirus . Mr Khan also suggested transport in the capital could be scaled back even further. Asked at the United Kingdom government's daily coronavirus press conference on Wednesday about whether London would see further legal restrictions, Johnson said: "We live in land of liberty, as you know, and it's one of the great ...

Delhi bus gang-rape convicts to hang on Friday: Lawyer

March 20, 2020

Fresh pleas by Mukesh Singh and Akshay Kumar Singh against their scheduled hangings were also rejected by a bench comprising Justices R. Banumathi and Ashok Bhushan. However, Nirbhaya's mother Asha Devi said her daughter's soul will now rest in peace. What is the Nirbhaya case? . The extended courtroom drama had started two days ago with the convicts filing yet another petition in the trial court to play for more time.

South Florida remains highest concentration of coronavirus cases in state

March 20, 2020

The mayors of Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale, two of the most popular beach destinations in the state, issued orders to close their beaches Sunday. DeSantis made the comment on "Fox & Friends" after images of students on spring break crowding Florida beaches surfaced this week, despite officials' encouragement of social distancing .

US Suspends Routine Visa Services Due To Coronavirus Outbreak

March 19, 2020

The advisory added that citizens abroad should "arrange for immediate return" unless they are prepared to stay overseas indefinitely. POLITICO first reported the plans for the advisory earlier Thursday. "So putting the world on par with those countries due to coronavirus shows you how seriously the State Department is taking the spread of coronavirus worldwide".

New jail inmates in UP to be quarantined for 10 days

March 19, 2020

The staff have also been instructed to avail the video conference facility to maximum extent instead of physical production of inmates to the court. Other visitors and appointments too are canceled with the inmates. On Monday, local prisoner advocacy organization American Friends Service Committee-Arizona delivered an open letter to Governor Doug Ducey and ADC Director David Shinn, calling on them to take further necessary steps to ensure that the COVID-19 outbreak does not harm one of ...

Mnuchin: Family of 4 Could Get $3K Under Virus Relief Plan

March 19, 2020

McConnell provided further detail in a speech on the Senate floor Thursday. $300 billion to small businesses to hire people or keep employees on their payrolls. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell vowed to move a massive $ 1 trillion economic stimulus bill at "warp speed ". "What we'll do is have a 30-minute roll call vote".

US has approved anti-malarial drug to treat coronavirus: Donald Trump

March 19, 2020

Early reports of Raoult's trial were positive, with Raoult saying chloroquine appeared to shorten the time that people with COVID-19 are infectious. If you've been exposed to coronavirus and you're better, you don't have the virus in your blood. Trump also claimed that the White House has "slashed red tape" to speed up approval for vaccines and other treatments.

Coronavirus: UK government: Schools to close for most pupils

March 19, 2020

Who are key workers? By giving headteachers flexibility on how they can get meals or shop vouchers to these children, they can make the most appropriate decisions for families in their communities, and provide immediate reassurance that this important support will continue.

Virus epicentre in China reports no new Covid-19 cases

March 19, 2020

The Chinese city that became the epicenter of the global coronavirus pandemic has reported no new cases of the disease, the Associated Press has reported - offering hope to the rest of the world. Of the 34 imported infections, Beijing accounted for 21 cases, a daily record for the city. Chinese authorities had initially imposed a lockdown on Wuhan, the epicentre of the coronavirus in China, and other areas.

EU Brexit negotiator Barnier tests positive for Covid-19

March 19, 2020

Barnier's boss, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, also sent a warm message, wishing him a swift recovery. Her chief spokesman revealed she last met with the Frenchman nearly two weeks ago, and has shown no symptoms associated with the virus.

Tulsi Gabbard Suspends Presidential Campaign, Endorses Joe Biden

March 19, 2020

She earned her only two delegates by finishing second in American Samoa, where she was born. While campaigning for president, the Hawaii congresswoman, who also serves as a major in the Army National Guard, made history leaving the campaign trail for two weeks serving on active duty in Indonesia.

World Health Organization head tells Africa to ‘wake up’ to coronavirus threat

March 19, 2020

Amid the mounting coronavirus scare, the World Health Organisation (WHO ) has disclosed that not less than 17 casualties were recorded within the period of 24 hours in Africa. The new cases were confirmed by the special adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on new media, Tolu Ogunlesi, on Wednesday, March 18, barely twenty-four hours after the third case was reported.

Indians overseas infected with coronavirus, Centre tells Parliament

March 19, 2020

The COVID-19 outbreak in sanctions-hit Iran is one of the deadliest for any country outside China , where the disease originated. The Swiss firm Roche Diagnostics India received the license for conducting coronavirus tests after approval from drug regulator DCGI, making it the first private firm to get such permission after the government made a decision to allow accredited private labs to test for COVID-19, a senior health ministry official said.

Are people in NJ really putting up their Christmas lights?

March 19, 2020

So people across the United States have been putting their Christmas lights back up to spread a little joy and optimism amid the fear and panic due to the spread of Covid-19, PEOPLE reports. And for parents with kids home from school for an indefinite period, the need for a light at the end of the tunnel is especially significant, which is why a call to get the Christmas lights back out is taking the internet by storm.

Guelph Humane Society closed to the public

March 19, 2020

Animal shelters across the country have put out messages asking people to consider becoming pet fosters to prepare for any impact coronavirus may have on their ability to take care of the animals. The Nevada Humane Society has implemented some changes to ensure safety for those picking up new pets. If you're interested in adopting or fostering a pet , they ask everyone to schedule an appointment.

