Virus response opens way for corruption: EU chief prosecutor
The promise of vast sums of European Union aid to countries affected by the coronavirus and less oversight over the funds is likely to lead to a surge in fraud and corruption, the EU’s chief prosecutor said in an interview.
Northern Ireland sets lockdown exit plan resembling Ireland’s, but no timetable
Northern Ireland laid out a five-stage roadmap for the easing of its coronavirus lockdown similar to Ireland’s, but its omission of any dates for action raised the chances of different parts of the island reopening at different times.
Lebanese designers fight coronavirus with fashion face masks
Beirut-based designer Bokja specializes in making upholstered furniture with vintage fabric but the studio’s workers now dedicate their time to sewing colourful silk face masks to curb the spread of the new coronavirus.
Factories in Russia resume work despite second highest coronavirus tally in world
Russian factory and construction workers returned to work on Tuesday despite a new surge in coronavirus cases which gave Russia the second highest number of infections in the world after the United States.
Palestinian rock-thrower kills Israeli soldier in West Bank: military
A Palestinian rock-thrower killed an Israeli soldier in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday and police wounded a Palestinian who tried to stab security staff at a checkpoint, Israeli authorities said.
Polish opposition threatens to block plans for rescheduled election
Poland’s main opposition grouping threatened on Tuesday to block planning for a delayed presidential election, accusing the ruling coalition of rushing a voting plan through parliament for political gain.
Newborns among 13 dead in Kabul hospital attack; 24 killed in funeral bombing
Gunmen attacked a hospital in the Afghan capital, Kabul, on Tuesday where the international humanitarian organisation Doctors Without Borders runs a maternity clinic, killing 13 people, including two newborn babies, officials said.
Indonesia’s COVID-19 deaths top 1,000 as those under 45 urged to resume work
Indonesia’s death toll from the novel coronavirus passed the 1,000 mark on Tuesday, even as authorities signalled they were poised to ease some social restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of the virus in the Southeast Asian country.
Dubai turns world’s tallest building into coronavirus charity box
The world’s tallest building, Dubai’s 828-metre Burj Khalifa, has become a glowing charity donation box, raising money for food for United Arab Emirates residents suffering the economic impact of the new coronavirus pandemic.
French Health Minister says ‘no’ to Paris Mayor demand to re-open parks
French Health Minister Olivier Veran said on Tuesday that parks and gardens would remain closed in Paris and the greater Paris region to limit the risk of a second wave of coronavirus infections as France gradually eases a nationwide lockdown.
