Thais head for movies and massage as virus lockdown eases
Thais took in a movie and enjoyed foot massages in a welcome return on Monday to some pampering and popular pastimes as coronavirus restrictions further eased and new infection numbers remained low.
Lebanese food aid drive underlines pain of economic collapse
As Lebanon’s debilitating economic crisis drags on, Lebanese whose living standards have plunged are relying more and more on a growing support system of charities and private initiatives to fend off hunger.
Holy smoke, researchers say cannabis used in ancient Israelite shrine
The ancient Israelites may have used cannabis to get high as part of their religious ritual, according to Israeli researchers who found residue of the drug at a nearly 3,000-year-old shrine.
UK hopes latest EU talks will keep process on track, says PM’s spokesman
Britain hopes the latest round of trade talks with the European Union starting on Tuesday will keep the process on track before a high-level meeting later this month, a spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson said.
UK quarantine to go ahead but looking at ‘air bridges’, says PM Johnson’s spokesman
Britain still intends to go ahead with a COVID-19 quarantine later this month for those arriving in the United Kingdom but is looking at “air bridges” with certain countries, Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s spokesman said on Monday.
Dutch bar terraces fill quickly as lockdown ends
Terraces throughout the Netherlands filled quickly on Monday as bars and restaurants were allowed to open for the first time in almost three months on a sunny public holiday.
Under new guidelines, Britons plan for a different kind of BBQ
People across Britain plan to invite friends and family to barbecues in their gardens with the latest easing of social distancing measures on Monday, but a list of rules will make them a little more awkward than before.
Spain promises safety as it tries to win back tourists and their money
All Spanish beaches reopened on Monday with the exception of Barcelona, and the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao will unlock its doors for the first time in months as Spain took steps to revive a tourist industry brought to a halt by the coronavirus.
Congo confirms new Ebola case, 1,000 km from eastern outbreak
Democratic Republic of Congo has confirmed a case of Ebola in the western province of Equateur, over 1,000 km (620 miles) away from the ongoing outbreak in the country’s east, Health Minister Eteni Longondo told journalists on Monday.
Thailand races to create COVID vaccine, eyes possible medical tourism boost
Momentum is building behind Thailand’s push to create its own coronavirus vaccine, with more manpower and resources dedicated to the effort amid hopes it could boost medical tourism.
