Putin offers week-long holiday for Russians in social package to combat coronavirus
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday proposed various unconventional emergency social measures to support families and businesses amid the global coronavirus outbreak, such as a week-long holiday for workers and higher taxes on dividends.
Sudan frees thousands of prisoners as coronavirus precaution
Sudan released 4,217 prisoners on Wednesday as a precaution against the spread of coronavirus, state news agency SUNA said, citing a health ministry official who said those freed had been tested for possible infections.
Delivery drivers face pandemic without sick pay, insurance, sanitizer
On his delivery route through Orange County, California, Joseph Alvarado made 153 stops one day last week for Amazon.com Inc , touching the inside and outside of his van, more than 225 packages, and dozens of customers’ doors and gates.
Senate convenes for vote on unprecedented $2 trillion coronavirus aid package
U.S. senators will vote on Wednesday on a $2 trillion bipartisan package of legislation to alleviate the devastating economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic, hoping it will become law quickly.
UK’s Johnson wishes Prince Charles speedy coronavirus recovery
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has wished Prince Charles a speedy recovery following news that the 71-year-old heir to the British throne has contracted coronavirus, Johnson’s official spokesman said on Wednesday.
U.S. companies, labs rush to produce blood test for coronavirus immunity
As the United States works overtime to screen thousands for the novel coronavirus, a new blood test offers the chance to find out who may have immunity – a potential game changer in the battle to contain infections and get the economy back on track.
Bulgaria lifts ban on entry of trucks en route to Turkey
Bulgaria on Wednesday lifted an entry ban on trucks from more than 65 countries, including many in the European Union, passing through the Balkan state en route to Turkey just few hours after imposing it, officials said.
German cathedral dusts off relics of St Corona, patron of epidemics
Germany’s Aachen Cathedral has dug out the relics of little-known Saint Corona, patron saint of resisting epidemics, from its treasure chamber and is polishing up her elaborate shrine to go on show once the coronavirus pandemic has passed.
Boko Haram militants kill nearly 100 Chadian soldiers in attack
Boko Haram militants killed nearly 100 Chadian soldiers and wounded dozens more in what President Idriss Deby described as the deadliest attack ever on the country’s military.
Pompeo says his visit to Afghanistan was ‘very frustrating’
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday he was frustrated after a daylong visit to Afghanistan this week in which he failed to mediate an end to a leadership feud between President Ashraf Ghani and political rival Abdullah Abdullah.
