Czech government speeds up reopening shops as new cases slow
The Czech Republic is speeding up plans to ease its coronavirus lockdown by two weeks to get all shops, restaurants and hotels operating again by May 25 as the number of infections stabilises, the industry minister said on Thursday.
Czech government seeks state of emergency extension until May 25: CTK news agency
The Czech government will ask the lower house of parliament to extend state of emergency until May 25 to help fight the new coronavirus epidemic, news agency CTK said on Thursday.
South Africa to begin phased easing of lockdown on May 1
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Thursday the government will allow a partial reopening of the economy on May 1, with travel restrictions eased and some industries allowed to operate under a five-level risk system.
Russia’s lockdown surveillance measures need regulating, rights groups say
Expanding surveillance measures to police Russia’s coronavirus lockdown, including the use of facial recognition technology and collection of personal data, need regulating to ensure they are temporary and proportionate, two rights groups said on Thurs…
French coronavirus death toll close to 22,000: ministry
The number of people who have died from coronavirus infection in France rose by 516 to 21,856 on Thursday, the health ministry said in a statement.
UK to expand coronavirus testing to cover all key workers
Britain’s health minister Matt Hancock promised on Thursday to expand coronavirus testing to all those considered key workers after the government faced criticism for failing to roll out mass checks.
Dubai opens restaurants and cafes, resumes public transportation
Dubai on Thursday allowed cafes and restaurants to resume business, and shopping malls to be opened partially from 12 p.m until 10 p.m, but with a maximum capacity of 30%, Dubai’s media office announced in a statement.
Your COVID-19 healthcare questions, answered
Several months into the coronavirus pandemic, information about COVID-19 continues to change rapidly and many questions about the virus remain unanswered.
Doctors launch legal challenge to UK government over protective kit
Two British doctors who have been exposed to COVID-19 patients have launched a legal challenge against the government over what they say is a lack of protective kit and unclear guidance on when and how it should be used.
Canada boosts coronavirus vaccine research, Saskatchewan plans gradual reopening
Canada pledged new money on Thursday to develop and eventually mass-produce vaccines in its fight against the coronavirus, while the province of Saskatchewan unveiled a plan to restart its economy and the renowned Calgary Stampede was canceled.
