Army steps in to help hospitals in east France fight coronavirus
France’s army transferred six patients in critical condition due to coronavirus to a military facility on Wednesday as it sought to ease the strain on hospitals in the east of the country that are struggling to cope with the spiralling number of cases….
Weakened by war and hunger, Yemen braces for coronavirus
Hunched over sewing machines in a long abandoned factory in Yemen’s capital Sanaa, 20 women stitch face masks as a country ravaged by war, hunger and disease prepares for the arrival of a new epidemic.
Kabul, Taliban should begin prisoner releases as soon as possible – U.S. envoy
U.S. Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad said on Wednesday the coronavirus pandemic adds urgency to prisoner releases agreed by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani’s government and the Taliban and that they should begin “as soon as possible.”
Norway’s government seeks extra powers to deal with coronavirus
Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg said on Wednesday her government would propose emergency legislation granting it the right to make decisions without consulting parliament to deal with the coronavirus.
Uncounted among coronavirus victims, deaths sweep through Italy’s nursing homes
As the official death toll from Italy’s coronavirus outbreak passes 2,500, a silent surge in fatalities in nursing homes, where dozens of patients a day are dying untested for the virus, suggests the real total may be higher.
Israel steps up testing as coronavirus detections rise
Confirmed coronavirus cases in Israel have jumped by 40% to 427 in the past 24 hours, the Health Ministry said on Wednesday, predicting a steeper rise as mass testing is implemented.
Germany clears way for export of protective equipment to Italy
Germany’s Economy Ministry said on Wednesday that export licenses for the export of protective equipment to Italy, Switzerland and Austria had been issued, including for 400,000 protective masks to go to Italy.
‘Wonderchicken’ fossil from Belgium reveals dawn of modern birds
A fossil unearthed in Belgium dubbed the “Wonderchicken” is providing a rare glimpse into the early evolution of modern birds at the twilight of the age of dinosaurs, right before an asteroid impact altered the course of life on Earth.
Virus-spooked Russians hoard trusty staple that is cheap and filling: buckwheat
Russians spooked by the coronavirus epidemic have started hoarding a trusty national staple that has helped them get through multiple crises in their troubled history: buckwheat.
‘Mind the gap’: Russia tells cafes to ensure customers don’t sit too close over virus fears
Russia has told restaurants and bars to make sure customers are seated at least one metre apart, the latest step to try to halt the spread of coronavirus. But some establishments are choosing to temporarily close instead, forcing staff to stay at home….
