Iran extends prisoner furloughs, closure of holy sites amid coronavirus
Iran has extended furloughs for prisoners for another month, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Sunday, as the Islamic Republic endeavours to stem the spread of the new coronavirus in its crowded jails.
Saudi top religious authority recommends home prayers in Ramadan amid coronavirus
Saudi Arabia’s highest religious body, the Council of Senior Scholars, urged Muslims worldwide to pray at home during Ramadan if their countries require social distancing to curb the spread of the coronavirus, state news agency SPA reported on Sunday.
Spain’s coronavirus toll slows, with 410 deaths overnight: health ministry
Spain’s death toll from the new coronavirus outbreak rose by 410 on Sunday, down from 565 on Saturday, the Health Ministry said, bringing the total to 20,453 deaths in one of the world’s hardest hit countries.
‘Captain Tom’, 99, raises more than $31 million for UK carers
Captain Tom Moore, a 99-year-old British war veteran described by Prince Harry as “utterly amazing”, has now raised more than 25 million pounds ($31.3 million) for the health service by walking 100 laps of his garden.
Pakistan starts repatriating UAE-based nationals stranded by coronavirus
Pakistan has started repatriating some of its citizens from the United Arab Emirates, which had threatened to review labour ties with countries refusing to take back their nationals during the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Irish unlikely to see packed pubs, big gatherings soon: minister
Ireland is highly unlikely to allow large gatherings this year and the “cocooning” of people over 70 years old in their homes may persist for quite a while, Health Minister Simon Harris said on Sunday.
UK not thinking of easing virus lockdown measures yet: minister
Britain is not considering lifting its lockdown imposed almost four weeks ago to control the coronavirus outbreak given “deeply worrying” increases in the death toll, a senior minister said on Sunday.
South Korea relaxes some social distancing rules as new virus cases fall
South Korea extended its social distancing policy for another 16 days on Sunday but offered some relief for churches and sporting fixtures, as it reported just eight new coronavirus infections, the lowest in two months.
UK minister says no decision on reopening schools has been taken
British education minister Gavin Williamson said on Sunday that no decision had been taken on when to reopen schools, as the coronavirus lockdown enters a fourth week.
India says no decision yet on easing or lifting flight restrictions
India has not yet taken a decision on when to lift or ease restrictions on domestic and international flights and urged airlines to take travel bookings only after a final decision is made, a government minister said.
