Indonesia reports most coronavirus cases in Southeast Asia
Indonesia reported on Friday 407 new coronavirus cases, taking the total number to 5,923 and surpassing the Philippines as the country with the highest number of infections in Southeast Asia.
Beware the boar: wild pigs patrol Israeli city under coronavirus closure
While coronavirus closures are coaxing wildlife into the abandoned streets of many a metropolis, in one Israeli city the four-legged interlopers are assertive and, well, quite boorish.
Spain’s death rate rises, government seeking to harmonise data
Spain’s overnight death toll from coronavirus was 585 on Friday, a rise from 551 the previous night but far off early April peaks as the country starts to loosen the terms of its lockdown.
Under fire, French navy defends handling of aircraft carrier virus outbreak
The French military has defended its handling of the spread of the coronavirus aboard its flagship aircraft carrier, after more than a third of sailors tested positive for the disease.
Japan promises swift coronavirus payouts, starting in May
Japan hopes to start distributing coronavirus relief payments next month, it said on Friday, after extending a state of emergency nationwide in the face of criticism that its response to the crisis had been slow and inefficient.
Iran parades medical gear, not missiles, for Army Day amid outbreak
Iran on Friday paraded disinfection vehicles, mobile hospitals and other medical equipment as it marked its national Army Day, to underscore the military’s role in battling the coronavirus pandemic which has hit the country hard.
China’s Wuhan raises coronavirus death toll by 50% citing early lapses
The Chinese city of Wuhan raised its death toll from the novel coronavirus by 50% on Friday, bringing its total to 3,869, amid doubts about the accuracy of China’s data on the disease as global cases mount.
Israel mass-produces reusable masks, sized to fit kids or beards
Israel is heading off shortages of disposable surgical masks during the coronavirus crisis by mass-producing washable versions sized to fit everyone from children to bearded men who shun shaving due to their religion.
‘Absolute legend’ British veteran raises $22 million by walking for the health service
A 99-year-old British war veteran who has raised more than $22.3 million for the health service by walking laps of his garden was praised by Queen Elizabeth’s grandson as an “absolute legend”.
China says there has never been a cover-up on coronavirus outbreak
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said on Friday there has never been a cover-up of the coronavirus outbreak in China and the government does not allow any cover-ups.
