Worldwide / 124

New York, New York? Prolonged shutdown raises doubts about future

May 17, 2020

Connecticut, New Jersey and NY have all seen positive trends in the data and on Friday, Cuomo announced hospitalizations and deaths were both down. "You increase economic activity, we expect to see an increase in numbers", Cuomo said. As of Thursday, more than 343,000 cases of Covid-19 and 22,170 related deaths have been confirmed in NY state. The Mid-Hudson, Long Island, Western New York and Capital Region meet five of the seven metrics.

Coronavirus: India tops China's tally of confirmed cases, nears Iran's count

May 17, 2020

Andhra Pradesh reported 102 new cases on Friday, taking its tally to 2,307 cases, including 48 deaths. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said cash assistance should be given to the poor and vulnerable sections who are in dire need of money due to the lockdown.

Vegas-Reno highway cracked, closed after 6.5 quake in Nevada

May 16, 2020

Geological Survey. Twitter was full of people reporting they felt the quake in Sacramento, Fresno and the Bay Area. The Nevada Highway Patrol tweeted photos of the damage today, saying that US 95 was closed in both directions after being damaged at mile marker 98.

Coronavirus: Two Rohingya refugees test positive in Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar

May 16, 2020

Subjected to ethnic violence, mass rapes and killings by Myanmar's military, the Rohingyas have been fleeing the country since 2017. Two migrants who reached Greece's Lesbos island this week tested positive for Covid-19 and were isolated with no contact with refugee camps on the island.

Italy Lifts Travel Restrictions, People Will Now Be Able To Visit Friends

May 16, 2020

Some regions had pushed for a swifter rollback, but Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has insisted on a gradual return to normal to prevent a second wave of infections. Although Italy never formally closed its borders and has allowed people to cross back and forth for work or health reasons, it banned movement for tourism and imposed a two-week quarantine for new arrivals.

Rwanda′s most-wanted genocide suspect arrested after 25 years

May 16, 2020

The 1994 Rwanda genocide was deadly with reports indicating that Kabuga funded the militias that massacred over 800,000 Tutsis and Hutus. The 84-year-old, who is Rwanda's most-wanted man and had a $5 million US bounty on his head, was living under a false identity in a flat in Asnieres-Sur-Seine, according to the ministry.

Almost 100 Surrogate Babies Stranded in Ukraine Under COVID-19 Lockdown

May 16, 2020

About 100 newborns are stranded nationwide because their foreigner parents can't enter the country after it closed its borders during the pandemic . Ukraine has a thriving surrogate trade and is likely one of the few global locations that enables the service for foreigners.

MACC insists former AG Tommy Thomas gave okay for Riza Aziz’s settlement

May 16, 2020

Mahathir, 94, said Friday that he couldn't accept the prosecutor's settlement with Riza. Sri Ram said if there is satisfactory completion of the terms of the agreement then appropriate steps would be taken to ensure full acquittal for Riza Shahriz.

Powerful storm forces thousands from homes in Philippines

May 16, 2020

Vongfong packed gusts up to 190 kilometres an hour and drenching rains when it roared into the Philippines . Residents of Isla Puting Bato - a slum area of metro Manila, Philippines - were evacuated to a local school on May 15 as Typhoon Vongfong brought risky conditions to Manila Bay, CNN Philippines reported .

India's Tally Nears 86,000 Mark, Recovery Rates Improves to 35%

May 16, 2020

With this, India's tally has surpassed China's , which has reported around 84,000 cases thus far. Of the 2,752 fatalities, Maharashtra tops the tally with 1,068 deaths , Gujarat comes second with 606 deaths, followed by Madhya Pradesh at 239, West Bengal at 225, Rajasthan at 125, Delhi at 123, Uttar Pradesh at 95, Tamil Nadu at 71 and Andhra Pradesh at 48.

Trump fires State Dept. watchdog critical of admin moves

May 16, 2020

The White House did not immediately respond to an inquiry Friday night. Linick, a former assistant US attorney in California and Virginia who has held the IG position since 2013, had overseen reports that were highly critical of the State Department's management policies since Trump took office.

Sen. Rand Paul 'disturbed' by list of names involved in unmasking Flynn

May 16, 2020

There is an unsaid rule in Washington that presidents and ex-presidents do not publically clash at any given point. Retired Admiral Ronny Jackson, who served as White House doctor for both Mr Obama and Mr Trump, said: "President Obama weaponised the highest levels of our government to spy on President Trump".

