Pass the salt: The minute details that helped Germany build virus defences
One January lunchtime in a car parts company, a worker turned to a colleague and asked to borrow the salt.
Iraq names its third prime minister in 10 weeks
Iraq’s president named intelligence chief Mustafa al-Kadhimi as prime minister-designate on Thursday, the third person tapped to lead the country in just 10 weeks as it struggles to replace a government that fell last year after months of deadly protes…
Turkish prosecutor appeals acquittal verdict in landmark protests trial
A Turkish prosecutor appealed the acquittal of philanthropist Osman Kavala and eight others over their alleged role in the 2013 Gezi Park protests, calling for convictions as charged, a document obtained by Reuters showed on Thursday.
In overcrowded cells, Bahrain’s political prisoners fear coronavirus threat
When jailed Bahraini activist Abdullah Habeeb Swar developed a bad cough that lasted several days, his 14 cell mates feared he might have contracted the coronavirus and would spread it through their overcrowded wing.
Germany: Gradual return to normality possible if infection trend continues
German Health Minister Jens Spahn told newspaper Handelsblatt that the coronavirus infection numbers in Germany were showing a “positive trend” and if that continued, it would be possible to talk about a gradual return to normality after the Easter bre…
PM Johnson ‘getting better’ in intensive care
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was getting better on Thursday in intensive care where he is battling COVID-19 as his government extended its bank overdraft facility and reviewed the most stringent shutdown in peacetime history.
Hong Kong court rules that blanket ban on masks is unconstitutional
Hong Kong’s Court of Appeal on Thursday ruled that a blanket government ban on face masks was unconstitutional, at a time when most Hong Kong people are wearing them in the hope of warding off the new coronavirus.
Turkish legislation banning layoffs to go to parliament next week: sources
The Turkish government plans to send legislation to parliament early next week temporarily banning layoffs to reduce an expected jump in unemployment due to the spread of coronavirus, two senior officials told Reuters on Thursday.
Saudi-led ceasefire in Yemen begins, raising hopes for peace
A nationwide ceasefire in response to the global coronavirus outbreak went into effect in Yemen on Thursday, stirring hope for an end to the five-year-old war that has pushed millions to the brink of famine.
What you need to know about the coronavirus right now
Here’s what you need to know about the coronavirus right now:
