Worldwide / 14

Australian PM says no evidence virus originated in China lab

May 01, 2020

Morrison said that 11 of those targets had already been achieved, but one still outstanding condition in particular would need to be met in order for social restrictions to be lifted next week: a larger percentage of the population would need to download the government's CovidSafe app.

US mulling potential retaliatory action against China over pandemic

May 01, 2020

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping speak during a joint statement in Beijing on November 9, 2017. There is no way that virus came from us. Mr Trump has repeatedly blamed China for its handling of the outbreak, criticising the country for restricting domestic travel to slow the virus but not global travel to keep it from spreading overseas.

Picture of Kim Jong Un lying in a coffin sparks death rumours

May 01, 2020

Top South Korean officials said they know Kim Jong Un's location, in the strongest remarks yet from Seoul since the North Korean leader disappeared from public view more than two weeks ago. Roy Calley, an expert on North Korea and the author of Look With Your Eyes and Tell The World , which offers a fascinating insight into North Korean society, echoed the Pentagon official's sentiments.

300 new Covid-19 cases in SA, Eastern Cape records 647

May 01, 2020

Africa's most industrialized economy is stuck in the longest downward cycle since at least World War II with business confidence at the lowest in more than two decades and nearly a third of the labor force unemployed. "Companies need to be able to produce and to trade, they need to generate revenue and keep their employees in employment". S&P said South Africa's cost of servicing public debt will climb to about 6.5% of GDP by 2023.

United States records more than 2,000 coronavirus deaths in 24-hour period

May 01, 2020

The number of recoveries now stands at 142,238. Experts warn the estimates understate the impact of the pandemic. The country identified 106 498 cases of infection with coronavirus . But it is particularly deadly for those with pre-existing conditions including diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and asthma. The highest number is in the United States, at 153,947, followed by Germany with 123,500 recoveries.

Russian PM Mishustin tests positive for Covid-19

May 01, 2020

Mishustin, who was appointed prime minister in January, has been a conspicuous figure in his country's fight against the pandemic . Putin, who was listening on a televised video conference, sighed when he heard the news, wished Mishustin a speedy recovery and said he agreed with the proposed replacement.

SBC leaders take issue with de Blasio's threat

May 01, 2020

The country has around a third of the world's more than 3 million coronavirus infections and more than 58,000 deaths - with more than 17,000 in New York City . Still, he denied that he has unfairly targeted the Jewish community or that his comments may have reflected a double-standard. You can find us donating blood, raising money to support our neighbors, and in emergency rooms providing critical care.

Alyssa Milano defends Joe Biden after sexual misconduct allegations

May 01, 2020

Already, top female surrogates and allies, including potential vice presidential candidates such as Kamala Harris, Amy Klobuchar and Stacey Abrams , have been asked whether they stand by him. A friend said Reade had told her about the alleged assault at the time. However, Sanchez said she did not remember if Reade specifically named Biden.

Australian contact-tracing app hits a million downloads in one day

May 01, 2020

The COVIDSafe app has been downloaded heavily since its release yesterday. "Fight the misinformation. Remind them how little time they think before they download dozens of free, adware crap games that are likely far worse for their data & privacy than this ever would be".

Gilead vows to increase remdesivir supply in effort to fight coronavirus

May 01, 2020

Specifically, patients on the drug had a 31 percent faster time to recovery. On Thursday, The European Medicines Agency said it has started a "rolling review" of data on the use of Gilead's antiviral drug for the treatment of COVID-19, the disease caused by the highly contagious virus.

Los Angeles To Offer Free COVID-19 Tests To All Residents

May 01, 2020

In addition to those residing in the city, the tests will be available for all residents in the county of Los Angeles, the most populated and one of largest counties in the nation with around 10 million residents in an area that encompasses over 4,000 square miles.

China envoy threatens Australia boycott over virus inquest demand

May 01, 2020

Frustration has been mounting against the WHO's response to the pandemic, with some nations claiming the United Nations-backed organization was too slow to respond. In a Sunday (April 26) interview published by The Australian Financial Review , Ambassador Cheng Jingye was cited as saying that Chinese people were "frustrated, dismayed and disappointed with" Australia's proposed inquest.

Boris Johnson and partner Carrie Symonds have baby boy

May 01, 2020

Asked whether there could be a return to austerity in the aftermath of the pandemic, Mr Johnson said: "I think the economy will bounce back strongly, I think that this Government will want to encourage that bounce back in all kinds of ways".

