Bolsonaro fires health minister, calls to reopen economy
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro fired his health minister on Thursday after clashing with him over how to fight the new coronavirus, and again called for states to end stay-at-home orders that he said were hurting the economy.
Bulgarian capital Sofia sealed off to contain spread of coronavirus
The Bulgarian capital Sofia will be sealed off from Friday to contain the spread of the new coronavirus after the number of confirmed cases jumped in the past two days, the health minister said.
Merkel’s conservatives make big poll gains in midst of coronavirus crisis
German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s conservative bloc has won support during the coronavirus crisis, hitting its highest level in nearly three years, a poll showed on Thursday.
Poor residents of Colombia’s capital protest lack of aid during quarantine
Residents in poor parts of Bogota, the Colombian capital, blocked roads on Thursday to demand authorities make good on promises of aid so they can survive a national quarantine designed to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Slovenia to ease coronavirus lockdown from Monday
Slovenia will from Monday ease restrictions that have been imposed since the middle of March to contain the spread of the new coronavirus, the government said late on Thursday.
Chile’s coronavirus restrictions clean up the air around Santiago, study says
Air pollution in Chile’s capital Santiago, a sprawling metropolis and industrial hub of 6 million, has plunged in the past month by as much as a third as large swaths of the city have been shuttered to combat coronavirus, according to a report released…
Albania to impose 2-8 year jail terms on coronavirus quarantine rule-breakers
Albania amended its penal code on Thursday to punish anyone breaking coronavirus quarantine and self-isolation rules and infecting others with up to eight years in jail as it slowly prepares to restart sections of its economy.
Poland reopens green spaces but unclear on election amid epidemic
Poles will have to cover their noses and mouths in public until a coronavirus vaccine is found, the health minister said on Thursday, as the government eased a few of the restrictions that have brought daily life to a virtual standstill.
With focus on election, Poland puts off abortion decision
Polish lawmakers voted on Thursday to kick a citizens’ bill proposing a toughening of Poland’s already tight rules on abortion down the road by sending it to a parliamentary commission for study.
Georgia bans private traffic until April 21, tightening coronavirus lockdown
Georgia has banned the movement of all private vehicles from Friday until April 21, tightening a state of emergency in an effort to prevent spread of the coronavirus, the government said on Thursday.
