Vietnam introduces ‘fake news’ fines for coronavirus misinformation
A new decree took effect in Vietnam on Wednesday introducing fines for the dissemination of ‘fake news’ or rumours on social media, amid the rapid spread of comment online about the novel coronavirus in the Southeast Asian country.
Trump cuts WHO funding over coronavirus, global death toll mounts
U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday halted funding to the World Health Organization over its handling of the coronavirus pandemic, drawing condemnation from infectious disease experts as the global death toll continued to mount.
France’s Macron says he hopes to secure Putin backing for UN truce plea
French President Emmanuel Macron said he has secured the agreement of three of the five permanent members of the United Nations’ Security Council to back a call by the UN for a global ceasefire so the world can focus on the coronavirus epidemic.
China says virus outbreak will not impact nuclear power plant construction
The coronavirus outbreak will have no impact on the progress of nuclear power plant construction in China in the short term, and reactors already in operation have not been affected, a nuclear safety official said on Wednesday.
Australia warns children could be silent victims of coronavirus crisis
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison warned on Wednesday the nation’s children could become the silent victims of the coronavirus pandemic, as officials investigate new nursing home cluster.
Factbox: Reaction to Trump withdrawing WHO funding
U.S. President Donald Trump has instructed his administration to temporarily halt funding to the World Health Organization (WHO) over its handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
Top China official to Hong Kong says city’s national security shortcomings need to be fixed
The top Chinese official in Hong Kong said efforts must be made as soon as possible to address the shortcomings in the island’s legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security.
Hong Kong barristers call on Beijing to ‘exercise restraint’ in comments
The Hong Kong Bar Association on Tuesday called on Beijing to “exercise restraint” in its comments regarding affairs in the Chinese-ruled city, warning that its views could be perceived as interference in the global financial hub.
Japan urges citizens to limit movements to curb virus spread
Japan’s citizens should do everything in their power to limit interactions with others by 70% to curb the spread of the coronavirus, government spokesman Yoshihide Suga said on Wednesday.
Citing a technicality, Australian court quashes search warrant on journalist
Australia’s High Court ruled on Wednesday that a warrant used by police to search a journalist’s home was invalid but declined to order seized material destroyed, a setback for investigators that received qualified praise from press freedom advocates.
