China says within its rights to bar U.S. reporters from Hong Kong
China defended its decision on Wednesday to expel American journalists from three U.S. newspapers and bar them even from working in Hong Kong, saying the measure falls within the central government’s purview over diplomatic affairs.
Poland to receive protective gear, tests from China to fight coronavirus
Poland will receive more than 10,000 test kits and tens of thousands of other protective items such as masks, goggles and shoe covers from China to help tackle the coronavirus outbreak, Poland’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement late on Wednesday.
Some U.S. embassies suspend routine visa services over coronavirus: U.S. Embassy in Seoul
A number of U.S. embassies around the world will suspend routine visa services due to coronavirus precautions, the U.S. Embassy in South Korea said on Wednesday.
Blockaded Gaza looks wryly on as world isolates itself
A sly dig at the international community, this is just one among a torrent of social media posts that has emerged from the blockaded Gaza Strip in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Panic buying forces British supermarkets to impose limits
Panic buying by British shoppers escalated on Wednesday with shelves stripped bare by alarmed customers hoarding for the coronavirus isolation, prompting Tesco and Sainsbury’s to restrict purchases.
French health minister: could hope for slowdown in coronavirus infections in 8-12 days
France could hope to start seeing a slowdown of coronavirus infections in about eight to 12 days following the government’s decision to lock down the country, health minister Olivier Veran said on Wednesday.
Japan testing for coronavirus at fraction of capacity
Japan is only using a sixth of its capacity to test for the coronavirus even as it is increasing its ability to do so, government data shows, adding to concern it is understating its outbreak and not doing enough to contain it.
South Korea to boost dollar supply to ease economic pressures
South Korea said on Wednesday it would inject more dollars into its banking system to ensure businesses have enough funding, amid concerns about the deepening global economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Pakistan urges calm as coronavirus cases surge, Sri Lanka stops flights
Pakistan’s prime minister called for calm after its tally of coronavirus cases rose to 256 while Sri Lanka sealed itself off and declared a partial curfew on Wednesday as South Asian countries tried to stem the epidemic.
Taiwan to ban entry for many foreigners in coronavirus fight
Taiwan will ban entry for many foreigners as part of coronavirus prevention measures, excluding resident permit holders, diplomats and migrant workers, the government said on Wednesday, as it battles a rise in imported cases.
