Brazil health secretary resigns in midst of coronavirus crisis
Brazil’s Health Ministry said on Wednesday that health secretary Wanderson de Oliveira has resigned, as tensions between Minister Henrique Mandetta and President Jair Bolsonaro over the handling of the coronavirus crisis escalate.
Russia’s Putin vows more support for smaller businesses after criticism
President Vladimir Putin promised extra funding to Russia’s regions on Wednesday and said small and medium-sized businesses would be eligible for direct state aid to help the economy cope during the coronavirus outbreak.
Merkel: Germany to extend social distancing rules until at least May 3
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Wednesday that social distancing rules to contain the spread of the coronavirus would remain in place until at least May 3 but some shops could reopen next week.
World Health Organization chief regrets U.S. decision to pull funding
The head of the World Health Organization said on Wednesday that he regretted President Trump’s decision to pull funding for the agency and called for world unity to fight the new coronavirus pandemic.
Trump’s halt to WHO funding prompts condemnation as coronavirus cases pass 2 million
U.S. President Donald Trump’s move to halt funding to the World Health Organization over its handling of the coronavirus pandemic prompted condemnation on Wednesday from world leaders as recorded global infections passed the 2 million mark.
Spain’s daily coronavirus deaths decline as testing increases
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Wednesday promised more coronavirus testing to try to build on a decline in daily COVID-19 deaths that has allowed Spain to start tentatively reopening its locked-down economy.
Bulgaria to start large-scale testing for coronavirus
Bulgaria will start large-scale testing for COVID-19 infections after securing sufficient test kits, easing a serious shortage, Health Minister Kiril Ananiev said on Wednesday.
Italy’s coronavirus death toll climbs by 578, new cases continue to slow
Deaths from the COVID-19 epidemic in Italy rose by 578 on Wednesday, down from 602 the day before, while the number of new cases slowed to 2,667 from a previous 2,972, continuing the recent downward trend.
Poland debates curbs to abortion rights, coronavirus limits protests
Polish lawmakers are to debate a proposal to tighten already restrictive abortion rules on Wednesday, while rights activists protested on social media as coronavirus limits public gatherings.
Trump’s halt to WHO funding prompts condemnation as coronavirus cases near 2 million
U.S. President Donald Trump’s move to halt funding to the World Health Organization over its handling of the coronavirus pandemic prompted condemnation on Wednesday from world leaders as recorded global infections approached the 2 million mark.
