South Africa’s Ramaphosa pledges COVID-19 rescue package worth 10% of GDP
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a 500 billion rand ($26.3 billion) rescue package on Tuesday, equivalent to 10% of the GDP of Africa’s most industrialized nation, to try to cushion the economic blow of the coronavirus pandemic.
Trump immigration order to last 30-90 days, apply to permanent immigrants, official says
President Donald Trump’s new executive order banning immigration to the United States will apply narrowly to those seeking permanent immigration status, a senior administration official said on Tuesday.
Victim toll in Canada’s worst mass shooting rises to 23
The victim toll from the worst mass shooting in Canadian history has risen to 23 from previously reported 19, federal police said in a statement on Tuesday.
Trump draft order requires more from tech workers on H-1B visas: Bloomberg
President Donald Trump would require technology workers in the United States on H-1B visas to provide updated certifications that they are not displacing American workers, according to a draft executive order, Bloomberg News reported on Tuesday.
Spain to let children take walks as coronavirus spread slows
Spain will allow children to go outside for walks from next weekend in a loosening of the country’s strict coronavirus lockdown, Health Minister Salvador Illa said late on Tuesday, amid mounting criticism that the government’s restrictions unfairly pen…
Reaction speed issue dogs UK government as senior official backtracks
The top official in Britain’s foreign ministry said on Tuesday he had been mistaken when he told a committee of lawmakers the government had made a political decision not to participate in a European scheme to buy ventilators to fight the coronavirus.
EU climate chief sees green strings for car scrappage schemes
The European Union’s chief climate official said on Tuesday there could be green conditions attached to any car scrappage schemes set up by the bloc to revive vehicle demand following the coronavirus pandemic.
Iran, Russia should increase cooperation against coronavirus, continue trade: Rouhani
Iran and Russia should increase their cooperation in the fight against the new coronavirus outbreak and continue to trade with each other, President Hassan Rouhani told Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, the Iranian presidency website said.
Factbox: Latest on the spread of the coronavirus around the world
Reported cases of the coronavirus have crossed 2.5 million globally and 172,927 people have died, according to a Reuters tally as of 1600 GMT on Tuesday.
Companies give Yemen tens of thousands of coronavirus test kits to ease shortage
A group of multinational companies said on Wednesday it was donating tens of thousands of coronavirus testing kits and medical equipment to Yemen, where a five-year war has destroyed the health system and left millions vulnerable to disease.
