Swedish PM to appoint coronavirus inquiry before summer amid criticism
Sweden will launch an inquiry into the country’s handling of the pandemic before the summer, Prime Minister Stefan Lofven said in a newspaper interview on Monday, amid growing criticism over nursing home deaths and the lack of testing.
Iraqi militiamen drop guns to dig graves for coronavirus victims
Iraqi paramedic Sarmad Ibrahim cut his teeth treating fellow Shi’ite Muslim militiamen in the war against Islamic State. Now, he buries COVID-19 victims – an exhausting task where he must also get to grips with both Muslim and Christian burial rites.
Chile surpasses 100,000 cases of coronavirus: health minister
Chile has surpassed 100,000 cases of the coronavirus, the health minister said on Monday, as infections have spiraled in the capital Santiago, putting the South American nation´s healthcare system under “extraordinary” strain.
Singapore’s health ministry confirms 408 new coronavirus cases, one death
Singapore confirmed 408 new coronavirus cases on Monday, its health ministry said, bringing the city-state’s tally to 35,292.
Russia to vote on July 1 on constitutional changes that could extend Putin’s rule
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Monday a nationwide vote on constitutional reforms will be held on July 1, announcing a new date for a delayed ballot that could extend his rule until 2036.
Beaches reopen as Spain courts foreign tourists with health guarantee
Swimmers and sun-bathers turned out in droves on Monday as Spain reopened nearly all its beaches as part of government steps to revive a devastated tourist industry.
Greek hotels reopen to an uncertain future
Greece allowed year-round hotels to open on Monday, restarting its vital tourism sector hobbled by weeks of lockdown, although business remained quiet with international flights from its main airports only set to resume from June 15.
‘Lady in the well’ sheds light on ancient human population movements
The bones of a woman of Central Asian descent found at the bottom of a deep well after a violent death in an ancient city in Turkey are helping scientists understand population movements during a crucial juncture in human history.
South Korea’s Moon tells Trump he would accept invitation to G7 summit
South Korean President Moon Jae-in told U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday that he would willingly accept the American leader’s invitation to join this year’s Group of Seven summit, South Korea’s presidential Blue House said in a statement.
Putin says vote on changes to allow him to extend his rule will take place on July 1
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday said a nationwide vote on constitutional reforms that could extend his rule in the Kremlin would be held on July 1, after the April 22 vote was postponed due to the novel coronavirus.
