Coronavirus: Expert panel to assess face mask use by public
Should more of us wear face masks to help slow the spread of coronavirus? This question is to be assessed by a panel of advisers to the World Health Organization (WHO). The group will weigh up research on whether the virus can be projected further than previously thought; a study in the US suggests coughs can […]
A Pakistani official, politician, army man, reporter walk into a TV show. Only one is a hero
This is a story of four Pakistani friends. Three of them are collateral damage in the service of one. The end. That’s how things are done by Pakistan’s ISPR. These four men represent the four pillars of the Pakistani state, in this latest production of the Pakistan military’s PR wing, the Inter Services Public Relations’ much-hyped television drama Ehd-e-Wafa (Promise of the Faithful). One […]
Pakistan is failing in fight against Covid-19. Here’s why
Pakistan on Wednesday reported the biggest jump in Covid-19 cases for the third consecutive day as the number of people infected with the deadly disease reached 2,238. The country has also witnessed 31 deaths from the disease. Reports of the lack of adequate screening procedures and squalid living conditions at the quarantine camps at the Taftan border […]
Afghanistan and Taliban begin direct talks with aim of prisoner swap
Afghanistan has begun its first face-to-face talks with the Taliban on exchanging thousands of prisoners. Details of the initial meeting in Kabul emerged on Wednesday, ahead of a planned second day of talks, as Afghans observed tight restrictions on movement because of the coronavirus pandemic. Under a US-Taliban deal, the government will free 5,000 Taliban […]
Coronavirus: Australian scientists begin tests of potential vaccines
Scientists in Australia have begun testing two potential coronavirus vaccines in “milestone” lab trials. The vaccines, made by Oxford University and US company Inovio Pharmaceutical, have been cleared for animal testing by the World Health Organization. Australia’s national science agency will assess if the vaccines work, and if they would be safe for humans. The […]
US doctors go online to reveal ‘bold, loud’ coronavirus truths
Dr Ming Lin says they were reasonable requests. Set up a triage system outside the hospital, check the temperatures of all patients, visitors and staff before they can go inside, and give healthcare workers scrubs so that they do not risk taking the novel coronavirus home with them, were high on his list. But about 10 days […]
The law of generosity combatting coronavirus in Pakistan
As Pakistan imposes greater social distancing measures to combat coronavirus, a Muslim law of generosity is helping to save those out of work. Outside grocery stores in Karachi, a remarkable scene has been unfolding over the past two weeks. Instead of rushing home after shopping to avoid being exposed to coronavirus, many Pakistanis are pausing […]
Muslim minority doctors first to die on front line of UK pandemic
London, United Kingdom – The United Kingdom is paying tribute to the first doctors on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic who have died after contracting COVID-19. All four men – Alfa Sa’adu; Amged el-Hawrani; Adil El Tayar and Habib Zaidi – were Muslim and had ancestry in regions including Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Dr Salman Waqar, the […]
UK reports over 500 coronavirus deaths in one day
Britain reported 563 daily coronavirus deaths on Wednesday, the first time the national toll has exceeded 500, bringing the total fatalities to 2,352, according to official figures. “As of 5pm (1600 GMT) on 31 March, of those hospitalised in the UK who tested positive for coronavirus, 2,352 have sadly died,” the health ministry said on […]
As Spain records deadliest day, coronavirus lockdown stirs unrest
Madrid, Spain – As coronavirus killed a record 849 people in Spain in one day, there were signs of unrest as the weeks-long lockdown aimed at reducing deaths and limiting the infection’s spread stirred tensions in the country. On Tuesday, health authorities announced Spain’s deadliest day yet since the epidemic began, bringing the grim tally of fatalities to […]
