South Africa’s Ramaphosa dismisses call to lift ban on alcohol during lockdown
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday refused to lift a ban on alcohol during a nationwide lockdown set to last until the end of April, brushing off a threat of court action from an industry body.
Back to the future? Dutch revive 1960s ventilator for coronavirus fight
Dutch scientists have pulled a British-made East Radcliff ventilator built in the 1960s from the shelves of a science museum to use as a template for cheap and easy-to-build ventilators in the fight against coronavirus.
Less money but more attention for the homeless of Paris during lockdown
Homeless people in Paris are increasingly relying on charities for food, clothing and daily necessities as the city’s empty streets during the coronavirus lockdown have meant less alms for those in need.
Russia’s Lavrov, U.S. Pompeo discuss oil markets, coronavirus: statement
Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo agreed on a call on Friday to continue coordinating efforts to overcome the crisis in oil markets and the challenges posed by the new coronavirus, a statement said.
Reopening wet food markets must conform to strict standards: WHO
Any “wet markets” that are allowed to reopen after coronavirus lockdowns must conform to stringent food and hygiene standards, World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a briefing on Friday.
UK tells doctors to treat COVID-19 patients without full-length gowns due to shortage: report
British healthcare staff have been advised to treat COVID-19 patients without full-length protective gowns due to shortages of equipment, the Guardian newspaper reported on Friday.
‘It’s a financial choice’ – Romanian farm workers head west despite coronavirus
Carmen Mocanu, a 51-year-old labourer, has spent most springs for 15 years picking fruit and vegetables on a German farm.
Michelin-starred UK chef sends ready meals to health workers
Michelin-starred British celebrity chef Tom Kerridge is doing his bit to help overworked doctors, nurses and other frontline workers get through the coronavirus emergency by churning out 1,000 ready meals per day.
Rwanda uses drones to help catch lockdown transgressors
Tech-savvy Rwanda is using drones to keep residents of the capital Kigali informed of coronavirus lockdown measures – and help catch those who abuse them.
Polish health minister says postal vote only option for two years
Poland’s health minister said on Friday that elections scheduled for May 10 could go ahead safely despite the coronavirus pandemic if they were done by postal vote.
