Hello, social distancing. Goodbye, handshakes?
It started centuries ago as a symbol of peace, a gesture to prove you weren’t holding a weapon, and over time it became part of almost every social, religious, professional, business and sporting exchange.
Exclusive: North Korea economic delegation to visit Beijing for food, trade talks – sources
A North Korean economic delegation is due to arrive in Beijing this week to discuss food supplies and trade issues as the coronavirus pandemic has severely disrupted the country’s food supply, two people with direct knowledge of the situation told Reut…
Spain’s COVID daily death toll drops, cabinet debates lockdown easing
Spain’s daily death toll from the coronavirus fell to 301 on Tuesday, far below record highs of three times as much in early April, which should allow the government to set a framework for regions to start phasing out one of Europe’s toughest lockdowns…
Turkey flies medical aid to coronavirus-stricken U.S.
A Turkish military plane carrying medical supplies and protective equipment was heading for the United States on Tuesday to deliver aid to its NATO ally battling the coronavirus outbreak.
Trouble in paradise: Spanish holiday island reels from coronavirus
On the tourism-dependent Spanish island of Mallorca, a total shutdown of hotels due to the coronavirus outbreak has destroyed livelihoods across the sector, from reception staff to farmers who provide food for restaurants.
Australia asks China to explain ‘economic coercion’ threat in coronavirus row
Australia has asked the Chinese ambassador to explain his “threats of economic coercion” in response to Canberra’s push for an international inquiry into the source and spread of the coronavirus.
UK on track to become one of Europe’s worst hit in COVID-19 pandemic
Britain is on track to become one of Europe’s worst-hit countries in the coronavirus pandemic, according to data on Tuesday that showed deaths from COVID-19 had already topped 20,000 by April 17, including a fast-rising toll in care homes.
Kremlin: Russia still in contact with Libya participants, wants diplomatic communication
The Kremlin said on Tuesday Russia was still in contact with both warring sides in the conflict in Libya, adding that it believes the only route to peace is through political and diplomatic communication between all parties.
Faulty masks for pregnant women are latest problem for Japan’s government
Some 300,000 coronavirus masks sent to pregnant women in Japan as part of a government handout have been found to be faulty, media reported on Tuesday, the latest in a string of complaints about how the government has dealt with the epidemic.
Hungary to ease lockdown restrictions, Magyar Nemzet says
Hungary’s government plans to ease the lockdown that has kept the country’s businesses shut and residents mostly at home since mid-March, according to the pro-government newspaper Magyar Nemzet, which published the outlines of the plans on Tuesday.