India overtakes China in coronavirus cases, 11th most affected

May 16, 2020

This has helped India's fragile health care system stay ahead of the virus: it's death count at 2,753 is lower than China's 4,637 casualties. Meanwhile, the Union government, on Friday, pointed out that almost 80 per cent of country's COVID-19 cases are in 30 municipal areas and asked the states to take steps to reduce fatality rates.

Trump rebukes Fauci's concern over reopening schools

May 16, 2020

So far, Trump has stuck with Fauci, but the doctor is increasingly in the background as the president pushes his reopening message. But I think you should absolutely open the schools. In his sit-down with Bartiromo, which was taped Wednesday, Trump took a more diplomatic approach to addressing the conflicting opinions, at least based on an excerpt released in advance.

Russia's Coronavirus Cases Surge By 10K as Total Surpasses 260K

May 16, 2020

In a statement Wednesday, the Moscow health department said authorities conducted autopsies on 100% of suspected coronavirus victims and confirmed that 639 people died directly of coronavirus complications in April. Almost 1,500 patients are now on ventilators, the minister said. Healthcare workers have complained of shortages of protective equipment and said medics were dying at a higher rate in Russian Federation than elsewhere.

Brazil's health minister resigns after just weeks on the job

May 16, 2020

His resignation came a day after Brazil's confirmed cases of the virus passed 200,000, with more than 14,000 deaths. At his news conference, Mr Teich did not reveal why he had stepped down. The country has become the latest coronavirus hotspot and rather than politicians trying to tackle it together, the pandemic has turned political and the leader of the country is failing to provide direction for a population which really needs it.

Marathon County Issues Order for Ongoing COVID-19 Response

May 15, 2020

A ruling from the state Supreme Court in Wisconsin on Wednesday has effectively ended Gov. On Wednesday, customers filled bars in Wisconsin, following the decision to overrule the extension of the state's stay-at-home order. Restricted visitation to long-term care facilities was already implemented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Evers warned on Twitter that the decision risked undoing "all the work we have done and all the sacrifices Wisconsinites have made over ...

Trump says he's mobilizing military to distribute potential coronavirus vaccine

May 15, 2020

Slaoui sits on the board of Moderna, a USA company that's testing a CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus vaccine candidate it developed. Sanofi is working on two vaccines projects, one with British rival GlaxoSmithKline Plc that has received financial support from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) of the U.S.

Trump to unveil new vaccine effort

May 15, 2020

Health experts have predicted that it could take a year or more to develop a vaccine for the novel coronavirus that has swept the globe and prompted wide-spread economic upheaval. Perna described his directive as a "Herculean task". "I also feel very confident that the team will be able to provide the results as directed". "There's never been a vaccine project like this anywhere in the world", he said.

United Kingdom requires arriving passengers to quarantine for 14 days

May 15, 2020

The latest government guidance include "stay at home as much as possible, work at home if you can, limit contact with other people, keep your distance if you go out (two meters apart where possible), wash your hands regularly". Willie Walsh, chief executive of BA's parent company, International Airlines Group, said there was "nothing positive" in the Prime Minister's address and expressed his surprise.

New York Extends Stay-At-Home Order Through June 13

May 15, 2020

Though the beaches will be open, concession stands will be closed, as well as picnic areas, amusement rides, and arcades. NY state-the hardest hit nationwide by the pandemic-recorded more than 343,000 confirmed cases of the CCP virus , with at least 27,641 deaths as of Thursday evening.

Lula criticizes Bolsonaro due to record number of Covid-19 deaths

May 15, 2020

Meanwhile, certain countries in Europe are beginning to ease their lockdown measures as the death count, and the number of infections slowly begins to drop. According to Brazil's nursing body COFEN, 98 nurses have died in a one-month period of the coronavirus pandemic and 11,000 have become infected. Medics put the death toll down to a lack of personal protective equipment while working in hospitals.

USA adds more than 1,800 coronavirus deaths in 24 hours

May 15, 2020

But a government whistle-blower warned Thursday that the United States faces its "darkest winter in modern history" unless leaders act decisively to prevent a rebound of the virus. On Wednesday, the emergency departments averaged 3.5 coronavirus patients per hour. It has assigned workers to collect and sanitize suits so they can be reused, and volunteers are sewing gowns and masks.

Coronavirus: Spain orders two-week quarantine for incoming travellers from May 15

May 15, 2020

The order comes into effect on May 15 and expires on May 24, when the current State of Alarm, which limits freedom of movement in the country, is due to end. The number of fatalities related to the disease rose 176 to 26,920. According to the Spanish health officials, those affected by quarantine will only be allowed out to buy essentials or for urgent medical care, while always wearing a mask.