Governor orders Orange County beaches to close, but others can stay open

May 01, 2020

Gavin Newsom announced Thursday the deployment of a new portal, with childcare information for parents coping with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. But he said he felt he had to do it to protect public health. "As we look to the future, we need to find an appropriate balance". San Diego County also proceeded with plans to open beaches in the county for exercise, not sunbathing - though some towns kept their local beaches closed.

Arab League condemns Israel’s plan to annex parts of West Bank

May 01, 2020

The Arab foreign ministers urged the USA administration to abide by the UN Charter and its resolutions related to the conflict in the Middle East, and back away from supporting schemes and maps prepared by the Israeli occupation government under the so called "US peace plan" which is aimed at annexing large parts of the occupied Palestinian territories to Israel by force.

Trump accuses World Health Organization of being ‘pipe organ’ for China

May 01, 2020

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday he was confident the coronavirus may have originated in a Chinese virology lab, but declined to describe the evidence, ratcheting up tensions with Beijing over the origins of the deadly outbreak.

Millionaire Arrested for Wife’s Murder in $10M Monero Ransom Kidnap Case

May 01, 2020

The couple lived in Fjellhamar, a village about 12 miles northeast of Oslo, in keeping with NRK . All she would receive is a "cabin plot" north of Oslo, 200,000 kroner (£15,000) in cash and a Citroen BX or a vehicle of equivalent quality.

Gov. Gavin Newsom to order all beaches closed, leaked memo says

May 01, 2020

During last weekend's heat wave, thousands flocked to the coastline in Orange County, which, unlike Los Angeles County's , was open to the public. Eric Nunez, president of the California Police Chiefs Association , said a memo was sent to the group's members Wednesday so they have time to plan ahead of Newsom's expected announcement Thursday.

Fauci: Not ready for sports, leagues must 'bite bullet, cancel

May 01, 2020

Visit Insider's homepage for more stories . "It is active against every Coronavirus that we have ever tested". With a vaccine to combat COVID-19 still a ways off - FDA commissioner Hahn tells Fox News the agency has authorized two clinical trials, but that a vaccine could be 12 months away - the ability of remdesivir drug-maker Gilead to produce the drug quickly would be important.

Ontario to release post-pandemic guidelines for businesses

May 01, 2020

There's a light at the end of the tunnel. A Star compilation of data from Ontario's public health units as of 11 a.m. Thursday showed an increase of 467 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 in the previous 24 hours to a total of 17,122 since the virus first came to the province in late January.

Georgia's Stacey Abrams Defends Joe Biden over Sexual Assault Allegations

May 01, 2020

Tara Reade , who worked as a staff assistant in Biden's U.S. Senate office from December 1992 to August 1993, has accused Biden of pinning her against a wall in 1993 and reaching under her shirt and her skirt. A 1993 call to Larry King's CNN talk show also has surfaced in recent days. "He was whispering to me and trying to kiss me at the same time , and he was saying, 'Do you want to go somewhere else?'" she said.

Georgia Drops Requirement for Teens to Pass Driving Test

May 01, 2020

While the Department of Driver Services practices social distancing during this pandemic, it's impossible for an employee to conduct a road test in the same vehicle with an applicant and still keep their distance. The rules were relaxed so that state employees who administer road tests don't have to share a auto with license-seekers amid the virus. "Mostly about the parking, the driving isn't as worrisome, but the parking.

Police find bodies in U-Haul trucks outside Flatlands funeral home

May 01, 2020

The NYPD was called to the neighborhood after a passerby complained about the smell outside the Andrew T. Cleckley Funeral Home in the Flatlands neighborhood of Brooklyn. Crematoriums have been backed up. Worries intensified Thursday that the chaos at the Brooklyn funeral home would make it hard for families to keep track of bodies of loved ones, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams said.

Canadian gov't promises financial assistance for students during COVID-19

May 01, 2020

It now stands at 5.5% with hundreds more deaths possible in the next week alone. On Monday, Ontario Premier Doug Ford outlined what he called "a road map, not a calendar" when businesses and services could open and resume over a three-stage process without setting any dates.

South Korea: no new domestic coronavirus cases, no transmission from election

May 01, 2020

The government has subsequently relaxed some of its social distancing guidelines. Almost 300 people who had contracted and recovered from the disease caused by the novel coronavirus tested positive again days or weeks after their recovery, sparking fears about whether people could become infected more than once in a short period of time.

