Testing times for India in race to head off coronavirus epidemic
India, like a lot of countries plunged into crisis by the pandemic, is struggling to ramp up testing for the coronavirus, but in few places would the odds of containing the disease appear so bleak should domestic transmission start to multiply.
Thailand extends ban on incoming passenger flights
Thailand has extended a ban on all passenger flights from landing in the country to curb the outbreak of the new coronavirus, the country’s aviation agency said on Monday.
On an empty Via Dolorosa before Easter, praying for the world’s sick
Brown-robed Franciscans stride through a shuttered and deserted Jerusalem to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the global focus of the most important festival in the Christian calendar – but in a city bereft of Easter pilgrims.
China sees rise in asymptomatic coronavirus cases, to tighten controls at land borders
Mainland China reported 39 new coronavirus cases as of Sunday, up from 30 a day earlier, and the number of asymptomatic cases also surged as the government vowed tighter controls at land borders.
Ivory Coast police clash with protesters over coronavirus test centre
Ivory Coast police on Monday clashed with protesters who had begun dismantling a half-built coronavirus testing centre, afraid that people using the facility would spread the epidemic through their district.
Venezuela elderly feel ‘sentenced to euthanasia’ under coronavirus quarantine
Venezuelan retirees Carlos Blanco, 81, and Olga Rodriguez, 78, have for more than a year been unable to purchase the diabetes medication they need, as the country’s hyperinflation has left their monthly pensions insufficient to buy even a loaf of bread…
Polish lawmakers reject presidential election plan, coronavirus deaths rise
Polish lawmakers on Monday rejected a proposal from the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party to hold a presidential election on May 10 by postal ballot, increasing uncertainty that the vote can take place at all while the coronavirus pandemic persists.
Rockets land near oil district in southern Iraq; no casualties
Rockets landed near a district in Iraq that houses workers for foreign oil companies on Monday, including U.S. oil service company Halliburton, but caused no damage or casualties, oil and police sources said.
Boris Johnson in hospital with persistent COVID-19 symptoms but still working
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was in hospital undergoing tests on Monday after suffering persistent coronavirus symptoms for more than 10 days, but the government said he was in good spirits and still in charge.
ILO annual gathering of labour ministers postponed for a year
An annual gathering of the world’s labour ministers will not take place this year because of the coronavirus pandemic, but will convene in June 2021, the International Labour Organization (ILO) said on Monday.