Appeals Court Reinstates Lawsuit Over Trump’s Hotel Profits

May 15, 2020

Constitution's emoluments, or Title of Nobility, clause. What's happening: A 3-judge panel of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals originally told a district court to dismiss the lawsuit , alleging the jurisdictions lacked standing to sue.

London congestion charge returns with 30% price hike

May 15, 2020

The bailout not only keeps London's transport network running, but as TfL pointed out at a board meeting this week, it ensures that they can keep paying their suppliers, most of whom are outside London. "I want to be completely honest and upfront with Londoners", Mr Khan said . "Because we are required to keep two months' money to pay for services, we'll have to start reducing services".

No empty seats under European Union plans to get planes back in sky

May 15, 2020

Millions of passengers across the world have had their travel plans disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic , and East Galway TD Ciaran Cannon said several constituents have contacted him to seek clarity on the situation regarding refunds.

Magnitude 6.4 quake rocks a section of rural Nevada

May 15, 2020

The quake was recorded by the U.S. Geological Survey just after 4 a.m. about 34 miles west of Tonopah. The tremors were felt in California's Central Valley and Salt Lake City, Utah.

Questions and answers on new coronavirus antibody test

May 15, 2020

Antibody tests are created to detect immune-system proteins that people develop in response to an infection, and which typically are a sign of some protection against catching the disease again. The association says that while these tests may play an important role in determining the overall prevalence of COVID-19 in the US population, including asymptomatic infection, limitations exist in using them to identify prior infection in individuals.

Coronavirus: WTO head steps down a year early as downturn looms

May 15, 2020

He pointed to "existing tensions, in particular the scathing criticism from the US president, violations of many agreements, the US-China trade war and the paralysis of the appeals body". "It is essential that we quickly chart a new path ahead at this critical and uncertain time for trade". "We've been treated very badly..." According to the text of an address to the WTO's members, Azevedo said he thought it was also in the best interests of the organisation.

Corona in the world's largest refugee camp

May 15, 2020

With about 40,000 people per square km (103,600 per square mile) living in plastic shacks side by side, which is more than 40 times the average density of Bangladesh , the refugees would be dangerously exposed to the virus. The lack of internet access has meant that information is hard to come by and that rumours abound, for example that coronavirus is always fatal. "Open communication is critical to promoting hygiene awareness and tracking the spread of the disease", he said.

Trump calls on Senate to question Obama in conspiracy theory

May 15, 2020

Trump (C) speaking with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (L) and Russian Ambassador to the US Sergei Kislyak during a meeting at the White House in Washington, DC. In a call that was subsequently leaked, Obama warned that the move to drop the Flynn case threatened the "rule of law." Trump tweeted Thursday that Graham should call Obama to testify.

MEA doesn’t discriminate between states, Vande Bharat for all stranded Indians: spokesperson

May 15, 2020

The minister said that 8,500 Indians have already returned till Wednesday morning and more flights are underway as part of phase I of the Vande Bharat Mission . The two phases will be operated simultaneously and seamlessly. Overall, more than 190,000 Indian nationals, who would have to pay a one-way ferry service charge, are expected to be brought back in the airlift operation which has been divided into phases.

Canada sending two giant pandas back to China

May 15, 2020

Clément Lanthier, said in a statement . While the facility remains closed due to COVID-19 precautions, Er Shun and Da Mao can be seen virtually on the PandaCam on the Calgary Zoo website. "I am continually amazed by the resourcefulness and dedication of our team", said Lanthier. However, in the past couple months, the zoo has seen changes in transportation destroy the bamboo supply lines they depend on.

Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks Announce Phased Reopening

May 15, 2020

The park, which has been closed since March 24 due to the coronavirus pandemic , will slowly start to reopen in a three-phase plan . Due to her injuries, she was life-flighted to the Burn Center at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, park officials said .

Trump threatens China ties, says in no mood for Xi talks

May 15, 2020

Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell later announced that the U.S.is investigating that possibility. He said that according to figures cited by the China Daily, China's purchases of US products in the first four months of this year were 3% less than during the same period last year.

China's rejects planned USA moves at United Nations on Iran sanctions

May 15, 2020

Iran has "carried out all our measures within the framework of the JCPOA" and is calling on other signatories to do the same, the top Iranian diplomat stressed, referring to the European signatories' inability to date to come up with a mechanism which would allow Iran to sidestep crushing United States banking and energy sanctions.

