Iraq suspends flights to and from Baghdad airport over coronavirus fears
Iraq has suspended all flights to and from Baghdad airport as of March 17 until March 24, the government said in a statement on Sunday, in order to contain the spread of coronavirus.
Worries grow over northern hospitals as Italy’s coronavirus toll grows
Italian authorities voiced growing concern on Sunday over how much longer strained health systems could cope with the coronavirus outbreak, as thousands of new cases were recorded over the past 24 hours and several hundred more people died.
Italy coronavirus deaths rise 25% to 1,809
Italy recorded 368 new deaths from the COVID-19 outbreak on Sunday as the total rose to 1,809 from 1,441 a day earlier, the country’s civil protection authority said on Sunday.
Last orders… Ireland closes all pubs on eve of St Patrick’s Day
Ireland on Sunday said all bars in the country should close until at least the end of the month to curb the spread of coronavirus after videos of groups singing in packed Dublin venues sparked anger on social media.
Israel’s president to ask Netanyahu rival Benny Gantz to form government
Opposition leader Benny Gantz will be asked to form a new government, Israel’s president said on Sunday, boosting his chances of ousting veteran Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Colombia will block entry by all non-residents from Monday to stop coronavirus
Colombia will restrict entry by all passengers who are not residents or citizens from Monday in a bid to control the outbreak of coronavirus, President Ivan Duque said on Sunday.
Saudi Arabia restricts movement as Gulf states report new coronavirus cases
Saudi Arabia closed malls, restaurants, cafes and public parks on Sunday and other Gulf Arab states expanded measures to contain the coronavirus as infections spread across the region.
France ready to take further steps against coronavirus if necessary, minister says
France will not hesitate to take further steps to protect its citizens from the spread of the coronavirus, Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said on Sunday.
Iraqi government imposes curfew in Baghdad over coronavirus concerns
The Iraqi government has imposed a curfew in the capital Baghdad as of March 17 until March 24 to prevent coronavirus from spreading, the state news agency said on Sunday.
Pope in dramatic visit to empty Rome to pray for end of virus
Pope Francis ventured into a deserted Rome on Sunday to pray at two shrines for the end of the coronavirus pandemic, as the Vatican said his Easter services will be held without the public for the first time.
