Berlin’s battle scars linger 75 years after Nazi defeat
Germany has been forced to cancel public events to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of World War Two in Europe but Berliners need no ceremonies to remember their downfall – the scars of war are all around them.
Ireland to consider easing restrictions every 2-4 weeks, PM says
Ireland’s roadmap for gradually easing coronavirus restrictions will lay out how any changes will be made every two to four weeks, but the government will intervene earlier if things go off track, Acting Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said.
Germany’s museums, churches, zoos to reopen: reports
Museums, exhibitions, memorials, zoos and botanical gardens in Germany can reopen in Germany, provided they can fulfill social distancing and hygiene requirements to minimise the risk of infection, German media cited news agency DPA as reporting.
Aerial footage shows miles-long queue for food aid in South Africa
Aerial footage showed thousands of people queuing for miles down a dirt road in South Africa for charity food aid meant to relieve hunger caused by the coronavirus lockdown.
Spain’s virus death tally lowest in weeks, but economy tanks
Spain recorded its lowest daily coronavirus death tally in six weeks on Thursday, but data showing the economy shrank by the widest margin on record in the first three months of the year laid bare the heavy cost of measures to control the outbreak.
New Slovak government wins confidence vote, readies for COVID-19 impact
The new Slovak government led by Igor Matovic won an initial confidence vote in parliament on Thursday as the country braces for the impact of the new coronavirus on the economy.
German social distancing will be extended until May 10, Merkel aide says
Social distancing measures in Germany will be extended until May 10, Chancellor Angela Merkel’s chief of staff said ahead of a government meeting on Thursday to review coronavirus lockdown restrictions.
Swedish town uses chicken manure to help stop spread of coronavirus
A town in southern Sweden has turned to a traditional source to try to prevent the coronavirus spreading during an annual festive event on Thursday – chicken manure.
Europe flooded with cocaine despite coronavirus trade disruptions
Latin American drug lords have sent bumper shipments of cocaine to Europe in recent weeks, including one in a cargo of squid, even though the coronavirus epidemic has stifled legitimate transatlantic trade, senior anti-narcotics officials say.
Italian PM warns regions against unilateral moves to lift restrictions
Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said on Thursday some Italian regions might be able to roll back coronavirus restrictions more rapidly than others but warned local authorities against acting unilaterally.
