‘Shoot them dead’ – Philippine leader says won’t tolerate lockdown violators
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has warned violators of coronavirus lockdown measures they could be shot for causing trouble and said abuse of medical workers was a serious crime that would not be tolerated.
On brink of coronavirus crisis, Japan PM offers masks, gets social media roasting
Facing calls to declare a coronavirus state of emergency, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was flamed on social media on Thursday for instead offering people free cloth masks, pointing to growing frustration for some over his handling of the crisis.
Australian court to rule on ex-Vatican treasurer’s sex offences appeal on April 7
Ex-Vatican treasurer George Pell will learn on April 7 whether he can walk free from jail, when Australia’s highest court hands down its judgment on his appeal against historical child sex offences.
Israel’s health minister diagnosed with coronavirus
Israel’s health minister and his wife were diagnosed with coronavirus and are in isolation following guidelines, the health ministry said on Thursday.
South Korea’s coronavirus crackdown a boon for Moon ahead of polls
South Korea’s fierce battle against the coronavirus has turned the pandemic into an unlikely boon for President Moon Jae-in and his ruling party as campaign season kicks off on Thursday ahead of parliamentary elections on April 15.
Mexico president urges firms to pay workers, avoid usury in coronavirus crisis
Mexico’s president on Wednesday turned up the heat on companies during the coronavirus crisis, saying they should keep paying workers or face public scorn, even as criticism of his economic management grows among business and opposition leaders.
Migrant dies in riot in Mexican detention center amid coronavirus fears
A Guatemalan migrant died and 14 others were taken to hospital after a riot broke out in a detention center in southern Mexico, authorities said on Wednesday, as tensions rise in such facilities due to the spread of the coronavirus.
South Korea to allow absentee voting for coronavirus patients in parliamentary elections
South Korea will allow coronavirus patients to vote by mail or as an absentee in this month’s parliamentary elections, as campaigning started on Thursday and the country grappled with a steady rise in new infections.
China and Australia target Pacific with coronavirus aid
Beijing has ramped up its diplomatic push into the Pacific, pledging coronavirus aid and medical advice, although its efforts are being impeded as islands close borders to stop the spread of the disease from hotspots including China.
Australia starts putting time limits on ‘draconian’ virus measures
Australian authorities on Thursday began putting time limits on the use of police to enforce restrictions on personal movement intended to slow the spread of the coronavirus, as standoffs continued with cruise ships denied entry to ports.
