South Korea reports jump in coronavirus cases
South Korea reported a jump in new coronavirus cases on Wednesday as authorities tested hundreds of staff at a call center where the disease appeared this week, reversing 11 days of slowing infections, health officials said.
Italian coronavirus deaths jump 36% to 631
The death toll from an outbreak of coronavirus in Italy has jumped by 168 to 631, an increase of 36%, the Civil Protection Agency said on Tuesday, the largest rise in absolute numbers since the contagion came to light on Feb. 21.
China’s new coronavirus cases rise on infections from abroad
China reported an uptick in new confirmed cases of coronavirus infections, reversing four straight days of fewer new cases, driven by infected individuals arriving from abroad.
Jamaica confirms first imported case of coronavirus
Jamaica’s ministry of health and wellness confirmed on Tuesday the island nation’s first imported case of the coronavirus, in its capital city of Kingston.
Afghan government to release Taliban prisoners as U.N. backs push to end war
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani is preparing to release 1,500 Taliban prisoners in coming days, according to a decree viewed by Reuters on Tuesday, as the United Nations backed a U.S.-led push to end Afghanistan’s 18-year war.
Australian court hears final appeal by ex-Vatican treasurer Pell
Lawyers for George Pell began a final bid on Wednesday to overturn the former Vatican treasurer’s conviction for sexually abusing two choirboys, arguing in Australia’s highest court that he could not have committed the offences.
Exclusive: Afghan government to release 1,500 Taliban prisoners from jails – decree
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani is set to release 1,500 Taliban prisoners in coming days to pave the way for direct talks with the insurgent group aimed at ending the 18-year-long war in Afghanistan, according to a copy of the decree seen by Reuters.
UK health minister Dorries diagnosed with coronavirus
British junior health minister Nadine Dorries has tested positive for coronavirus and is self-isolating, she said on Tuesday.
Venezuelan police halt protest march led by opposition leader with teargas
Venezuelan security forces used teargas on Tuesday to stop protesters led by U.S.-backed opposition leader Juan Guaido from marching on the national legislature, which pro-government lawmakers seized control of in January.
Brazil’s Azul cuts flights to Portugal, Florida due to coronavirus: CEO
Brazil’s third-largest carrier Azul Linhas Aereas Brasileiras SA will reduce the number of its flights to Portugal and to Florida due to the risks of the coronavirus outbreak, its chief executive officer John Rodgerson said on Tuesday.
