Italy may be on wrong path in fighting coronavirus contagion: scientist
Italy’s measures to halt coronavirus contagion do not seem to be working and it should change its strategy by setting up centers to separate people with suspected symptoms from their families, a prominent Italian scientist said on Monday.
Egypt’s Sisi directs authorities to boost strategic reserves: spokesman
Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has directed authorities to provide staple goods and boost strategic reserves, a presidency spokesman told state television on Monday.
Van Gogh painting stolen from Dutch museum during coronavirus shutdown
Thieves stole a painting by Dutch master Vincent van Gogh overnight from the Netherlands’ Singer Laren Museum, currently closed to the public because of the coronavirus, its director said on Monday.
Georgia PM declares curfew to halt coronavirus spread
Georgia will impose an overnight curfew, close its public transport, including metro system, and ban gatherings of more than three people from March 31 to try to prevent the spread of coronavirus, Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia said on Monday.
Poland to consider postponing election based on data in early April
Poland will make further recommendations on whether or not to hold presidential elections based on data to be made available in early April, Health Minister Lukasz Szumowski said on Monday
Putin says Russia’s coronavirus measures prevented explosive growth of cases
President Vladimir Putin said on Monday decisive measures by Russia had helped win it time in its battle to contain the coronavirus and to prevent an explosive growth in cases, but that it was vital authorities now used that time effectively.
Ukraine parliament at odds over bills needed to secure $8 bln IMF package
Ukrainian lawmakers on Monday failed at their first attempt to approve an emergency budget, appoint a finance minister or pass reform bills needed to unlock an $8 billion loan package from the International Monetary Fund.
Bolsonaro aims to expedite cash payments to poorer Brazilians
Brazil’s government will expedite cash payments of 600 reais ($117) to poorer citizens struggling during the coronavirus outbreak, once the Senate passes a bill that cleared the lower house, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said on Monday.
Tokyo governor calls for fewer outings, says state of coronavirus emergency up to PM
Tokyo’s governor on Monday called on residents to avoid outings in the evenings and at weekends as the coronavirus crisis deepened, but said it was up to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to declare a state of emergency to tackle it.
Hungarian parliament grants PM Orban special powers to tackle coronavirus crisis
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban secured extra powers to fight the coronavirus with an open-ended mandate on Monday after parliament passed a law submitted by his government with a strong majority of the ruling Fidesz party.
