Researchers identify two coronavirus strains as China cases dwindle
Scientists in China studying the outbreak of disease caused by the new coronavirus say they have found that two main strains of the virus are circulating in humans and causing infections.
Greek, Turkish police fire tear gas as migrant border crisis deepens
Greek and Turkish riot police deployed on their shared border fired tear gas on Wednesday as hundreds of migrants tried again to cross into Greece, amid an escalating war of words between Athens and Ankara about what was happening.
Italy readies draconian new measures to try to contain coronavirus
Italy prepared new emergency measures on Wednesday to try to slow the spread of coronavirus in Europe’s worst hit country, including the possible closure of all schools, universities, cinemas, theaters and most public events.
India lifts some internet restrictions in Kashmir, opening access to social media
India lifted some restrictions on internet access in Kashmir on Wednesday, including allowing access to social media websites for the first time since the restive Himalayan region was locked down and its autonomy revoked in August.
Hong Kong coronavirus patient’s dog could be first human-to-animal transmission: experts
Animal health experts said on Wednesday the quarantined dog of a coronavirus patient in Hong Kong could be the first case of human-to-animal transmission, although they cautioned the matter remained under investigation.
EU finds money to contain immigration, but at odds over Turkey
European Union countries offered more money on Wednesday to Greece for border policing and for humanitarian aid to Syria’s Idlib in an effort to avert a mass influx of migrants, but were at odds over what to do about Turkey.
Israeli chief rabbi curbs a Jewish tradition over coronavirus fears
Israel’s chief rabbi has advised Jews to forego the traditional touching of the “mezuzah”, a decorative case containing a small holy scroll that is attached to many doorposts in the country.
Traveler placed in coronavirus quarantine in Netherlands
A man traveling through Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport has been put in quarantine in a portable room on a fire department parking lot after testing positive for the new coronavirus, a local official said.
Ukraine parliament votes to accept prime minister’s resignation
Ukraine’s parliament voted on Wednesday to accept Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk’s resignation, as part of a sweeping government reshuffle.
On Irish tour, UK’s Prince William asks if coronavirus being ‘hyped up’
Britain’s Prince William asked emergency workers if they thought coronavirus was being hyped up by the media during his first official visit to Ireland.
