France reports new spike in coronavirus deaths, bringing total to almost 2,000
French health authorities reported 299 new deaths from coronavirus on Thursday, taking the total to 1,995, as the government has decided to extend by two weeks the national lockdown, now due to end on April 15 at the earliest.
Pope holds dramatic solitary service for relief from coronavirus
Pope Francis said the coronavirus had put everyone “in the same boat” as he held a dramatic, solitary prayer service in St. Peter’s Square on Friday, urging the world to see the crisis as a test of solidarity and a reminder of basic values.
Morocco to spend $200 million to brace health system for coronavirus
Morocco will spend an initial 2 billion dirhams ($200 million) to help its health system cope with the coronavirus outbreak, the finance ministry said on Friday as the number of confirmed cases in the country rose to 333.
Trump congratulates Netanyahu for moving towards forming government: Israeli PM tweet
U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday congratulated Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for moving towards forming a government, the Israeli premier said.
‘Cooking for heroes’: Michelin-starred restaurant helps Berlin medics fight coronavirus
A Michelin-starred restaurant in Berlin forced to close its doors by the coronavirus lockdown has turned its culinary skills to helping to feed doctors, nurses, policemen and firefighters who cannot work from home.
British ministers won’t be tested for virus unless they show symptoms – Gove
Boris Johnson’s top team of ministers won’t be tested for coronavirus unless they show symptoms, Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said on Friday, after the British Prime Minister and his health minister tested positive.
UK’s plan B if ‘Team Johnson’ is incapacitated? Answer is unclear
What would happen if British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s case of coronavirus – so far he has “mild symptoms” – were to become more serious or even incapacitate him and his team? Under Britain’s uncodified constitution, the answer is unclear.
Zimbabwe to impose 21-day nationwide lockdown from Monday
Zimbabwe will impose a nationwide lockdown for 21 days from Monday to help curb the spread of coronavirus, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said on Friday.
Italy tops 9,000 coronavirus deaths, overtakes China in cases
Italy’s recorded 919 deaths from coronavirus on Friday, the highest daily toll anywhere in the world, while the number of confirmed cases eclipsed the total in China where the virus first emerged.
Swiss tap pharmaceutical reserves as coronavirus deaths rise
Switzerland has begun tapping its strategic stockpile of pharmaceuticals to cover rising demand caused by the coronavirus epidemic, the government said on Friday amid a “vigorous” rise in the country’s death toll and number of infections.