NYC Mayor Under Fire for Condemning ‘Entire Jewish Community’

May 01, 2020

De Blasio said more city employees would come on to help enforce New York City's social distancing guidelines and that the city would "keep building this ability to be out there in public spaces educating patrolling but also enforcing". I have instructed the NYPD to have one standard for this whole city: "zero tolerance". DeBlasio later apologized for making the comment about Jewish people.

Up to 60 bodies found in four trucks outside Brooklyn funeral home

May 01, 2020

ABC did not identify the owner and no one at the funeral home was immediately available to comment. "They were like nearly everyone doing their best to cope", one source said. No one has felt the pressure more than funeral directors who have been caught in the vise between the rising tide of bodies pouring out of hospitals and nursing homes and the backlogs that make them unable to cremate or bury people quickly.

California set to close all beaches and public spaces amid Covid-19

May 01, 2020

The memo cited overcrowding of thousands of people at Southern California's beaches over the past weekend in the decision to announce closures. Gov. "The only thing that will set us back is people stopping practicing physical distancing". But crowds like those seen over the weekend could extend the stay-at-home order longer by increasing the spread of the virus and overwhelming hospitals.

Coronavirus: Boris Johnson to advise wearing face coverings in public

May 01, 2020

Mr Johnson was transferred to intensive care the following day and only returned to work this Monday, having taken time to continue his recovery at Chequers Court, the PM's country retreat. "Let's not go charging in to "who's won and who's lost" at this point", Whitty said. "Every country measures its COVID cases in a slightly different way so comparing them to one another is largely a fruitless exercise".

China denies trying to play role in Trump's re-election campaign

May 01, 2020

China has no interest in interfering in the United States's presidential election, Beijing said on Thursday, following remarks by President Donald Trump that it "will do anything they can" to make him lose his re-election bid in November.

Israel hails German Hezbollah ban as ‘significant step’

April 30, 2020

The Lebanese group has around 1,000 supporters in Germany, according to the country's domestic intelligence agency BfV. The ban prohibits any gatherings or publications promoting the group while their assets can now be confiscated, it said.

Gov. Gavin Newsom planning to shut down all California beaches

April 30, 2020

The decision comes less than a week after Newsom called out the massive crowds that flocked to Newport Beach in Orange County last weekend during a heatwave. Newsom reiterated Wednesday it would be weeks before he makes the first significant modification to the state order. "We have to manage and augment our behavior", Newsom said.

Kim alive and well at luxury coastal resort, images suggest

April 30, 2020

Kim Jong-un failed to appear for the celebration of his grandfather's birthday on 15 April, which first fueled speculation about his health. Additional satellite imagery reviewed by the website NK Pro showed boats similar to those associated with the North Korean leader active in the waters near Wonsan throughout this month.

Coronavirus has now killed more Americans than the Vietnam War

April 30, 2020

The outbreak could take more than 74,000 USA lives by Aug 4, compared with an April 22 forecast of over 67,600, according to the University of Washington's predictive model, often cited by White House officials. Despite the staggering death toll in America, a number of states are insisting that restrictions should be eased, with the mayor of Las Vegas recently claiming that it is time to reopen the casinos to the public.

The Russian prime minister stated the corona virus

April 30, 2020

The death toll was 1,073 patients. "It has just been revealed that my coronavirus tests have come back positive", Mishustin said on Thursday night, as quoted by the TASS news agency. Despite the steady increase in cases, Putin said that Russian Federation may begin to gradually lift different quarantine regimes throughout the country from mid-May.

Boris Johnson wife: How many times has Boris Johnson been married?

April 30, 2020

In a statement, No 10 said the Prime Minister, whose fiancee Carrie Symonds gave birth to a baby boy on Wednesday, will update the United Kingdom on the "fight against this disease and the steps we are taking to defeat it", the BBC reported .

Johnson returns to office hours after fiancée gives birth

April 30, 2020

The ability of the National Health Service (NHS) to cope with coronavirus infections must firstly be protected, he said. He also has three daughters. Back in February of 2020, they announced their plans to be married, and that they were expecting a child together.

Minute's silence for COVID-19 victims on International Workers' Memorial Day

April 30, 2020

The RCN has joined forces with the Royal College of Midwives and UNISON - collectively representing more than a million NHS and public service staff - launched a campaign last week for the United Kingdom to hold a moment of reflection at 11am on Tuesday 28 April.

