Global sports events hit by coronavirus pandemic
Major sports events around the world that have been hit by the coronavirus outbreak:
Retired surgeon suspected of abusing up to 349 children stands trial in France
A retired surgeon suspected of raping or sexually abusing as many as 349 children over nearly three decades went on trial behind closed doors in France on Friday in what could be the country’s biggest-ever pedophilia scandal.
Exclusive – ‘How much?’: Venezuela opposition received bribe offers to give up congress
In January, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro claimed a major victory: congress lawmakers elected his favored candidate as National Assembly leader, putting the increasingly authoritarian nation’s last independent institution within his grasp.
Bulgaria declares state of emergency over coronavirus
The Bulgarian parliament voted unanimously on Friday to declare a state of emergency until April 13 to contain the spread of coronavirus after the number of confirmed cases in the country more than tripled to 23.
Iran security forces to empty city streets to fight coronavirus – IRNA
Iran’s security forces will empty the streets of its cities in the next 24 hours in a drive to fight the spread of the new coronavirus, state news agency IRNA reported on Friday.
Madrid region orders shutdown of bars, shops except supermarkets, chemists: reports
All restaurants, bars and shops in Madrid will need to close over the coronavirus epidemic, with only supermarkets and pharmacies allowed to remain open, Spanish media said on Friday.
Indonesia’s confirmed coronavirus cases more than double to 69
Indonesia on Friday reported 35 new coronavirus cases, including two toddlers, bringing its total to 69, as a rights group urged authorities to be more transparent about the spread of the virus in the world’s fourth most-populous nation.
North Korea had military forces on lockdown for 30 days over coronavirus – U.S. general
North Korea had its military forces on lockdown for about 30 days and in one instance did not fly a plane for 24 days, even though it has not confirmed any cases of coronavirus, the head of U.S. forces in South Korea said on Friday.
Bulgaria bans travel to Iran, raises risk on travels to 11 countries
Bulgaria’s foreign ministry on Friday banned all travel to Iran and advised Bulgarians to cancel all non-urgent travel to Spain and South Korea in a bid to curb the spread of coronavirus.
More airlines could collapse if coronavirus crisis lasts 2-3 months – IATA chief
If the coronavirus crisis lasts another two or three months, it could force carriers to collapse and spark more consolidation in the beleaguered airline industry, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) chief told Reuters on Friday.
