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.
Putin to speak on Russia’s coronavirus situation later on Tuesday
The Kremlin said President Vladimir Putin would give a speech about the coronavirus situation in the country later on Tuesday.
Lockdown honeymoon for Russian-Brazilian couple – and Cherry the dog
When Brazilian IT worker Helios and Russian saleswoman Luiza tied the knot in St Petersburg in mid-March, their plan was to emigrate to Texas, where he was due to start a new job in May.
Surf’s up: Australia’s Bondi partly reopens as coronavirus curbs eased
On a cool but sunny autumn morning, dozens of surfers lined up in anticipation and, as the metal barricades were moved aside, raced down the beach for their first authorised encounter in weeks with Australia’s most famous shoreline.
Chinese seen staying close to home for first major holiday since coronavirus
China’s tourists are set to stick close to home and take advantage of discounts as they take time off for the first major holiday since the easing of coronavirus lockdowns, offering a glimpse of what travel may look like after the epidemic.
Indonesia reports 415 new coronavirus cases, eight deaths
Indonesia confirmed on Tuesday 415 new coronavirus infections, taking the total in the Southeast Asian country to 9,511.