Trump erupts over poll slump and threatens to sue campaign manager

April 30, 2020

At one point, Trump even threatened to sue Parscale, according to the report . Last Friday, the president took no questions and abruptly left the short briefing, which had been stretching over two hours in evening prime time, and cancelled his weekend press briefings altogether.

Bill de Blasio: NYPD Will Arrest Jewish Mourners Violating Social Distancing

April 30, 2020

De Blasio said Wednesday that he was sorry if his words hurt anyone's feelings but he didn't regret calling out what he characterized as a risky violation of social distancing rules. De Blasio took to Twitter with his threat of a "zero tolerance" approach against violations of the city's social distancing directives, ostensibly as responsive measures to the coronavirus outbreak.

Rep. Justin Amash is running for president

April 30, 2020

Amash, a five-term congressman, is known as a gadfly who has bucked Republican leadership and eagerly skirmished with his colleagues when he was a Republican. "He absolutely made the difference in 2000", Neel said of Nader. Amash denied he would play a spoiler role. "The idea that we're going to tell people, hey, we can't have another choice on the ballot because it might upset one or the other candidate, that's pretty ridiculous", he said on MSNBC after former Democratic Sen.

Coronavirus hospitalizations decrease in NY

April 30, 2020

Cuomo is set to sign an executive order to allow hospitals in some counties resume elective surgeries. Total hospitalizations have fallen from a peak of over 18,000 earlier in April. Over the last few months, homeless people have taken over entire subway cars as ridership hit record lows with a decrease of 90 percent. 'Any essential worker who shows up and gets on a train should know that train was disinfected the night before.

US Mission in North Korea Remains Unchanged Regardless of Leadership: Pompeo

April 30, 2020

An impersonator of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un made an appearance at a Hong Kong protest, on April 28, where two people were fined for breaching COVID-19 social distancing rules. The Japanese chef Kenji Fujimoto, who worked for the Kims and visited Wonsan, recounted in his memoirs how a young Kim Jong-un described rollerblading, playing basketball, riding jet skis and playing in the pool at the compound.

Pentagon releases three ‘UFO’ videos taken by US Navy pilots

April 30, 2020

The U.S. government has periodically looked into reports of unidentified aerial phenomena since at least the 1950s. Representatives of the Ministry of defense said that they released the video in order to "clarify any misconceptions of the public about how was distributed the video is real or not".

Prague mayor claims Russian Federation is trying to 'liquidate' him using ricin

April 30, 2020

Moscow has furiously denied the claims. The bronze statue of Ivan Konev stood in Prague since 1980, seven years after the Soviet general's death. Russian diplomats called it an "unfriendly" act of vandalism by unhinged municipal representatives but many Czechs see Konev as a symbol of Soviet-era oppression.

Germany bans Hezbollah and conducts raids across Germany

April 30, 2020

Hezbollah assets can be confiscated, but because it is a foreign organisation, it was not possible to dissolve the group, the ministry said. In December 2019, German lawmakers approved a non-binding initiative calling on the government to ban from Germany the political and militant group Hezbollah, which forms part of the Lebanese government.

Shocking data shows United Kingdom coronavirus death toll has hit grim new milestone

April 30, 2020

Unlike the hospital death tolls announced daily by the government, the fresh figures include deaths in community settings, such as care homes where overall fatalities have trebled in a few weeks. " These more complete data will give us a fuller and more up to date picture of deaths in England and will inform the government's approach as we continue to protect the public ", Public Health England's medical director, Yvonne Doyle, said.

Schools could reopen on 6 May

April 30, 2020

She confirmed that the department plans to reopen schools on May 18 and not next week Wednesday as indicated by the department's director-general Hubert Mweli. He said a sub-group from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) which is advising the government on its response to the pandemic, had been set up to focus exclusively on issues surrounding school reopening.

British PM Johnson and fiancee thrilled by birth of son

April 30, 2020

The announcement comes as Mr Johnson is just starting to get back to work after his recovery. Ms Symonds (32) also suffered symptoms. Mr Johnson (55) and Ms Symonds (32) announced in February that they were expecting a baby in "early summer", and said they had become engaged at the end of previous year.

Brazil's president revokes police nomination

April 30, 2020

A Brazilian Supreme Court judge blocked President Jair Bolsonaro's pick for federal police chief Wednesday, amid accusations the far-right leader made the appointment to stave off investigations targeting him and his family. According to the most recent bulletin from the Ministry of Health, a total of 5,017 people died from Covid-19. On Tuesday, the opposition Democratic Labor Party asked the Supreme Court to block Ramagem's nomination, alleging an abuse of power.

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