Canada unveils C$27 billion aid package to offset coronavirus outbreak
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday said his government would provide C$27 billion ($18.6 billion) in support directly to families and businesses struggling because of the coronavirus outbreak, and stands ready to do more.
Greece bans gatherings of 10 people and more, effective Thursday
Greece will ban public gatherings of 10 people and more from Thursday in an attempt to prevent the spread of coronavirus, its crisis management minister said.
Army steps in to help hospitals in east France fight coronavirus
France’s army transferred six patients in critical condition due to coronavirus to a military facility on Wednesday as it sought to ease the strain on hospitals in the east of the country that are struggling to cope with the spiralling number of cases….
Weakened by war and hunger, Yemen braces for coronavirus
Hunched over sewing machines in a long abandoned factory in Yemen’s capital Sanaa, 20 women stitch face masks as a country ravaged by war, hunger and disease prepares for the arrival of a new epidemic.
Kabul, Taliban should begin prisoner releases as soon as possible – U.S. envoy
U.S. Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad said on Wednesday the coronavirus pandemic adds urgency to prisoner releases agreed by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani’s government and the Taliban and that they should begin “as soon as possible.”
Norway’s government seeks extra powers to deal with coronavirus
Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg said on Wednesday her government would propose emergency legislation granting it the right to make decisions without consulting parliament to deal with the coronavirus.
Uncounted among coronavirus victims, deaths sweep through Italy’s nursing homes
As the official death toll from Italy’s coronavirus outbreak passes 2,500, a silent surge in fatalities in nursing homes, where dozens of patients a day are dying untested for the virus, suggests the real total may be higher.
Israel steps up testing as coronavirus detections rise
Confirmed coronavirus cases in Israel have jumped by 40% to 427 in the past 24 hours, the Health Ministry said on Wednesday, predicting a steeper rise as mass testing is implemented.
Germany clears way for export of protective equipment to Italy
Germany’s Economy Ministry said on Wednesday that export licenses for the export of protective equipment to Italy, Switzerland and Austria had been issued, including for 400,000 protective masks to go to Italy.
‘Wonderchicken’ fossil from Belgium reveals dawn of modern birds
A fossil unearthed in Belgium dubbed the “Wonderchicken” is providing a rare glimpse into the early evolution of modern birds at the twilight of the age of dinosaurs, right before an asteroid impact altered the course of life on Earth.
