Swiss government allows regional economic shutdowns to curb coronavirus spread
Switzerland’s federal government has given regional authorities the authority to shut down or restrict sectors of the economy temporarily if needed to fight the spread of the coronavirus, it said on Friday.
Russia confirms coronavirus case in Putin’s administration, tightens curbs
The Kremlin confirmed a coronavirus case in President Vladimir Putin’s administration on Friday and the government said measures imposed in Moscow to fight the virus should be extended across Russia.
Dutch coronavirus cases rise by 16%, 112 new deaths: health authorities
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the Netherlands rose by 1,172, or 16%, to 8,603, health authorities said on Friday, with 112 new deaths.
China gives chilly response to request for U.S. journalists to remain in country
China hit out at what it called “biased” reporting on Friday in a frosty response to a request by three major U.S. newspapers to reverse the expulsion of several of their China-based journalists.
Thailand closes more public facilities as coronavirus cases top 1,100
The Thai government on Friday ordered the closing down of more public facilities and businesses in a bid to curb the spread of coronavirus, and extended existing closures until the end of April.
German baker cleans up with toilet roll cakes
A German baker has drummed up some much-needed demand during the coronavirus crisis by making cakes in the shape of toilet rolls.
Sweden bans public gatherings of more than 50 people: PM
The Swedish government said on Friday it had decided to ban all public gatherings of more than 50 people to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Israel’s Gantz angers supporters with move toward unity government
Israel appeared headed on Friday for a unity government after opposition leader Benny Gantz moved toward an agreement with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, disappointing voters who had hoped to bring down the right-wing premier.
UK working quickly as it can on ventilators after missing EU scheme – PM’s spokesman
Britain is working as quickly as it can to get ventilators, a spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Friday, after London was criticised for not taking part in an EU scheme to try to buy the breathing machines in the coronavirus outbreak.
South Africa struggles to adapt to lockdown after first coronavirus deaths
South Africans struggled to adapt to new confinement rules on Friday, with many city streets no less crowded than normal as a strict lockdown regime took effect and the country recorded its first coronavirus deaths.
