Zimbabwe locks down to fight coronavirus amid economic crisis
Zimbabwe began a 21-day nationwide lockdown on Monday, following South Africa in implementing some of the world’s toughest anti-coronavirus measures likely to hurt an economy already suffering hyperinflation and food shortages.
Cabin crew swap aircraft aisles for hospitals in UK’s coronavirus fight
Britain’s temporary hospitals are seeking volunteers from airlines, calling on cabin crew members who are currently grounded to use their first-aid skills and calm manner to help get the new Nightingale hospitals up and running.
Hard times shape speedy Saudi and Kuwaiti coronavirus response
The world’s last major coronavirus outbreak, in 2012, began in Saudi Arabia, where a faltering response allowed the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) to kill several hundred people and spread across the region.
Poland expects sharp rise in coronavirus cases
Poland expects rapid growth in coronavirus infections, Health Minister Lukasz Szumowski said on Monday, as the country braces for new restrictions aimed at curbing the pandemic.
Ukraine parliament at odds over bills needed to secure $8 billion IMF package
Ukrainian lawmakers on Monday failed at their first attempt to approve an emergency budget, appoint a finance minister or pass reform bills needed to unlock an $8 billion loan package from the International Monetary Fund.
Ukrainian MPs approve banking law needed for IMF loans at first reading
Ukraine’s parliament on Monday approved at the first reading a banking law needed to qualify for new loans from the International Monetary Fund.
Glezos, Greek who tore swastika from Acropolis in WW2, dies aged 97
Manolis Glezos, a prominent Greek whose act of defiance against Nazi occupation during World War Two was a rallying cry for the country’s resistance movement, died on Monday, authorities said. He was 97.
Some ultra-Orthodox Israelis chafe at coronavirus restrictions
Israeli police have used a drone, helicopter and stun grenades in recent days to prevent people gathering in an ultra-Orthodox Jewish neighborhood of Jerusalem in defiance of Health Ministry measures aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus.
Ukraine parliament approves new finance, health ministers at special session
Ukraine’s parliament on Monday approved the appointment of a new finance minister and health minister.
Saudi king offers to pay for coronavirus patients’ treatment
Saudi Arabia will finance treatment for anyone infected with the coronavirus in the country, the health minister said on Monday, while the agriculture ministry took steps to boost wheat and livestock supplies amid global fears of a food shortage.
