Hong Kong court rules that blanket ban on masks is unconstitutional
Hong Kong’s Court of Appeal on Thursday ruled that a blanket government ban on face masks was unconstitutional, at a time when most Hong Kong people are wearing them in the hope of warding off the new coronavirus.
Turkish legislation banning layoffs to go to parliament next week: sources
The Turkish government plans to send legislation to parliament early next week temporarily banning layoffs to reduce an expected jump in unemployment due to the spread of coronavirus, two senior officials told Reuters on Thursday.
Saudi-led ceasefire in Yemen begins, raising hopes for peace
A nationwide ceasefire in response to the global coronavirus outbreak went into effect in Yemen on Thursday, stirring hope for an end to the five-year-old war that has pushed millions to the brink of famine.
What you need to know about the coronavirus right now
Here’s what you need to know about the coronavirus right now:
Under-used Swiss hospitals hint at hidden toll of coronavirus
Swiss emergency rooms and hospitals are quieter than usual despite an influx of COVID-19 patients, a worrying sign that some doctors say could mean more people are dying at home from other ailments.
Italy may relax some coronavirus measures by end of April: Conte
Italy may start gradually lifting some restrictions in place to contain the new coronavirus by the end of April, provided the spread of the disease continues to slow, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte told the BBC on Thursday.
African leaders rally around WHO head after Trump criticism
African leaders have rallied around the Ethiopian head of the World Health Organization (WHO) after U.S. President Donald Trump criticised the United Nations agency and threatened to withhold his country’s contribution to its budget.
Spain sees coronavirus torment easing, seeks new economic ‘pact’
Spain is close to the beginning of a decline in the coronavirus epidemic, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Thursday, urging all political parties to join a pact for national economic revival after the health crisis.
Spain’s daily coronavirus deaths decrease as toll surpasses 15,000
Spain’s number of daily coronavirus deaths slowed on Thursday after two days of increases as 683 people succumbed in 24 hours, taking the total to 15,238, the health ministry said.
ASEAN ministers to hold special video meeting on coronavirus next Tuesday
Southeast Asian ministers will hold a special video conference on April 14 to discuss how to combat the coronavirus pandemic, Vietnam’s foreign ministry said on Thursday.
