Australia tightens social distancing rules to combat coronavirus
Australia stepped up enforcement of social distancing rules on Saturday to contain community transmission of the novel coronavirus, implementing fines, closing beaches and threatening stricter measures if people defy pleas to stay at home.
Alleged Maduro accomplice surrenders to US agents, will help prosecution: sources
U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency agents on Friday remanded in custody retired Venezuelan general Cliver Alcala, three people familiar with the matter said, after he agreed to work with prosecutors who charged him, President Nicolas Maduro and other top off…
Tokyo restricts movement to combat virus, some folk carry on as usual
People in greater Tokyo and the Osaka area in western Japan hunkered down on Saturday as officials urged citizens to stay indoors to prevent a potential emergency, but some were carrying on as normal.
Chile government negotiates bill-paying delay for poor as coronavirus bites
Chilean President Sebastian Pinera announced on Friday that low-income families will be able to delay household debt payments without the fear of having utilities cut off in a bid to mitigate the economic pain caused by the spread of coronavirus.
Haiti hospital chief kidnapped amid coronavirus emergency
The director of one of Haiti’s top hospitals was kidnapped on Friday, prompting staff to refuse to take in new patients in protest as the impoverished country battles an outbreak of the novel coronavirus amid a spike in gang violence.
‘Help us’: After deaths on coronavirus-hit ship, guests clamor to leave
Four passengers have died on a cruise ship off the Pacific coast of Panama and more than 130 others aboard are suffering from influenza-like symptoms, at least two of whom have the coronavirus, the vessel’s operator said on Friday.
Brazil’s Bolsonaro questions coronavirus deaths, says ‘sorry, some will die’
Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro on Friday cast doubt on Sao Paulo’s death toll from the coronavirus outbreak and accused the state governor of manipulating the numbers for political ends, without giving evidence for his claims.
Brunei reports first coronavirus death
Brunei reported its first coronavirus death on Saturday, that of a 64-year-old man.
Mexico registers 717 coronavirus cases, and 12 total deaths
Mexico’s health ministry on Friday said it had registered 717 cases of coronavirus in the country, up from 585 the day before.
China reports no local virus transmissions as foreigners barred
China on Saturday reported no locally transmitted coronavirus infections for the previous day and a small reduction in new cases involving travellers from overseas, as new restrictions on the entry of foreigners kicked in.
