Kenya rolls out testing in Nairobi slums, but some fear stigma
Kenya is rolling out voluntary public testing for the novel coronavirus in its biggest slum, where some residents say being declared virus-free boosts their chances of getting a job.
With black masks and silence, Spain mourns its coronavirus dead
Grieving Spaniards wore black and fell silent across the nation at midday on Wednesday at the start of 10 days of mourning for more than 27,000 dead from the coronavirus crisis.
France bans hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19 amid safety concerns
The French government on Wednesday cancelled a decree allowing hospital doctors to administer hydroxychloroquine as a treatment to patients suffering severe forms of COVID-19, the illness caused by the new coronavirus.
China to increase international flights if virus under control: regulator
China’s aviation authority will consider increasing international flights as long as imported coronavirus risks are under control, state media China News reported on Wednesday, citing the agency’s deputy director, Li Jian.
Hong Kong police arrest 300 as thousands protest over security laws
Police in Hong Kong fired pepper pellets and made 300 arrests as thousands of people took to the streets on Wednesday to voice anger over national security legislation proposed by China, that has raised international alarm over freedoms in the city.
Border closures, pre-travel tests of little use against COVID-19 spread: EU agency
Border closures do little to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the European Union’s public health agency said, as EU states weigh lifting some travel restrictions imposed at the start of the coronavirus pandemic in Europe.
Oman to end lockdown of Muscat governorate on May 29
Oman will on Friday end a lockdown of its Muscat governorate – which includes the capital – that has been in place since April 10 as the sultanate eases its coronavirus containment measures, the state news agency reported on Wednesday.
Poland’s PM is confident presidential vote will be held in June
Poland’s presidential election will be held in June, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said on Wednesday, amid speculation that a spat over legislation on the way the vote will be conducted may push the ballot date back well beyond next month.
Greece to welcome Germans, Cypriots, Israelis in first wave of visitors
Greece will allow travellers from around two dozen countries including Germany, Cyprus and Israel to visit from mid-June without having to be quarantined, government officials said, part of a gradual easing of coronavirus lockdown restrictions.
Russia has not sent military personnel to Libya: Ifax cites Russian lawmaker
Russia has not sent military personnel to Libya and the Russian upper house of parliament has not received a request to approve such a dispatch, Interfax on Wednesday cited Vladimir Dzhabarov, first deputy head of the upper house’s international affair…
