Japan promises swift coronavirus payouts, starting in May
Japan hopes to start distributing coronavirus relief payments next month, it said on Friday, after extending a state of emergency nationwide in the face of criticism that its response to the crisis had been slow and inefficient.
Iran parades medical gear, not missiles, for Army Day amid outbreak
Iran on Friday paraded disinfection vehicles, mobile hospitals and other medical equipment as it marked its national Army Day, to underscore the military’s role in battling the coronavirus pandemic which has hit the country hard.
China’s Wuhan raises coronavirus death toll by 50% citing early lapses
The Chinese city of Wuhan raised its death toll from the novel coronavirus by 50% on Friday, bringing its total to 3,869, amid doubts about the accuracy of China’s data on the disease as global cases mount.
Israel mass-produces reusable masks, sized to fit kids or beards
Israel is heading off shortages of disposable surgical masks during the coronavirus crisis by mass-producing washable versions sized to fit everyone from children to bearded men who shun shaving due to their religion.
‘Absolute legend’ British veteran raises $22 million by walking for the health service
A 99-year-old British war veteran who has raised more than $22.3 million for the health service by walking laps of his garden was praised by Queen Elizabeth’s grandson as an “absolute legend”.
China says there has never been a cover-up on coronavirus outbreak
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said on Friday there has never been a cover-up of the coronavirus outbreak in China and the government does not allow any cover-ups.
Iran says ‘illegal’ U.S. presence in Gulf causes insecurity: IRNA
Iran’s defense minister on Friday dismissed U.S. reports of harassment by Iranian vessels as “baseless” and said the “illegal and aggressive” American presence in the Gulf was causing insecurity in the region.
Australians urged to adopt phone tracking app in coronavirus fight
Australians were strongly urged to sign up for a controversial mobile phone app that will track their movements as officials warned on Friday that public life could be constrained for another year because of the coronavirus pandemic.
‘Absolute legend,’ Prince William says of British fundraising veteran
Britain’s Prince William described as an “absolute legend” the 99-year-old war veteran who has raised more than 17 million pounds for the health service by walking laps of his garden.
London mayor calls for compulsory face masks on transport
London Mayor Sadiq Khan called on the British government on Friday to make face masks compulsory for people traveling around the capital or shopping.
