Governments ramp up preparations for coronavirus pandemic
Governments ramped up measures on Thursday to battle a looming global pandemic of the coronavirus as the number of new infections outside China for the first time surpassed new cases in the country where the outbreak began.
Explainer: New battle between old Malaysian rivals Mahathir and Anwar
The political chaos Mahathir Mohamad, 94, plunged Malaysia into this week by resigning as prime minister has turned into a new showdown between him and his old rival Anwar Ibrahim, 72.
Syrian Observatory: government forces in full control of southern Idlib
Russian-backed Syrian government forces have seized full control of southern Idlib province after fresh advances against rebels, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported on Thursday.
Turkey-backed rebels regain key Syrian town of Saraqeb – opposition
Syrian rebels backed by the Turkish military have recaptured the strategic town of Saraqeb, the first significant reverse for the Syrian army in a Russian-backed offensive that had made swift gains, the rebels said on Thursday.
Denmark confirms first coronavirus case in man returning from holiday in Italy
Denmark has confirmed its first coronavirus infection in a man who recently returned from a ski holiday in the Lombardy region in northern Italy, the Danish Health Authority said on Thursday.
Coronavirus pandemic likely, Australia’s prime minister says
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Thursday there was every sign the world is about to be gripped by a pandemic of coronavirus, as Canberra kicked off emergency measures to restrain the spread of the disease.
Five people killed in building fire in northeast France
Five people died on Thursday after a fire broke out in a building in Strasbourg in northeastern France, local firefighters said.
Estonia says it has first confirmed coronavirus case – TASS
Estonia has confirmed its first coronavirus case in a man who returned from Iran, Russian news agencies TASS and Interfax reported on Thursday, citing Estonian health authorities.
China asks low-risk coronavirus areas to resume visa, passport services
Regions in China at low risk for the coronavirus should resume visa and passport services for both Chinese and foreign travelers to help the nation get back to work, immigration authorities said on Thursday.
El Salvador approves law to prosecute civil war crimes, president to veto
El Salvador’s Congress on Wednesday narrowly approved a controversial law intended to allow the prosecution of crimes committed during the country’s bloody civil war, although President Nayib Bukele said he would veto it.
