Phase two: Italy considers how to move on after coronavirus peak
Nearly a month after a nationwide lockdown was implemented to prevent the spread of the virus that was ravaging through Italy’s north, there are government discussions and public debate about moving to “phase two” – a period during which citizens will have to learn to live with the virus and one which could risk another […]
Hydroxychloroquine: The Indians worried over export of unproven ‘corona drug’ to US
India’s decision to export a drug that US President Donald Trump has touted as a possible cure for Covid-19 has worried many at home who take the medicine for other ailments. There is no proof that hydroxychloroquine (commonly known as HCQ) is effective in treating Covid-19, but Mr Trump has called it a “game-changer” in […]
Coronavirus: Boris Johnson ‘responding to treatment’ in intensive care
Boris Johnson is “responding to treatment” for coronavirus as he approaches a fourth night in hospital. The prime minister was being kept in St Thomas’ Hospital in London “for close monitoring” and remained clinically stable, his official spokesman said. Downing Street said he was not working but could contact those he needed to. The number […]
Donald Trump snaps at WHO — and India quietly sidestepped some of its advisories on virus
The public snub to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and a threat to cut its funding is characteristic of Donald Trump, and may not find an echo in New Delhi. However, the fact is when it comes to key aspects of COVID management, the government has politely sidestepped the periodic “advice” from the WHO and, instead, leaned […]
As Wuhan unlocks, queues at restaurants, also at expressway tolls
Dylan Wong hopped onto his friend’s e-bike and took a ride around Wuhan city on Wednesday morning for some guozao, a popular name for “having breakfast” in Wuhan. “It was a wonderful morning. My friend took me out to eat some dumplings in heavy oil. It was the best breakfast in a long time,” he […]
Afghan government releases 100 Taliban prisoners
The Afghan government has released 100 Taliban prisoners on Wednesday, a government official said, a day after the armed group said it was walking out of talks with Kabul. Javid Faisal, spokesman for Afghanistan’s Office of the National Security Council, said: “The government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan released 100 Taliban prisoners today based on […]
Virus-hit Iran urges IMF to approve its loan request
Tehran, Apr 8 (AFP) Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani appealed to the International Monetary Fund on Wednesday to approve a USD 5 billion emergency loan request to combat its novel coronavirus outbreak. “I urge all international organisations to fulfil their duties,” Rouhani said during a cabinet meeting. “We are a member of the IMF… if there’s going to […]
Australia passes record $80 billion employment-rescue package
Australia’s parliament passed a record A$130 billion ($80 billion) jobs-rescue plan on Wednesday, as the government continues efforts to buttress the economy from the coronavirus outbreak. “It’s unprecedented in its scale and its scope, and around six million workers should be able to use this program to stay in a job,” Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said in a […]
Trump threatens to slash US funding to World Health Organization
US President Donald Trump threatened to freeze American funding to the World Health Organization (WHO), saying it “missed the call” on the coronavirus pandemic, which has so far killed more than 82,000 people around the world. Trump said on Tuesday the WHO “called it wrong” on the virus and the UN organisation was “very China-centric” […]
US Reports 2000 Coronavirus-related Deaths In 24 Hours
The United States had a gloomy day on Tuesday as it reported a record daily figure of 1,939 deaths bringing up the total toll of COVID-19 positive deaths to 12,844, which is fast closing on tolls in the other worst-hit countries such as Italy and Spain. Italy so far has reported 17,127 deaths and Spain […]