Japan lifts emergency for 39 prefectures except Tokyo, Osaka

May 15, 2020

Most of Japan's prefectures, except Tokyo and seven others, will be lifting emergency restrictions imposed to battle the novel coronavirus outbreak, effective Thursday. The government is set to add four economists to its advisory panel for combating the epidemic, and another review will be conducted again in about a week.

Lawmakers to vote on new $3 trillion stimulus bill

May 14, 2020

The so-called Heroes Act would provide almost $1 trillion for states, cities and tribal governments to avert layoffs and additional $200 billion in hazard pay for essential workers, according to a summary. The Senate Democratic leader, Chuck Schumer of NY, warned that Trump and Republicans risk the same path as Herbert Hoover, the former president roundly criticized for failing to act to stem the Great Depression.

Coronavirus Sanofi: France resists idea of US getting vaccine first

May 14, 2020

Sanofi's logo at its headquarters in Paris , France . Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel are spearheading a $8 billion fund drive to support equitable distribution of vaccines. In April, Sanofi and the pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline both said they wanted to work together on a vaccine against the novel coronavirus .

Top UK court quashes Gerry Adams' prison break convictions

May 14, 2020

An additional prison sentence of four and a half years was implemented for his escape attempts. However, prison staff were alerted to the plan and Mr Adams was arrested in the vehicle park of the jail, the court was told. He explained that Mr Adams, a former West Belfast MP, had been detained under an ICO made under the Detention of Terrorists (Northern Ireland) Order 1972 and that "such an order could be made where the secretary of state considered that an individual was involved in ...

Cabinet post disputes delay Israel unity government inauguration

May 14, 2020

Foreign affairs was a key profile secured by Blue and White in coalition talks with Netanyahu's Likud party, along with the Defense Ministry which will be led by Gantz. The new position includes an exemption from a law that requires public officials who are not prime minister to resign if charged with a crime. The delay in swearing in the government is "less a drama, and more a farce", says Channel 12's political commentator Amit Segal.

Obama-Era Officials Requested 'Unmasking' That Identified Flynn in Intelligence Reports

May 14, 2020

Although Biden, who is now the presumptive Democrat presidential nominee heading into the 2020 election, claimed earlier this week that he "knew nothing about those moves to investigate Michael Flynn ", his name appears on the list of officials who unmasked Flynn's identity.

Chinese hackers tried stealing US COVID-19 vaccine research: Details here

May 14, 2020

The Department of Justice says in a statement that hackers have been attempting to obtain intellectual property and public health data related to vaccines, treatments and testing. What else is new? China has defended its response to the virus, and Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian denied the government was involved in any attempt to steal virus-related data on Monday, after some media reported on the warning in advance.

Wisconsin Supreme Court blocks statewide stay-at-home order

May 14, 2020

Conway and public health officials there immediately issued local stay-at-home orders after the Supreme Court ruling came down. Evers countered that state law clearly gives the executive branch broad authority to quickly enact emergency measures to control communicable diseases.

Coronavirus whistleblower Rick Bright testifies

May 14, 2020

Bright warns , "Our window of opportunity is closing". "While it is terrifying to acknowledge the extent of the challenge that we now confront, the undeniable fact is there will be a resurgence of the COVID-19 this fall, greatly compounding the challenges of seasonal influenza and putting an unprecedented strain on our healthcare system".

Schools reopening: Teaching unions demand Williamson AXE plans - "Not safe"

May 14, 2020

Speaking in Parliament, Williamson also defended the government's bid to reopen some classes in primary schools as part of its easing of coronavirus lockdown restrictions, possibly as early as 1 June . The Department of Education will engage closely with schools and early years providers to develop further detail and guidance on how schools should facilitate this, the document states.

40 die in attacks on hospital, funeral in Afghanistan

May 14, 2020

The ONSC recently stated that the Taliban carried out 2,804 attacks from the beginning of March until April 19, and claimed that the group "does not remain committed to the reconciliation process that will help the country to end decades of war".

Dr. Fauci against reopening; Pence to 'keep distance' from Trump

May 14, 2020

President Donald Trump's news conference Monday was meant to celebrate his administration's long in-gestation success at expanding testing for the coronavirus . There has been worries that the numbers haven't accurately reflected the situation from Birx who reportedly said that she thinks there's a possibility they could be inflated.

COVID-19: South Africa To Ease Lockdown Further By End Of May

May 14, 2020

He said that was because South Africans had adhered to the lockdown regulations and helped save lives. "Government's differentiated approach will allow economic activity to resume while protecting public health", Ramaphosa said. Another day has passed under lockdown level 4 and the number of COVID-19 cases has skyrocketed to 12 074 from 11 350 infections. The government expects infections to peak in August or September.

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