EU pushes to unlock borders as coronavirus ravages travel
The European Union’s borders must reopen fast as coronavirus transmissions ease, with air passengers wearing masks, the bloc’s executive was to say on Wednesday in efforts to salvage the ravaged tourism sector for the lucrative summer season.
German government to relax border controls from Saturday: media reports
The German government will from Saturday relax border controls introduced to slow the spread of the coronavirus, media including broadcaster n-tv and Focus magazine reported on Wednesday.
Hong Kong reports first locally transmitted coronavirus cases in weeks
Hong Kong reported its first two coronavirus cases in three weeks not linked to anyone who travelled overseas, with authorities scrambling to trace the origin of the infections.
Poland to keep borders closed for foreigners until June 12
Poland will extend its strict border controls until June 12 due to the coronavirus pandemic, its Interior Ministry said on Wednesday.
Pompeo lauds Israel over coronavirus cooperation, raps China
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo praised close ally Israel on Wednesday for sharing information during global efforts to combat the coronavirus pandemic and took another swipe at China over what he said was its lack of transparency.
Indonesia reports biggest daily rise in coronavirus infections
Indonesia reported on Wednesday its biggest daily rise in coronavirus infections with 689 new cases, taking the total in the Southeast Asian country to 15,438, said health ministry official Achmad Yurianto.
Malaysia reports 37 new coronavirus cases; two deaths
Malaysia reported 37 new cases of the novel coronavirus on Wednesday, taking its cumulative total to 6,779 infections.
UK GDP shrinks by record 5.8% in March, harder COVID hit ahead
Britain’s economy shrank by a record 5.8% in March as the coronavirus crisis escalated and the government shut down much of the country, according to official data that point towards an even bigger hit to come.
EU sets out guidelines for tourism resumption, cross-border travel
The European Commission has set out guidelines to allow the resumption of tourism so that people may be able to stay in hotels, eat in restaurants or go to beaches safely in the coming months despite the coronavirus pandemic.
Austrian-German border to fully reopen in a month, Austria says
Austria said on Wednesday its border with Germany will fully reopen in a month, one of the first big steps to reopen land borders across the EU that have been shut to fight the coronavirus.
