Syria bans most domestic travel in coronavirus lockdown
Syria said on Friday it was banning travel between cities and governorates as part of tightening measures to curb the spread of coronavirus, state-run Ikhbariya TV reported, citing the interior minister.
Turkey adopts ‘voluntary’ stay-at-home quarantine
President Tayyip Erdogan called on Friday for a “voluntary quarantine” in which Turks stay at home except for shopping or basic needs to stem a surge of coronavirus cases, which jumped by a third in a day to 5,698 with 92 dead.
Russia calls U.S. sanctions on Venezuela a ‘tool of genocide’ amid epidemic
Russia said on Friday U.S. “narco-terrorism” charges against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro were absurd, adding that sanctions on Caracas could become “a tool of genocide” amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Chinese arrivals to U.S. plummet in February as coronavirus forces travel curbs
The number of travelers flying from China to the United States fell 84.1% in February from a year earlier, according to data from an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, as travel curbs were imposed to limit the spread of the coronavirus pandemic…
South Africa struggles with lockdown as records first coronavirus death
Bustling streets and long queues at supermarkets highlighted South Africa’s struggle to adapt to a new lockdown on Friday, as the country recorded its first coronavirus death.
Four passengers die on cruise ship with coronavirus outbreak off Panama
Four passengers have died on board the MS Zaandam, a cruise ship currently off the coast of Panama with over 130 guests suffering from influenza-like symptoms, at least two of whom have coronavirus, the vessel’s operator said on Friday.
Guinea referendum backs constitutional changes that may extend president’s rule
Guinea has voted overwhelmingly for a change in the constitution, according to provisional results of a referendum, an outcome which the opposition fears will allow President Alpha Conde to govern for 12 more years.
Belgium extends coronavirus lockdown period until April 19
Belgium has extended a lockdown aimed at containing the coronavirus outbreak by two weeks until April 19 and will crack down harder on those who flout social distancing rules, Prime Minister Sophie Wilmes announced on Friday.
Turkey’s Erdogan calls for ‘voluntary quarantine’ against coronavirus
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan called on more than 80 million citizens to implement a “voluntary quarantine” and not to leave their homes unless for basic and emergency needs, as the country’s death toll from coronavirus reached 92 on Friday.
Iran urges U.S. to free Iranian prisoners amid coronavirus
The Tehran government urged the United States on Friday to release Iranians held in U.S. jails on sanctions-related issues due to fears about the coronavirus epidemic.
