Israelis mark Passover, a celebration of freedom, in virtual isolation
The Jewish Passover holiday typically draws crowds of Israelis outside to burn heaps of leavened bread, commemorating the Biblical exodus from slavery in Egypt.
Obesity is major COVID-19 risk factor, says French chief epidemiologist
Being overweight is a major risk for people infected with the new coronavirus and the United States is particularly vulnerable because of high obesity levels there, France’s chief epidemiologist said on Wednesday.
Hong Kong unveils $17.7 billion in relief measures to help cushion impact of coronavirus
Hong Kong announced relief measures totalling HK$137.5 billion ($17.7 billion) on Wednesday as it joins global efforts to offset the impact of coronavirus, which has taken a heavy toll on the city, in particular its tourism and retail sectors.
Bridge on Genoa to Florence road collapses, two vehicles involved
A bridge on a normally busy road in northern Italy collapsed on Wednesday but only two drivers were caught up in the chaos, the fire brigade said, as the coronavirus lockdown has largely halted traffic.
South African minister disciplined for ‘lockdown lunch’
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa put the communications minister on “special leave” for two months on Wednesday and docked a month of her pay for breaking the rules of a countrywide lockdown by having lunch with a former official.
Fire under control at building site of Berlin palace
Firefighters in Berlin on Wednesday quickly brought under control a blaze at a royal palace being rebuilt at great expense in the centre of the capital.
WHO denies being ‘China-centric’ after Trump comment
World Health Organization officials on Wednesday denied that the body was “China-centric” and said that the acute phase of a pandemic was not the time to cut funding, after U.S. President Donald Trump said he would put contributions on hold.
East Timor PM withdraws resignation to tackle coronavirus
The prime minister of East Timor withdrew his resignation on Wednesday, saying he would stay in power to oversee the battle against the coronavirus pandemic as the government approved a $250-million fund to fight it.
Donations pour in but India’s ‘PM CARES’ coronavirus fund faces criticism
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is facing criticism for creating a new coronavirus relief fund when about $500 million was lying unspent in an older fund, even as top businesses and celebrities pledge millions of dollars in new donations.
France working on ‘StopCovid’ contact-tracing app, ministers say
The French government is working on a smartphone app that could warn users if they came into contact with a coronavirus carrier, ministers said on Wednesday, in a move likely to raise questions about the impact of tracing technology on civil liberties….
