Factbox: Global reaction to WHO coronavirus initiative
Global leaders joined the World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday to launch an initiative to accelerate work on drugs, tests and vaccines against COVID-19 and to share them around the world.
World must ensure equal access for all to COVID-19 vaccines, drugs: WHO
All new vaccines, diagnostics and treatments against the new coronavirus must be made equally available to everyone worldwide, the World Health Organization said on Friday as it outlined a plan to accelerate work to fight COVID-19.
Sweden to shut bars and restaurants that ignore coronavirus restrictions
Sweden warned on Friday it would shut restaurants and bars in the capital that did not comply with guidelines aimed at preventing the spread of the novel coronavirus, amid signs Stockholm residents were beginning to ignore the rules.
U.S. sending ventilators to Ecuador, Indonesia: Trump
The United States will send ventilators to Ecuador and Indonesia, President Donald Trump said on Twitter on Friday after he spoke to the leaders of both countries.
French public to get reusable textile masks for coronavirus protection
The French public will be provided millions of washable face masks from early May, the government said on Friday amid a row over its flip-flopping on the value of masks in protecting against coronavirus infection.
Britain set tight EU talks limit but is not moving: Barnier
Britain is failing to move in talks on its future relationship with the European Union despite setting a tight timetable, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator said on Friday.
World leaders launch WHO COVID-19 plan, but U.S. not involved
Global leaders joined the World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday to launch an initiative to accelerate work on drugs, tests and vaccines against COVID-19 and to share them around the world.
Mortality rates drop sharply in parts of India, bucking coronavirus trend
Parts of India have recorded dramatic falls in the number of deaths at a time when funeral parlours were bracing for a surge amid the coronavirus crisis.
Islam’s holiest sites emptied by coronavirus crisis as Ramadan begins
The holy month of Ramadan began on Friday with Islam’s holiest sites in Saudi Arabia and Jerusalem largely empty of worshippers as the coronavirus crisis forced authorities to impose unprecedented restrictions.
Lebanon advised to extend coronavirus lockdown to May 10
Lebanon’s government was advised to extend a coronavirus lockdown by two weeks until May 10 on Friday, but the country’s higher defence council said it should gradually restore certain parts of the economy in the coming weeks.