Coronavirus deaths rise by record 475 in one day

March 19, 2020

Italy has hit its highest daily coronavirus death toll yet, as 475 people have died in the last 24 hours alone - bringing the nation's overall death toll to almost 3,000 on Wednesday. But Lothar Wieler, head of the Germany's disease control institute, warned that unless social contacts are reduced, his country could have 10 million infected people in two to three months.

Coronavirus: European Council bans non-essential travel to the EU for 30 days

March 19, 2020

On Tuesday, a 35 kilometre-long queue formed at the Polish-German border, where hundreds of Europeans - Latvians, Estonians and Lithuanians - were stuck in trucks, cars and buses. "I spoke today on the phone with the Chinese premier, Li Kequiang", said Von der Leyen. Li also expressed hope that the European Union will attach importance to ensuring the safety of and bringing convenience to life of Chinese citizens, including overseas students, in European Union countries.

International Monetary Fund rejects Venezuela's loan request against coronavirus

March 19, 2020

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) made another controversial decision on Tuesday by rejecting Venezuela's emergency loan request to fight the growing deadly coronavirus pandemic, suggesting that only US-friendly states could be entitled to receive aid.

Greece to restrict migrant camp movements in virus measure

March 19, 2020

Turkey has been accused of "Fanning the flames of Europe's coronavirus crisis" by crowding migrants onto its frontier with Greece . "Greek authorities must act now to prevent other tragedies and plan swift decongestion of the islands", she said.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern issues a sweeping coronavirus travel BAN

March 19, 2020

Australia and New Zealand will close their borders to all people who are not citizens or permanent residents of their respective countries in a bid to combat the spread of Covid-19. 'I want to thank Qantas also, you are offering to work with us to make sure they maintain flights from particular parts of the world that can assist Australians to return to Australia and we will be working closely with them, and those Australians who are overseas, we have been encouraging them to return to ...

Coronavirus outbreak: No plan to lock down city, says CM Uddhav Thackeray

March 19, 2020

Three people have so far died of the infection in the country. Thackeray said the government had no plans to enforce a lockdown of any city in Maharashtra, but requested people to avoid thronging temples, mosques, churches and other public spaces.

UK Trade Talks Confirmed Cancelled This Week

March 19, 2020

If both sides are unable to strike a trade deal and the United Kingdom does not seek an extension to the transition period, both sides will default to trading on World Trade Organization terms on 1 January 2021. Minister Michael Gove admitted earlier this month that the outbreak could delay talks but asserted that the United Kingdom will leave on time. "Both sides remain fully committed to the negotiations and we remain in regular contact with the European Commission to consider ...

All UK schools to close

March 19, 2020

The shutting of schools will alter the lives of nearly nine million British children. "So, I can announce today. that after schools shut their gates from Friday afternoon, they will remain closed for the vast majority of pupils until further notice".

How is Pomeranian dog tested positive for coronavirus in Hong Kong?

March 19, 2020

The first known dog to test positive for the coronavirus has died in Hong Kong after apparently recovering from the disease, according to a local report . The little dog does remain in quarantine, but the dog has been tested again and now has given a negative result. Animals have been at the centre of the coronavirus outbreak, which emerged in China late previous year and has now spread around the world, infecting more than 198,000 people and killing 8,000.

Buhari reduces petroleum pump price to N125

March 19, 2020

The corporation said it has reviewed its Ex-coastal, Ex-depot and NNPC Retail pump prices accordingly. ANNOUNCEMENT: The official Price of Petrol in Nigeria is now N125 per Litre. Crude oil price dropped to $26, its lowest point in 18 years on Wednesday. The move is also a step in the direction of deregulating the downstream sector as petrol retail price will be adjusted any development in the global oil market.

Beijing hit by record imported coronavirus cases, but zero local China transmissions

March 19, 2020

A total of 80,894 confirmed cases of the COVID-19 had been reported on the mainland as of Tuesday and 3,237 people died of the disease, the health officials said. "It comes from China", Trump told reporters. "I want to be accurate". Media captionStudents in Guizhou province, south-west China, are returning to school after more than a month off What did Donald Trump say? The renewed spat came after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo spoke by phone with Chinese Politburo member Yang Jiechi, ...

Testing, isolation and contact tracing need to be urgently improved

March 19, 2020

According to AFP data, based on official sources, more than 169,710 cases have been registered in 142 countries and territories. The WHO and its partners are therefore organizing a large study across many countries to compare some untested treatments.

China reports just one new domestic virus infection

March 19, 2020

Chinese government censors, usually quick to delete accounts sending out information about the epidemic not previously approved by the ruling party, appear to be turning a blind eye to growing conspiracy theories that the virus originated in the United States and was covered up by the Trump administration.

Italy reports 475 new coronavirus deaths in just 1 day

March 19, 2020

People have been asked to stay indoors - but the number of deaths has continued to spiral. "Every time you leave home, it's a risk for you and for others", said Fontana. We will make a decision based on the numbers and events. The Gimbe Foundation research group, using data supplied by the national health authority, said that between March 11-17, some 2,529 health workers had been diagnosed with coronavirus - 8.3% of the national total of coronavirus cases.

Salt Lake City airport evacuates, halts operations following magnitude 5.7 quake

March 19, 2020

Operations at the state's public health laboratory were halted as the building is assessed for damage, the state Department of Health said . Planes headed to Salt Lake City were diverted. . Additional aftershocks are expected throughout the day. "We're hearing of lights falling down, bookcases falling down, we've heard of water lines breaking inside of buildings", Dougherty said.

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